Jack Barlow Wins British Kart Grand Prix
press release
In front of a huge crowd and visiting personnel from McLaren, Jack Barlow won one of British karting’s most important events last Sunday (7 August), Kartmasters – the British Grand Prix of karting.
The PFi circuit at Brandon in Lincolnshire is regarded as Britain’s finest and invariably produces nailbiting racing due to its opening sequence of a sweeping bend, two fast straights intersected by tight hairpin corners, followed by a chicane. During the formative moments of a race, a driver can use these areas of the track to their advantage - or be punished by them. Last year, Jack crashed out of the pre-final in spectacular fashion, but returned to last weekend’s event in dominant fashion.
Above: Jack Barlow with his GP plate
pic - Chris Walker, Kartpix
He qualified on the front row of Saturday’s two preliminary heats, and despite being squeezed out at the starts and losing places as the drivers on the inside line took advantage, the Strawberry Racing star fought back to win both races and seal pole position for Sunday’s first final.
In a close race with Japan’s former World Finals Champion Ukyo Sasahara and Welshman James Singleton, Barlow emerged on top after staying cool and calm to outfox his rivals and take the win.
This gave him a second successive pole position - and the chance of adding the 2011 Junior Max title to his the Mini Max crown he won in 2009. With everything still to play for, Jack knew he needed a perfect start, and duly got it.
“It’s important to try and break the chasing drivers’ tow (due to the slipstreaming effect down the first straight before having to brake hard for the first hairpin) and I was able to do that. I’d got a few yards on the pack and from there was able to edge away,” explained Jack.
He was also assisted by Sasahara appearing to go high, wide and handsome round the outside in the opening corner, before spinning and sending karts in all directions as they tried to avoid collecting him.
As the race progressed Barlow’s tyres came up to their optimum temperature and he began to assert his dominance over his rivals. A series of quick laps saw him pull clear of his pursuers. Knowing that he could not afford to let up one iota, he pressed on, whilst trying not to be too hard on his equipment.
“I was hoping the axle wouldn’t snap on the rumble strips. During the last few laps I kept it neat and tidy and off the high kerbs.”
Approaching the chequered flag, Jack pointed into the grandstand at the cheering Strawberry Racing mechanics and management, acknowledging their hard work and support, and crossed the finishing line well clear of the next driver.
Speaking of his historic victory he said, “Its massive really, isn’t it? To win in one class is one thing, but to move up and win in another is brilliant. Last year was a disaster, so to bounce back in style is fantastic.” He added, “My thanks go to my mechanic Andy Horne, Warwick Ringham and Paul Spencer at Strawberry Racing,
Arai, Superdry, Freeminds racewear, Key Motor Finance and Rollersigns.”
