SATURDAY 9TH AND SUNDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2006

‘CHASE THE ACE’ ON THE TRACK AT THE NEW LONDON MOTORSPORT SHOW

Motorsport enthusiasts will have the chance to put their driving skills to the test as they ‘chase the ace’ on the indoor kart track at the London Motorsport Show, held on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th December at London’s ExCeL. Incorporating the London Kart Show, visitors can take to the track and try to beat the lap time set by former World and British Champions, racing on the Kartex track in Sodi Kart GT270 cc Honda karts. Kartex is a brand new circuit at Finmere airfield, Buckingham which opens in January 2007. To ensure that everyone get a fair crack at the champions, the range from heavy to cadets and include Martin Pearce, the Chicago 2006 Rock Island Grand Prix winner. Martin has appeared on the rostrum at many high-profile races coming third in both the 2006 European and 2005 World Rotax Championships and British Champion in 2001.

Visitors aged 15 years and over can go on the track. Those under 15 that hold a current racing license will also be allowed to have a go providing they bring their license with them. The cost of a track session will be £10 for ten minutes. Don’t worry if you forget your helmet as there will be some available to borrow for when you are on the track.

Past and present racing champions from all disciplines of motorsport will be on hand to offer racing advice including Formula One Pundit Tony Jardine, World Champion Kart drivers Martin Hines and Super ICC British Champion Dean Stoneman. Other well known drivers attending include former British kart champion Bob Phair, international motor sports commentator Ken Walker, and World touring car driver Rob Huff.

The London Motorsport and Kart Show celebrates all disciplines of motorsport from the popular kart racing where most drivers start their racing careers, rally driving, saloons and single seater racers. The show is aimed at those teams and individuals who already compete in motorsport as well as those who have an interest at grass roots level and want to know how they start racing competitively.

Exhibitors including race series organisers, circuits, racing teams, engine and chassis manufacturers will preview their latest developments for the 2007 season, with many launching new racing opportunities and looking for up and coming drivers. Maranello Kart UK, launched at the London Kart Show in 2005, will showcase the new look RS7 and Maranello UK racing team which will be at the MSA Super One and Rotax meetings. Maranello is currently looking for drivers interested in being part of this exciting and vibrant new team.

Those who have an interest in rally driving will also have the opportunity to challenge the clock with a rally circuit outside of the halls provided by BR Racing. The track, situated by the east entrance, will provide hot rides in the unique Ford Rallye Sport Trainer (RST) with a rally driver providing the ride. The RST forms the grass root entry level for youngsters from the age of ten to enjoy Rallying at both Silverstone and Donnington.

New rallying and racing championships announced include MotorSport Vision’s official launch of the 2007 Formula Palmer Audi championship and the 2007 T Cars championship. Formula Palmer Audi (FPA) will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2007 and will renew its focus on attracting and honing the skills of aspiring young drivers. The championship, which will concentrate on the best circuits in the UK, is the most cost effective route towards F1.

FPA founder and MotorSport Vision Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer said: “2007 is the tenth season of FPA and I believe the time is right for FPA to again focus on providing the best opportunity for aspiring young drivers to develop their skills and prove their abilities in identical equipment. With 20 races over eight weekends at eight UK circuits we’re providing lots of mileage, lots of races and the opportunity to learn the major UK circuits; exactly what young drivers need – at a sensationally low cost.”

Also introduced is the 2007 Rallycross Open Series, which replaces the Rallycross Super Series. Taking place over five rounds at Croft Circuit, Blyton and Lydden Hill, the series will be run for Division 1, Super National with an 800kg weight limit, and Evo Challenge cars. Each of the five events will also incorporate rounds of the 2007 MDA Rallycross Championship. The MDA will run additional events at Blyton Circuit to include a minimum eight round Championship for Stock Hatch 2000, Stock Hatch, Minicross, Juniors and Revival classes.

There will also be free workshops offering mechanical advice, racing tips, media awareness and much more from racing professionals and organisations such as the Motor Sports Association and the Association of British Kart Clubs. For further information visit londonmotorsport.co.uk or londonkartshow.co.uk. To book tickets, call the booking line on tel: 01444 246 456.