What could be more mouthwatering than Steak and Kidney Pie, Mushy Peas, Chips and lashings of Gravy in the café at Rowrah?
As everyone knows, Northern boys love gravy - but a side order of Easykart? Well, now you’re talking. This weekend gravy and karting fans will be able to fill their boots with two of the finest things in life a boy (and girl) could enjoy. The annual Easykart double-header at the Cumbrian circuit promises a feast of excitement and could see titles won and lost.
Cadet
At last month’s round at Whilton Mill, Ronan McKenzie edged ahead of previous points leader Tom Thickpenny, to maintain his 100% podium record with another 2nd place finish. In contrast Thickpenny – the winner of the opening two rounds - found himself experiencing a damage limitation exercise and did well to maintain his title challenge with 8th place. After a slow start to his campaign, Will Stowell is now gathering momentum and knows that Rowrah offers him a golden opportunity to bridge the gap to his closest rivals. Whilst he is well out of the title race, newcomer Ross Gunn will be keen to repeat his stunning Whilton performance. Super Novice, Zack Nickson has performed heroically for a driver still on black number plates - it would come as no surprise to see him in the top three over the weekend.
Junior
Thomas Grainger makes the long journey from his home in south London to the Lakes spurred on by an 8-point advantage over Toby Sowery. Although he won the opening round and was again victorious at Whilton, Sowery has shown a tendency to drop points like Robert Green does footballs. If he can find more consistency in Saturday and Sunday’s races, Grainger will really have something to worry about. A further headache for him could be James DeHavillande. The Easykart Driver programme star has had a similar first half of his season to Sowery and now needs to find his rhythm if he is to add the Junior crown to his 2009 Cadet title. The only other driver in the class to score over 600 points is Luca Hirst. He has been a runner-up three times this year and could finally make that extra step up on the podium this weekend.
Light
Kieran McCullough is a study in will power. The current Heavy champion decided to enter the Light category at the end of 2009 and signalled his intent with 3rd place in the E Plate. He exudes a desire to compete and win. This has made the tall Londoner such a formidable opponent and the prospect of winning back-to-back title in separate categories must be an incredible incentive for him. Preventing him from creating history and putting their own names in the record books will propel Elliot Rice, Owen Jenman, Patrick Lay and Sam Dimelow to the fore. Like McCullough, Dimelow appears to have his competitive nature etched into every fibre of his being, and after three consecutive 3rd places, is arguably due a breakthrough win. Keep an eye out for the fast but luckless Will Smith and Tony Longstaff – both must be due a break from finishing races as spectators.
Heavy
Thankfully, initial runaway championship lead Barnaby Pittingale read the script and is now making the Heavy class really exciting. After three dominant wins, Pittingale has struggled to maintain his early form which has allowed Tim Hill to close the gap. After his maiden win last month, Will Gibson may feel that a very large monkey has been lifted from his back and could now mount a serious run for overall victory. Michael Roots made a huge impression on his Easykart debut when he finished 2nd to Gibson. Beforehand, Club 100 regulars were very much aware of his credentials, but others weren’t. After Whilton, nobody had any doubt that Roots - ‘Manuva’ as he was predictably nicknamed – will be firmly in the mix from hereon in. For Mark Lawrence, Rowrah marks his return to the circuit where he scored his first victory. A winner again in 2010, the ebullient Scot is quick round the twists and undulations of the Lakeland Stadium and could well replicate last year’s breakthrough success.
The action starts from 10:00am on Sunday at the Lakeland Stadium, Rowrah - on the A5086 between Cockermouth and Egremont.
For more information, visit easykart.co.uk
