on Millennium debutDean Panrucker’s partnership with his new KF1 signing, Luke Wright delivered instant success taking a double podium at Rowrah, last Sunday (7 June).
Having opted to complete the 2009 season with Panrucker’s Millennium Motorsport team only days before, Wright had little time to adjust to his new surrounding before Saturday’s timed qualifying session.
The Dorset driver was eleventh fastest and admitted making mistakes, although expressing delight with pace of the unfamiliar GFR-tuned TM engine on his Tony Kart chassis. Luke said, “I didn’t qualify particularly well, but I was over the moon with the new engine and chassis combination.”
His steady, if unspectacular form continued in the heats, with a brace of ninth place finishes, giving Wright P6 on the grid for the first final.
An alliance of set-up changes, Dean’s coaching skills and Luke’s growing confidence saw the Millennium driver make his way through the quality-packed field to take third at the chequered flag.
In the grand final, he initially slotted into second but dropped to third. An incisive move at Pits Corner saw Luke regain the second spot - but a mistake dropped him back to third at the finish.
Nevertheless, Dean was greatly satisfied with Luke’s performance saying “Luke’s fast, but needs a little guidance. He’s not as experienced as the guys around him and that showed”
He added, “He’s learning all the time and he’s demonstrated that he can produce the goods. He’s a nice kid and we’ve both got to learn how to work together, but it was a good weekend and good experience for us.”
Millennium’s other new driver, Sam Snell endured a baptism of fire as he was unable to finish both KF1 finals. Dean said, “Sam was completely out of luck. However, he’s a good pilot with loads of character and I’m confident that he will bounce back at Whilton.”
Millennium’s trio of KF2 drivers also had a torrid time in the Lakes. A double-winner at the opening round (at PFi in April), Jake Ball’s luck evaporated after he had topped the time sheets in qualifying and comfortably won the second heat. His namesake - Jake Lloyd - struggled throughout, whilst Laura Tillett found herself in the thick of the midfield action.
Millennium still has berths available for drivers looking to join the reigning British Super 1 and Open KF3 Championship-winning team.
Drivers looking to contest the Super 1, Formula Kart Stars, Kart Masters - plus key European and CIK events – can contact Dean on 07968 806 019 or via deanpanrucker1@blackberry.orange.co.uk
