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Keep up-to-date with what's happening in the sport in our news section. Full articles are shown below, for a summary of the news be sure to start at the main index page of KartKart. If you have any news, press releases or information you would like to contribute, E-mail us at news@kartkart.com 2006
Livengood goes to Merlin USA! The Stars of Karting ICA veteran was ready to run for another team, but the Wisconsin based Merlin USA Team enticed him away. The 2007 season will see Chris taking the lead roll in Merlin USA’s ICA effort. Chris commented, Chris will complete in the remaining Stars of Karting events and also hopes to attend the Rmax Challenge final in Colorado. As usual, Chris’s website www.chrislivengood.net will be updated often with News, weekend blogs, and chassis tech tips. The next stop on Chris’s schedule will see him competing in Stars of Karting competition at the wonderful New Castle Motorsports Park. (03/05) Lloyd’s Larkhall Podium
2nd place puts Junior Max star back in hunt for S1 supremacy Daniel Lloyd turned his fortunes around at last weekend’s Super 1 round at Larkhall, Lanarkshire (April 29) by scoring a fine 2nd place. On the back foot after a disastrous opening round at Clay Pigeon, the teenager went to the Scottish track determined to live up to his status as a pre-season favourite - however, in testing on Fiday and Saturday, the Huddersfield driver found himself off the pace. Set-up changes transformed his kart’s handling in time for qualifying, Daniel finished 2nd in his group and 7th overall. This gave him the necessary spur for the heats and he duly took a 2nd place in his first heat, won the next and finished 6th in his 3rd race. “I knew that I needed to finish inside the top 7 to take pole position” he said after the 3rd heat. “I had a decent start and got up to 15th (from 19th) after the first corner. There were only 8 laps, so I was in a hurry to pass people. I was counting how many were ahead of me and once I stopped at 5, I settled for the finish rather than take unnecessary risks.” It was a wise move, with Daniel finishing in 6th and claiming pole for the final. The NJR driver’s confidence was further boosted by the fact that he’d posted the fastest lap in each race. Lloyd made good his advantage and backed the pack up behind going into the first corner to lead. Setting a blistering pace, that only championship leader Luke Varley and the experienced Andrew Tooley could live with, the trio edged away from the pack. Lloyd drove faultlessly for 14 laps - but as the race began to near its conclusion, Luke began to close Daniel down. Having passed Tooley mid-race, Varley was now reeling the Yorkshireman in. He went for the lead, passing Daniel at the top of Larkhall’s main straight, but found himself back in 2nd place at the next corner. Varley launched another passing manoeuvre at the same part of the circuit and this time, made it stick. As the pair ran down to the back of the circuit, Daniel tried to out-brake his opponent but over-shot the corner. Tooley saw his chance and nipped into 2nd. On the last lap, Andrew repeated Daniel’s mistake and allowed his rival to re-take 2nd. With Tooley throwing everything he’d got at him, Lloyd opted to defend his 2nd rather than attack for 1st. “I’m absolutely gutted not to have won” Daniel said after the trophy ceremony “But Luke and Andrew both drove a great race, so it’s a fair result. I am delighted with the points from today though, I’m right back in the hunt now. I’d like to say a big ‘thanks’ to Nick Jest and his team, who all helped to turn round what was looking like a very tough weekend”. Daniel’s next race is a club meeting at PFi, Lincolnshire (8 May) to keep him sharp for the 3rd round of the televised Stars of Tomorrow championship at Shenington, Warwickshire (13 May). Keep up to date on his fortunes by visiting www.daniellloydkarting.com (02/05) DIXON AIMS FOR PODIUM FINISH IN ITALY
Sittingbourne based karting star, James Dixon, heads to the Italian circuit of La Conca next weekend as he aims to step onto the podium in the latest round of the KF2 class of the Winning Series of Karting (WSK).
The 17-year-old has already taken a place in the top three of the European series, with a third place in the last round in the Spain almost a month ago. However, the JRP Racing team driver is determined to return to the top three after a frustrating series of results have hampered his championship progress.
“I really want to go out and step onto the podium at the end of the weekend,” he says. “I’m currently 12th in the points and I want to get good results in both of the point scoring finals on Sunday and move myself up the table.”
“My main aim for the rest of the season is to get onto the podium as many times as I can. If I can stay consistent, then I should be in with a chance of getting a good result in the final standings,” he adds.
