Mini Max star moves into Formula Kart Stars title lead with strong showing in Wales
Jack Barlow is definitely ‘one to watch’ after his performance at the third round of the Formula Kart Stars (FKS) Championship at the challenging Glan Y Gors circuit in North Wales last Sunday (17 May).
The Bernie Ecclestone and Lewis Hamilton-backed series is set to enjoy coverage on Sky, and Jack attracted the attention of the TV cameras following a superb performance - that even he was surprised by.
“I’m over the moon. I never expected to do so well. I did a club race here a few weeks ago, just to learn the circuit, and I struggled against the local drivers and some of my FKS rivals. I finished fifth then, and to be honest I was expecting a similar result when I returned.”
His initial suspicions were borne out during Timed Qualifying, when he posted the fifth fastest time.
As the twenty four kart field plunged into the first corner at the start of the Pre Final, the Wavertree Motorsport driver emerged in fourth place. Wasting little time he slotted into third and second position in quick succession. A bold move demoted him to third on the last lap, but Jack remained pleased to have scored more vital Championship points.
It also inspired him to go one better in the Grand Final.
“I started in third, but again made up a place at the first corner. From there I worked my way into the lead and got my nut down. I managed to open a gap and led for the next five laps, but I didn’t have the speed that the eventual winner did. I looked over my shoulder and could see him chasing me down.”
Rather than risk a crash battling to protect his advantage, Jack maturely decided to settle for second place and more valuable Championship points.
As he rolled back into the pits, he was immediately approached by the camera crew.
“I got quite a lot of attention from the TV people. Straight after the races they wanted to interview me and had already put a camera on my kart to film the action. There was a funny moment earlier in the day when the interviewer asked me how I coped in the wet conditions, and just as I was about to answer, the heavens opened and it absolutely bucketed down - I responded by instantly climbing into my wet suit!”
Jack’s next race is the Brazilian Cup – an annual race held to help raise funds for a small charity fighting child poverty in Brazil – held at Whilton Mill, in Northamptonshire on 31 May.
