The BEN Autologic Karting Championships Final (kindly sponsored by Autologic) took place at Daytona in Milton Keynes on Sunday 10 October. The exciting, action-packed day, was filled with tension as the 18 teams battled it out over the course of a two and a half hour endurance race. The 'Crayford Citroën' team emerged victorious and took first place having clocked up 114 laps in 2 hours 30 minutes and 29 seconds. Their efforts were rewarded when each member was awarded a gold medal and a M3 Driving Day Experience which were kindly donated by BMW (GB) Ltd. The honours for second and third went to the teams from Marshall Honda and Avonvale Coventry (Honda) respectively.
Michael Newell recorded the fastest lap; also from the Avonvale Coventry team (aptly named 'Kamikazes') he achieved a time of 1:11.684 on lap 22. His reward is the use of a Crossfire for the weekend and a night in a hotel kindly donated by DaimlerChrysler UK Ltd. Mark Morgan, Marketing and Corporate Communications Manager, Autologic, Gerard Barclay, Chief Executive, BEN and Damian Lawton, Chairman, BENergy presented all the winners with their prizes.
Many of the teams brought along their families, colleagues and friends to cheer them on and these spectators enjoyed the additional entertainment including 'Race Tin' remote controlled cars, a raffle and merchandise stand.
The teams entered hailed from a variety of different sectors of the industry including manufacturing, retail dealers, aftermarket and parts, automotive logistics and membership associations. The event was organised to raise funds for BEN - Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent fund - by BENergy, a newly formed youth volunteer committee. The group's principle aim is to raise awareness and funds amongst the younger individuals employed in the industries, who may not be familiar with the work of the Fund and this event was successful on both fronts.
Due to the success of this year's tournament BENergy will be repeating the event in 2005. Once again there will be a series of regional heats culminating in the final. 2005 also sees BEN celebrate its Centenary and as this will be BENergy's main event during the year, they plan to make it even more spectacular. So, if you are interested in entering a team for next year, please contact Loretta Eggleton or Kelly Neal on 01344 620191 or visit www.ben-karting.co.uk
BEN is the motor and allied trades benevolent fund. Founded in 1905 it provides practical help, support, advice and friendship to more than 15,000 men and women and their families in their own homes every year. The fund also provides a home to over 350 people, who live in one of the Fund's four nursing and residential centres throughout the UK.