The WSK series has already taken James to Italy and Spain so far this year. A trip to France for the fourth round in June, as well as two more races in Italy, means he will be well traveled by the middle of the 2007 season.
However, his hectic race schedule also includes the Italian Open Masters series, which runs back to back weekends with the WSK Championship, meaning that a full week away is on the cards for James, before he will get the chance to return home.
“The racing in Europe is a lot more physical than it is in the UK and the meetings run so much more smoothly too,” he says. “I don’t mind being out there at all, as being acclimatized to the heat is a big factor. The races are a lot longer so you need to be a lot fitter and used to the heat and being out there for longer will help me with that,” he adds.
James’ weekend will get underway on Friday, with free practice, before his all important qualifying sessions and heats take place on Saturday. The two point scoring finals will be run on Sunday afternoon. (01/05) EURO CHAMPIONSHIP BECKONS FOR MILLROY Reigning British Super 1 ICA Kart Champion Ollie Millroy heads to the opening rounds of the European KF1 Championships at Ugento next weekend buoyed by a successful test at the Italian track this week. The 17 year-old leader of the WSK and French Grand Prix championships finished sixth and eighth place last time at the track, when he tackled the Italian Open Masters last weekend. On Monday, the Surrey racer stayed on with the Zanardi team to take part in a one day tyre test using both Vega and Bridgestone rubber, with the team opting to use Bridgestones in next weekend’s four-day event. The three round European Championship features the cream of the World’s top racers as they compete in the KF1 category. After a very impressive performance which saw the teenager steadily improve over the course of the weekend, he starts his European campaign in confident mood. “I definitely feel more confident now that I know we are much more on the pace. From free practice to the finals we found almost two seconds so I feel a victory is very much a possibility. Testing on Monday went really well. It’s a free choice as to what tyres a driver can use but we’ve opted for Bridgestone this time as they seem to suit this particular kart and track combination.” “With the European Championship in KF1 being held over three events it’s very important to try and get consistent finishes in all six points-scoring races, starting with the opening two rounds in Ugento. Without doubt myself and the team are getting stronger every time out and I’m confident that we can do the job. The competition as always will be tough because being one of the most important karting events, it features the best drivers in the world. I’m looking forward to the challenge and I will be ready to give it 100%.” The event commences with two sessions on Thursday afternoon to run-in engines, followed by free practice on Friday. Timed qualifying and the heats will take place on Saturday prior to Sunday’s two finals. To follow Ollie’s progress visit his website
at www.olliemillroy.com
or log in on www.cikfia.com
for live race results. David Ostella kicked off his third championship schedule.
David Ostella kicked off his third championship schedule of the season recently as he trekked from home in Maple, Ontario, to Norman, Oklahoma, and the Snap-on Stars of Karting Mazda Race of the Americas. The annual East/West combined event for North America’s top karting talent, Ostella was fifth in the first JICA Main Event and on his way to another solid finish in the second when he was forced to retire. The weekend began with a wet Friday practice where Ostella and tuner Mike Roth experimented throughout the day. Saturday morning brought changing weather in practice, and when official qualifying took to the track the Cameron Motorsports/CRG lead junior posted P7 among 42 karts in Stars’ only junior class. After the field was divided into three groups, Ostella started fifth in a pair of heat races which set the grid for two Sunday mains. Trouble led to 17th in the first heat and when added with a 6th in the second, Ostella was slotted P13 for both finals. Main event one on Sunday went very well for Ostella as he was already ninth after the first of 18 laps and worked his way forward from there. Continuing his advance, he was fourth when the field hit lap six and the dicing at the front began. Rising and falling in the second half, David took fifth with a last lap pass and collected 75 Championship points in the process. Following the Stars rotation, the Ontario teenager was back on track later the same day for the second JICA main and once again capitalized on a strong opening lap to sit tenth after one. Repeating his earlier march forward, Ostella moved to ninth and eighth before he lost a header and was forced to retire after only six laps. The Stars of Karting opening event was Ostella’s only National action in April but May will be much different as he races three Series’ and four events. The month begins with the first round of the Canadian-based Sunoco Ron Fellows Karting Championship at Goodwood Kartways before Ostella heads back South of the border to MRP South Bend and the second round of the World Karting Association George Kugler Manufacturer’s Cup. Ostella sits second in the Championship through the opening round. Weekend three in May sees a return to Stars of Karting action and the first Eastern round at New Castle, Indiana, and the month will close with the second round of the SRFKC at his team home base in Hamilton, Ontario. For more information on David’s schedule, results, or Global Precast Motorsports, visit www.davidostella.com (27/04) BIRTHDAY BOY HARVEY TAKES ANOTHER VICTORY IN WSK
Karting star Jack Harvey racked up another race victory in European competition this weekend (April 14/15), when he won the first final at the latest round of the Winning Series of Karting (WSK) at the Zuera circuit in Spain.
