The Wera Tools British Kart Championships has barely had time to rest from its Scottish encounter in July but will head back to the track this weekend (7-8 August) as the IAME, KZ2 and Bambino classes make the trip to Rowrah in Cumbria.
After the IAME double-header weekend at Larkhall gave the championship points tables a shake, all is still to play for across the classes as the contenders head into their penultimate round of the season. In contrast, the Bambino and KZ2 their championships reach the halfway point , with a mix of consistency and solid points score a key to claiming top spot in the standings as the curtain comes down on the 2021 calendar in October.
Situated at the bottom of a disused quarry, the 1030 metre Rowrah circuit has hosted tense on-track battles in previous years with another unpredictable race weekend in store for championship contenders. With a brutal opening chicane and subsequent tight hairpin bends that invite plenty of overtaking, the track lends itself to those choosing an attacking stance and willingness to move forward, as parts of the circuit are extremely tough to defend.
Spectators make a welcome return to a round of the BKC for the first time in well over 12 months but for those unable to make it track-side, the traditional LIVE offering throughout Sunday’s Finals will be broadcast on the British Kart Championship’s Facebook page as well as the popular Motorsport.TV platform. Footage will also feature on YouTube, whilst the BKC social channels provide a behind the scenes look at the weekend’s activities.
Saturday gets the action underway with Qualifying and the opening Heats of the meeting as drivers get a chance to get bedded into the circuit whilst Sunday provides a short Warm-up session before the remaining Heats and Finals. With points awarded for Heats, Pre-finals, and Finals, it’s not all about the final result with rewards for consistency over the weekend.
IAME
IAME Cadet
Scotsman Zac Drummond took victory on his home circuit at Larkhall to enhance his lead of the championship for Fusion Motorsport but it’s all set to be a very close penultimate meeting as the points tables are split by the narrowest of margins. Lewis Wherrell (Oliver Rowland Motorsport), Jorge Edgar (Fusion Motorsport) and Henry Domain (Oliver Rowland Motorsport) will all be looking for a strong weekend to continue their championship challenge and close the gap to the on-form Drummond.
Mini X30
Leo Robinson (Fusion Motorsport) and Macauley Bishop (PMR Driver Program) will continue their season-long battle heading into Rowrah. With the duo normally being separated by the tightest of margins over the line, Bishop will be looking to overhaul Robinson and proved in Larkhall he has that ability. Third placed Wesley Swain (Fusion Motorsport) will be looking for a strong weekend and close the gap to the top-two title protagonists.
Junior X30
In Junior X30 Daniel Guinchard (Argenti Motorsport) will be looking to build on his championship lead of 38 points from second place Archie Walker in the KR-Sport stable. The number three plate of Bart Harrison (Mick Barrett Racing) currently sits in third in the standings and with all of the top three having a strong showing at Larkhall last month, there is certainly an air of unpredictability as they head to Cumbria.
Senior X30
With two final wins on the bounce last time out, Thomas Fleming (DHR) sits second in the standings but only a few points behind championship leader Clayton Ravenscroft (KR-Sport). After difficult heats, but a storming final (making up 12 places) for Ravenscroft at Larkhall, he will be hoping for a trouble-free weekend at a circuit that is known for delivering action-packed racing. Thomas Turner (Strawberry Racing) sits in third but with how tight the championship is, a strong weekend could see this table completely change by the time the class heads for its final meeting at PF International in October.
Bambino
The ultra-competitive Bambino category has just four rounds in 2021 and with contenders eager to make each one count. It’s their third points counter of the season this weekend as Austin Newstead leads Grayson Wortley and Jack Baker who sit joint second in the standings. With the technical nature of the circuit, momentum will be key for the youngsters who will need to keep the speed up through the flowing parts of the circuit to gain an edge on their competition. Max Gilman sits fourth and only two points adrift of the podium spots, highlighting the championship is still wide open as its heads towards its final flurry.
KZ2
The rapid KZ2 class contenders also find themselves at the penultimate round of their championship and it’s the Rush Performance duo of James Glenister leading Dan Gould at the top of the table. With a strong performance for Privateer Tom Longfield at Shenington, he now sits in third and only one point behind Gould. With Glenister only being a further six points ahead, the championship battle is far from over and Rowrah is likely to be a pivotal weekend for championship contenders. With only four rounds this year, consistency has been key for the front running KZ2 drivers, with Warden Law hosting their final points opportunity in September.