Fulbeck is rated as one of the best tracks in the country and this weekend hosts the penultimate round of the Easykart UK series - which should make for some spectacular racing. No one driver is assured of a title, albeit that current Junior Champion Toby Sowery and reigning Heavy number one Barnaby Pittingale will both need to experience striking reversals of fortune if they are to give their rivals fresh hope. Sam Faulkner and Matthew Round-Garrido will duke it out in Cadet and in Light. Everything is still to play for.
CadetChampionships are won by consistency, and on that basis Sam Faulkner has been exemplary. He has yet to finish off the podium; having taken two wins, a brace of 2nd’s and a pair of 3rd’s. However, the in-form Matthew Round-Garrido has won two of the past three races and narrowed the gap to just six points. Third in the points table is the only other race winner this season, Jordan Sanders. Jordan’s form has dipped a little in the last two rounds, but a good performance in Lincolnshire could seriously unsettle the leaders’ private title battle. Max Fitton claimed his first podium at Glan Y Gors last month and the resultant boost in confidence for him could spark an exciting, late run of trophy-winning performances from him. Look out for the intriguing battle for supremacy between the Hawkey siblings. So far Esmee – the only girl in the class – is ahead of brother Ethan. At present, both would qualify for October’s World Finals at Castelletto, but need to make sure family rivalry doesn’t get the better of them.
JuniorLast month’s battle in Wales between Toby Sowery and James Lay was a thriller. Both put themselves in the shop window for motor racing teams and driver managers with a fabulous display of ability and mutual respect. The down side of this was that their opponents simply played supporting roles. This should not take anything awayfrom Zack Nickson’s superb 3rd place. The former Cadet made the great leap forward in Wales - much to his mechanic, Chris Cox’s delight - and it would be fantastic to see him replicate that pace again at Fulbeck. A queue of talented drivers will be eager to stand on the podium again, or for the first time. Ronan McKenzie has – by his standards – struggled to replicate the form he showed in the opening half of the series, whilst AJ Morris’ trophy-winning run was abated, if not entirely halted, at GYG. Whilst many front-runners would look at a four year-old chassis with distain, AJ loves his and wouldn’t it be great to see him take it to a first win this weekend on his trusty kart?
LightIf Championships could be won simply for the love of karting, Elliot Rice might well be a champion forever. Rice can be found every karting event, even those that are not Easykart. This might be the secret of his success, as he tops the table and seeks to add the 2011 crown to the one he won last year. The class’s most successful driver this season, Joe Paterson, suffered a blip in the previous event, but still remains Elliot’s biggest threat. That said, Terry Langley is due a win - and having led the early part of the season for so long, the former champ’ cannot be discounted. Neither can the likes of Ayrton Hirst, Sam Dimelow or Patrick Lay. The smart money might be on Dimelow for a first win of the season. However, after dominating at GYG, Jake Hughes will surely beg to differ. The youngster was, in the words of Robert Palmer, simply irresistible and could well replicate that performance again. Game on!
HeavyTwenty seven points separate Barnaby Pittingale from the rest of the opposition. The evidence suggests that, despite this being a new circuit for the championship, he is unlikely to slip up. However, if he does Michael Roots will fancy his chances. He is another driver whom has yet to finish off the podium but, yet to stand on top of it. Will Smith is the only man to defeat ‘Il Dominator’ in 2011, but has often looked like ‘Chief Bridesmaid’ when put in direct comparison with Pittingale’s ‘Bride’. Not pretty, but true. Carrying on the romantic theme, it would certainly be a fairytale come true for Jim Rainbird to take his maiden win of the campaign. Similarly, Roland Bredner and Mark Lawrence. Bredner always looks fast and stylish in the kart and would be a popular addition to the winner’s circle. Lawrence has won before and it is testimony to his grit that he has overcome a tough year to earn a qualifying spot for Castelletto. Another victory would certainly justify it for the modest Scot.
The event gets underway on Sunday 28 August from 10am at Fulbeck Kart Circuit, near Stragglethorpe, Lincolnshire. Put either LN5 0QZ or NG32 2AY in your Sat Nav.