The Bassingham based youngster, who turned 14 years-old during racing on Sunday, was again the man to beat in the KF3 class as the weekend got underway, taking pole position for the opening heat in the timed qualifying session.
A change of engine, saving his best for the finals on Sunday, meant that he struggled for outright power in the heats. However, he still managed to take two third places, putting him on the second row for the first final on Sunday morning and in a great position to narrow the gap to the series leaders in the points battle.
A scrappy first final meant that the factory Maranello Kart racer was forced to work hard over the 12 lap race. At the start, Jack lost the lead to one of his rivals and had to put in a fantastic drive to get back onto terms as they crossed the line for the final lap. With just a handful of corners left to go, his rival left a gap and Jack forced his way through, picking up another race victory in the European series.
“It was great to take pole-position,” said Jack. “It was my first in major competition since cadets and the win in the opening final was hard work. I had to reel the leader in and he started to defend his line as we started the last lap, but he left a gap and it was all I needed to see to go for it.”
In the grand final Jack struggled from a lack of bottom end power but was able to battle through the 12-laps to take fourth place and grab enough points to move him up into fourth in the championship, with three more rounds left to run.
“I obviously wanted to win again in the second final, but I just didn’t quite have enough to stay on terms with the leaders, but it’s been a good weekend for us. The Maranello Kart guys are working incredibly hard and the results are good and keep moving me up in the points,” he added.
Jack now has just a couple of days to celebrate his birthday before heading back out to Ugento in Italy for the second round of the Italian Open Championship, where he currently lies second in the points and will be aiming to move up one place.
“I can’t wait for Ugento next weekend,” he said. “It will be another new track for me and hopefully I can come away from there leading the Italian Championship.”
Winning Series Of Karting (WSK) – KF3 Class Championship Points 1 Alessandro Kouzkin (I) 71 2 Vainio Aaro (Fin) 63 3 Matteo Vigano (I) 53 4 Jack Harvey (GB) 51 5 Matteo Beretta (I) 36 6 Simone Favaro (I) 25 (15/04) Johnny Herbert Karting Challenge The hugely popular Johnny Herbert
Karting Challenge that took place last year (23/11/'06), will
receive another TV screening, as a 30-minute feature in the 'Johnny
Mowlem's Racing Travels' show, on Eurosport 1. Tuesday April 2nd 10.30pm on Sky Sports 3 Thursday April 4th 8.30 am - SS3 (to watch over
your Coco Pops) (29/03) Podium place on European debut for British racing teen
Kent karter James Doherty has made a stunning impact in the Euro Max Challenge championship (21 - 25 March) by taking 2nd overall – on his first ever race in Europe “It was my first time at the track (Salbris, France) or any track in Europe for that matter,” the tired but happy Junior Max star said, “Things went very well in free practice on Wednesday and Thursday and I was consistently among the top 5 on times and optimistic for rest of week.” With his Evolution Motorsport-run Octane handling well in wet and dry conditions, the 14-year old’s confidence grew further - “My only doubt was when I went out on slicks on a greasy track – that didn't really suit my smooth driving style.”
(28/03) MILLROY TAKES TOP TEN FINISH AT ITALIAN OPEN
Surrey based karting champion Ollie Millroy took a hard fought tenth place in the opening round of the Italian Open Championship at Sarno after struggling against changing weather conditions in the early part of the race weekend.
The works Zanardi racer was left with a mountain to climb after the opening wet qualifying session, when his team opted to wait for what was a drying track to get up to speed before letting Ollie out to set a time.
Unfortunately with just a few minutes of the session gone, the heavens opened and he was only able to set the 27th fastest time on what was now an incredibly wet circuit, putting him 18th on the grid for both of his heats.
A crash at the start of the first heat put him seemingly further out of contention when he had to retire with a bent axle. In the second heat it looked like it was going to be a repeat for Ollie when he was caught up with others racers and was once again forced off the track.
