DPHS Super Green unleash pace and consistency to clinch hard-fought 2014 BSKC crownCome rain or shine, 29 teams deliver a series of thrilling wheel-to-wheel races at Whilton MillEssex-based trio see off four former champions to seal the spoils

DPHS Super Green have been crowned 2014 British Schools Karting Champions following a pulsating National Final at Whilton Mill.More than 350 three-strong teams – constituting over 1,000 budding Lewis Hamiltons and Jenson Buttons aged between 13 and 18 – entered this year’s hotly-contested BSKC challenge.A knockout-style series of local and regional heats reduced those teams to just 29, leaving the fastest young hotshots in the country to travel to demanding Northants circuit Whilton Mill to do battle for the coveted BSKC trophy behind the wheel of the track’s fleet of new Sodi arrive-and-drive karts.The heavens opened at the start of the day, meaning the first five races took place on a wet track – adding another dimension to what was already an enthralling showdown.The circuit dried out again in time for the last three races, and a series of exhilarating wheel-to-wheel duels yielded victories for Winterbourne International Academy (twice), Warden Park Academy A, King Alfred’s Academy A, TBSHS A, Heart Of England School (twice), Debenham High School A, DPHS Super Green and Caterham A.Ultimately, it was the sheer consistency displayed by DPHS Super Green – composed of 16-year-olds Ben Green and Oliver Longshaw and 15-year-old Jaiden Fenton, all from Debden Park High School in Essex – that won the day. Four top three finishes proved sufficient to see off closest rivals BUMPS A (Bransholme Urban Motor Project, Hull) and Bristol-based Winterbourne International Academy.Defending BSKC Champions Heart Of England School wound up just shy of the overall rostrum in fourth, with fellow former title-winners Hutchesons’ A placing ninth, Altrincham Boys Grammar A 14th and Caterham A 16th.Debden Park High School made their BSKC debut in 2013 under the ‘DPHS supported by Sytners Mini’ banner. Twelve months on, DPHS Super Green’s path to the National Final came courtesy of triumphs at Brentwood Karting Raceway and Buckmore Park.The champions’ prize is a money-can’t-buy trip to the state-of-the-art McLaren Technology Centre for the team and team captain (teacher/parent). Jaiden Fenton hailed an ‘unbelievable’ result that had left the whole team and its throngs of trackside supporters feeling ‘extremely proud’.“It’s been a fantastic day and we’re all very proud to have won,” echoed team-mate Ben Green. “It’s been a very tough competition, and we received great support from Super Green Racing – they really helped us to improve as the contest progressed.”“What a superb day’s racing to conclude the eighth edition of the BSKC,” enthused Mark Turner, manager of the popular and successful British Automobile Racing Club-run championship. “This National Final was the culmination of several months of spectacular on-track action – to say nothing of a great deal of dedication and commitment from all of the competing teams.“DPHS Super Green were deserving winners, demonstrating their out-and-out raw pace when they were able and playing it more conservatively when the need arose – it was a mature performance well beyond their years. Their visit to the McLaren Technology Centre is just reward for an excellent achievement.”