However, this time he was able to battle his way back to the chequered flag and was given a lifeline to make the two finals with the ‘last chance’ race. A solid drive to third place allowed him to take up the 31st position on the grid for the first final on Sunday afternoon.
More torrential rain meant that conditions were tricky for the first race and a great drive from Ollie allowed him to cross the line in 18th place, the same spot he would take to the grand final.
With his kart now on form, a fired up Ollie was able to put in another fighting drive to break into the top ten during the 15-lap final, giving him reason to be happy with the weekend.
“We were on the back foot after qualifying, it was a good strategy which would have saved the equipment and tyres but everyone else had set their times in what turned out to be the driest part of the session,” said Ollie.
“It was a great race in the second final though and I’m really happy to have broken into the top ten by the end of the weekend. I’m especially happy as we showed that we have plenty of pace so it looks good for the rest of the season,” he added.
Ollie now has a two week break before heading back into competition, at the opening round of the French championship at Essay. Before he gets there though, he’ll be taking a well earned break in the Spanish sunshine after a hectic couple of month’s build-up to the start of the European season. (28/03) HARVEY SEALS VICTORY IN FIRST ITALIAN OPEN EVENT
Lincolnshire karting star Jack Harvey took another sensational victory in European competition at the weekend, when he won the opening round of the Italian Open Championship at the southern circuit of Sarno.
The works Maranello Kart driver was made to work for his second win of the season on Italian soil, after he struggled in qualifying and could only set the 17th best time in his group.
Some outstanding driving by the reigning Junior British Champion showed the rest of the European field exactly what he is capable of. A fantastic drive from the back of the grid to make up a staggering 26 places in just six laps in one heat put him right back into contention in the run up to the all important finals.
In the first final, a carburetor problem hampered his progress over the first five laps before he was able to solve it, all the while trying to maintain his grid position against the chasing pack. However, in the latter half of the race he had to concede two places as he struggled with a kart that was suffering from a lack of grip.
Seventh on the grid for the grand final meant that Jack had given himself a great chance for glory once again and as the lights went green he dived through the pack and up into second place. Over the first six laps he traded places with two of his rivals, before finally breaking into the lead and pulling out a one second gap over the chasing pair.
A calm and smooth drive to the chequered flag was all that was then required for Jack to pick up yet another winners trophy.
“I’m really happy to be back on the top step of the podium again,” he smiled. “It was a hard weekend but very enjoyable for me. We were very, very fast in the dry at the start of the weekend but the changeable weather conditions make it tricky, especially in qualifying, so we had to work hard in the heats to get the best chance in the finals.”
“The first one was frustrating as I was hoping to get a slightly better result but the carb’ problem meant I had to fight to keep my place rather than make them up. The second final went really well, though, I was able to move up to second place really quickly at the start and once I got into the lead it was a case of bringing it home to the flag,” he added.
The results put Jack second in the Italian Open KF3 class standings, just four points behind his rival and Maranello Kart team-mate Petri Suvanto. He now has a three week break before heading back out to the Zaragoza circuit in Spain for the second round of the WSK Championship in the middle of April. (28/03) Lloyd lifts off as Air Ambulance’s Sporting Ambassador Junior Max star Daniel Lloyd has been signed as the Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s first ever Sporting Ambassador
Daniel’s sporting success and high-profile can help us to show children and teenagers that supporting the Air Ambulance is easy, fun and relevant to them too. And as one of Britain’s top racers, his first project will be to help us organize a karting event to raise money to keep us saving lives across the region”
(21/03)
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Check it Out www.kartspares.co.uk (20/03) MILLROY’S ITALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP CAMPAIGN BEGINS WITH VICTORY
Surrey karting star Ollie Millroy began his 2007 championship season with victory and second place in the two finals, at the opening round of the Winning Series of Karting (WSK) at Sarno in southern Italy yesterday. The combined results put the 16 year-old into the lead of the KF1 (Formula A) class with four rounds remaining.
The works Zanardi racer qualified fifth for the first of two nine lap heats around the newly modified track, which Ollie has always professed to be one of his favourites. With a fourth place finish in the first heat and a third place finish in the second heat he qualified third for the first of Sundays finals.
Sunday’s first final, held over 12 laps, saw him move into the lead early on and after some fierce racing he went over the line in second place. However the winner was found to be under weight and excluded setting Ollie up well for a pole-starting position for the second race, held over 15 laps.
The race was to prove Ollie’s best of the weekend. After an early incident dropped him down to fourth he enjoyed a race-long battle for position before his Zanardi team-mate Luca Giacomelli, managed to find a way past at the mid-way point and pull out a lead.
Ollie hung on well and over the remaining laps was involved in a three-way battle for the runner-up spot. On the final lap, it was anybody’s guess who would take second, but a determined drive by the reigning Super 1 ICA British Champion saw Ollie take the place and with it, the championship lead.
“I’m very happy with my performance this weekend,” said Ollie. “The second final was definitely the best race, although I got launched out of the way from pole position, I managed to fight my way back and it was a real scrap at the front. The racing this weekend was close, really close. The competition was tough, not least from my Zanardi team-mates, who were all very much on the pace this weekend.
“The race provided the perfect opportunity to find a good set-up for this track, as we’re back here next week for the first round of the Italian Open Masters.
The WSK Championship brings together some of the best karting talent from across Europe together for a five round series, held in Italy, France and Spain. The KF1 class is the toughest of all, putting the reigning British Champion right at the sharp end of international competition against current and past World and European Champions.
To follow Ollie’s progress visit Ollie’s website on www.olliemillroy.com (19/03) HARVEY TAKES THIRD IN WSK OPENING ROUND
Lincolnshire karting star Jack Harvey continued his successful assault on the European kart racing scene, as he picked up third place in the KF3 (JICA) class of the Winning Series of Karting (WSK) championship at the Sarno circuit in southern Italy.
The reigning Junior British Champion was immediately on the pace at another circuit he had never seen before when testing got underway earlier in the week, setting some quick times against some of his more experienced rivals.
A problem for the factory Maranello Kart driver in qualifying meant that he would have to work hard in the heats. Some stunning driving allowed him to take two second places and a third to claim a front row spot for the first final.
Unfortunately, a carburetor problem from the moment the kart took to the track, meant that Jack was unable to run at the front and he dropped back to 9th place at the chequered flag, giving himself a mountain to climb in the grand final.
Hard work by the Maranello Kart team put the kart back to where Jack needed it and a blistering start in the final allowed him to move into the top five, before having a battle just outside the podium positions.
Some great driving allowed him to pass and pull away from the second pack and close in on the eventual runner-up, moving within striking distance on the very last lap. However, Jack was pleased with his weekend and his pace on another track that he had never experienced.
“I’m pleased to come away from the opening round of the WSK series with a podium result,” he said. “I didn’t get a great amount of testing time so we had to find the best set-up we could as quickly as possible and in the grand final I was second fastest, so we definitely had the pace to challenge for the win.”
“If I’d had a better result in the semi-final I’d have been in with a chance of taking another victory. I don’t know what happened to the carburetor from the heats but I had to alter the settings a lot to get it somewhere near to where I needed it in the opening laps, which cost me places and time. But, we got a good result in the end and there are another four rounds of the series to go,”
Jack will head back to Sarno next weekend for the start of his second major championship of the season, the Italian Open series.
“I can’t wait to go back next weekend,” he said. “The team worked really hard before the final and we will have a great baseline to work from when we go back there. I’ll be aiming to step onto the podium again, this time a couple of steps higher though,” he added. (19/03) MILLROY STARTS ITALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP CAMPAIGN AT SARNO
Surrey karting star Ollie Millroy will get his 2007 championship season underway this weekend (March 17-18) at the opening round of the World Series of Karting (WSK) at the Sarno circuit in southern Italy.
The 16-year-old works Zanardi racer has already shown his pace in the KF1 (Formula A) class at the two major early season non-championship events in Italy. He will head into the opening championship event of the season with the intention of bringing himself and the team the best result possible in the top level of competition.
“Although it’s the first championship race of the season, I’ll be treating it like any other race,” said Ollie. “We must focus on that and not be distracted by the thought of it being a championship. It’s too early in the season to be talking about that but as always I will give it my best shot.
“The competition will be the same as I’ve raced against in the last two events, the Winter Cup and the Margutti Trophy and I’ve had the pace in both of those, so things are looking good. We’re still learning the kart and the engine and we’ve improved at every outing and I intend to do the same again next weekend”.
The WSK Championship brings the best karting talent from across Europe together for a five round series, based in Italy, Spain and France. The KF1 class is the toughest of all, putting the reigning British Champion right at the sharp end of international competition against current and past World and European Champions.
The Sarno circuit has been kind to Ollie in the past and is one of his favourites although the changes made since his last outing, which include a longer straight and two new corners will provide a different challenge.
“I love the circuit and I’m sure the new layout will not detract from that. There’ll simply be more of it to enjoy!”
Ollie will take to the track for practice from Friday morning before the timed qualifying and the races take place on Saturday and Sunday March 17th and 18th.
To follow Ollie’s progress visit Ollie’s website on www.olliemillroy.com (14/03) WSK International Series
Click Here to Read more (14/03) In praise of the left foot….
Why do people talking about quick drivers say, “Oooh, he’s got a fantastic right foot”? Or say, “They’re right foot’s really heavy”, with something touching reverence? Everyone knows that, to drive a kart fast, you still have to go round corners – and that requires braking. But people rarely talk about racers with silky left-foot skills. Thanks to Magura though, that’s all changing. With the 908.3 now eligible for use in the 2-stroke Formula TKM classes and the 908.1 having proved its credentials in Rotax, JICA and Formula Blue – the proud title of ‘last of the late-breakers’ is back! Here’s BRM driver, James Godbehere - “The Magura definitely gives me an advantage in hairpins. The brake stops you a lot quicker, so you can go into the corners a lot harder. It’s brilliant.” Reigning TKM Extreme O Plate champion, Alex Jones, says “The feel and control given by the Magura is outstanding. It lets me go into a corner with the confidence of knowing that I have a reliable brake that will stop cleanly and quickly. There is no fading or snatching. Its consistency means I can forget about braking and concentrate on applying the power." And while you’re giving your left foot the love, care and attention it deserves, you’ll still be helping your right one too. Because the complete 908.3 system weighs just 2.2kgs and the 908.1 a mere 2.4kgs –you won’t be compromising on your kart’s weight, so you’ll also gain time pulling out of the corners onto the straights. For more information on the Magura brake systems, call Venhill Engineering Ltd on (01306) 885 111 or visit www.venhill.co.uk And see how Magura drivers get on in the Ultimate
Kart Challenge on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413) or check out www.kartingtv.tv
HARVEY ALL SET FOR EUROPEAN COMPETITION AT SARNO
Reigning Junior British Kart Champion, Jack Harvey, heads to the southern Italian circuit of Sarno next weekend (March 16-18) for the opening round of the World Series of Karting (WSK) Championship.
The factory Maranello Kart racer, from Bassingham in Lincolnshire, goes into the event in the perfect frame of mind after clinching his first major victory on European soil last week at the Margutti Trophy. That win sets him up as one of the guys to beat in the KF3 (JICA) class of the WSK series.
“I can’t wait to get out to Sarno and start the WSK Championship,” said Jack. “It’s another brand new circuit for me to learn, but everything has gone really well whenever I’ve driven at a new track so far this season.”
“We went to the Margutti Trophy last week and were immediately quick and then took victory in the final. I think I can win again at Sarno. I’m confident that everything around me, the team and kart, is good enough, but we’ll have to see how the weekend goes. I definitely want to take victory again though,” he added.
The start of the WSK series signals a hectic point in Jack’s 2007 season, with his other main campaign, the Italian Open Masters Championship, getting underway at the same circuit just a week later.
“The Italian Masters is going to be a hard series to race in,” said Jack. “It’s the championship that everyone wants to be in and that everyone wants to win. The WSK is definitely going to be tough too.”
“Both series are pretty much back-to-back between now and the middle of the summer, so it’s going to be hard work for everyone involved. The start of the season has come around really quickly, but I can’t wait to get started,” he said.
Jack will head out to Italy at the end of next
week and will take to the circuit on Friday for free practice,
with qualifying and the racing getting underway on Saturday and
Sunday. Lloyd’s on-line
They’re essential for racing drivers these days – forming an integral part of a racer’s PR and marketing. Plus, of course, they’re a great way to connect with the fans, even while racing away in say Italy, America or even China. And Huddersfield ace Daniel Lloyd is no different - even if he is only 15. The teenage kart star has just launched www.daniellloydkarting.com for the 2007 season. “Its mint!” he says excitedly, “Okay, I know it’s my site - but I think it’s brilliant.” And the site is visually stunning, blending quality photographs with bold colours and great graphics - www.daniellloydkarting.com contains everything you ever wanted to know about the Junior Max ace, but were too afraid to ask. For instance, why has he got the ‘Carling’ logo on the back of his helmet? The answer’s at www.daniellloydkarting.com As the season progresses, visitors will be kept up to date with Daniel’s latest race results, news and photos. “You can download desktop wallpapers right now and we’re going to add some video on there soon. I want the site to be cool and be a bit more interactive, so go on-line, have a look round and tell me what you think. If there’s anything you want to see on there, drop me a line.” After finishing 3rd on his debut with the NJR team at last weekend’s (3 March) Shakedown meeting at Clay Pigeon, Daniel is now preparing for the first round of the S1 series back at the Dorset track on 31st March. “Considering it was the first time I’d raced the Octane in the wet, I didn’t do too badly. There’s a lot more to try in terms of the set-up but if can match everyone else’s pace, I think we’ll be alright” he says with a wink and smile. “I’m really looking forward to the first round of Super 1 back at Clay and hope to get a bit higher on the podium” To follow Daniel’s fortunes, show your support
by downloading a desktop or find out more about one of Britain’s
rising kart stars - www.daniellloydkarting.com
is on-line now! A STRONG RESULT FOR OLLIE MILLROY AT TROFEO ANDREA MARGUTTI
In his second race with the Zanardi works team Claygate kart ace Ollie Millroy finished seventh in the KF1 final against the most highly rated kart drivers in the world. Starting 13th on the grid for the final Ollie had to drive the full race distance of 20 laps with a bent steering column and possibly a bent chassis, when he was unable to avoid a crash that happened in front of him, at the second corner of the first lap.
“I’ve learned a bit these last few days about the new engines and the way the team works,” said Ollie. “It’s been a challenging but satisfying weekend and a top ten finish against these guys is a good result at this stage. On Friday I had a slight timing problem with the engine in qualifying and ended up with a lot to do back in 24th position. In the two heats on Saturday I started in 16th and finished 10th and 11th, putting me on the seventh row, in14th place for the pre-final this morning.
“The pre-final was over 15 laps and starting 14th I could only manage moving up one place to 13th. Starting from this position in the afternoon final, I had a good start but I could do nothing about avoiding an accident in front of me, only just managing to keep it on the track, at only the second corner of the first lap. It was quite a big one and although I got through it I came away with a bent steering column and as we later discovered, possibly a bent chassis. I just put my head down and got on with it and with a best lap time only three tenths of a second off Gary Catt who won it, I finished seventh.
“To be honest, considering the damage to the kart, I’m pleased with the result and Dino (Chiesa) said he was pleased with the lap times bearing in mind what damage there was. These guys in KF1, like the current world champion Davide Fore, Marco Ardigo and Francesco Antonucci are the best kart drivers in the world and most of the top group have years of experience. They are professional kart drivers and I intend to learn from them and compete against them for as long as I stay in karting. The major championships start in the next couple of weeks and these first two races of the year have prepared me nicely. I am really looking forward to the challenge.”
Ollie’s next race will be the first round of the WSK championship, at Sarno in southern Italy on 16th/17th/18th March.
To follow Ollie’s progress visit his website
on www.olliemillroy.com School’s not out for Lloyd
Huddersfield racing sensation Daniel Lloyd has stunned the motor racing world by opting to concentrate on his GCSES, rather take up a fully-funded sports car drive Barely a month after winning the prestigious BRDC Stars of Tomorrow Shootout at Silverstone (19 January), teenager Daniel has come to a difficult decision about his future - “It was really hard” he says, “The hardest decision of my life. After driving the Ginetta and being offered the fully-paid drive – I really wanted to do it. But I’ve just signed with NJR to do the Super 1 and Stars championships, plus I’m doing my GCSEs!” Cars can wait The drive in the Playstation Junior Ginetta Championship is worth over £20,000 but the long-term impact on his education could be costly - “My ambition is to be a professional racing driver but I don’t think I can do two kart and one car championship, win all three AND concentrate on school. I’m only 14, so we thought ‘maybe cars can wait for a little while’” he smiles. And it seems they can. Following an anxious phone-call to Carolynn Hoy, the Stars of Tomorrow series supreme, she has generously agreed to defer the prize for 12 months. “Carolynn was amazing” Daniel beams “We thought she’d go mad when we said we really, really want to take up the drive but could it wait a year? But she really understood and agreed to it!” The Huddersfield Grammar pupil now hopes to build on a promising 2006 and is clearly revved up for the new karting season. “I’ve settled into the NJR team really
well and I love the Octane chassis. We’ve made good progress
in testing and I can’t wait for the Shakedown (at Clay Pigeon,
4 March). Honestly, I’m like a dog on heat!” Bell gunning for 2008 Olympics
For most kart racers, the phrase ‘going to Clay Pigeon’ means competing at the picturesque Dorset track… …but for TKM and Rotax ace, Matt Bell – it could also mean a trip to Beijing, for the 2008 Olympics. The JKH and Wild Kart driver is one of Britain’s top shooters. Matt recently trained with the Great Britain Double Trap team, but had a five month lay-off to concentrate on kart racing and Formula BMW testing affected his trigger finger? “Well, let’s just say I hit more than I missed” he laughs. The 16-year old from Chandlers Ford in Hampshire only started competing in the Double Trap class last year, but has already caught the eye of the British Olympic coach, Ian Coley. “If I progress fast enough, then the Olympics might just be on the cards. The only problem is fitting it into my already busy schedule! To be honest though, the European Championships in Cyprus are more likely”. However, Matt is more confident of qualifying for the 2012 Olympics, on home soil - “There’s a lot of activity to develop British sporting talent in time for London, so I’m hoping to break into the World Class Potential team. If I do, I’ll be given £25,000 a year to concentrate on getting up to a world-beating standard”. So could Matt emulate the other, famous shooting racing driver – Sir Jackie Stewart? “That’d be nice wouldn’t it? Sir Jackie shot in the Olympics and won three world championships in F1, so if I can repeat anywhere near his level of success, then I’ll be the happiest man alive”. And is there a cross-over of skills from shooting to karting? “Oh yeah, the concentration” he says immediately. “And the hand/eye co-ordination. Shooting definitely helps your reaction time”.
Matt aims to shoot for another kind of glory in the Motors TV Ultimate Kart Challenge – where he’ll be gunning for victories in both the TKM Extreme and Senior Max classes! (23/02) Can Bradley make all the Wright moves at ‘O’ plate?
Greenwich karter prepares to do take on established stars in winner-takes- all race This weekend (24/25 February) former JICA star, Richard Bradley will make his Formula A debut at the ABKC ‘O’ plate meeting at Three Sisters. And what a race to do it at - the British Open is notorious for the no holds barred, maximum attack nature of the racing. “To be honest, I don’t think I’ll win” the 15-year old says modestly of his chances, “But the thing about the ‘O’ plate is that anything can happen. In the Winter series I was often as quick as the Super Libre front-runners and Three Sisters is the kind of track I prefer, fast – so let’s just see what happens shall we?” Next weekend also signals the start of a busy year for the talented Greenwich teenager, as his racing commitments will take him the length and breadth of Britain, and across Europe. “I’ll be doing my GCSEs for a rest!” he jokes. “I’m competing in 17 races, in 7 different countries and championships. And on top of all that I’ve got to study 9 subjects and take my GCSEs in 4 months.” Bradley will spearhead SWRD’s Formula A attack in the UK, and contest the WSK selected French and the European championships with the factory CRG team. “It’s typical isn’t it? I’m racing with an Italian team and have to communicate with my mechanic and Danilo (Rossi, his team boss) in Italian and I’m not doing that subject at school!” he adds. To see how if Richard gets the result he really
wants, and to follow his progress throughout the season, visit
www.richardbradleymotorsport.com Nigel Moore into Garda Winter Cup final for his first senior race
After a several month absence from racing while Nigel Moore made the transition from the junior to the senior category, the fifteen year old Yorkshire karting ace returned to racing at the International Garda Winter Cup in Italy. Nigel has been elevated to the senior team in the BRM Italian manufacturer racing team from Molinetto, still under the tutelage of five times World Karting Champion Gianluca Beggio. Over the winter all the premier international karting categories have had a complete facelift, changing from traditional 100cc 2-stroke engines with rev limits of nearly 21,000 rpm, which is more than a Formula 1 engine, to a lower revving but larger capacity modern 125cc engine. The new engines are also fitted with an electric start, just like a motor car and the karts can reach a top speed of 85 mph. The very top category is renamed KF1, and the international senior category that Nigel races in is called KF2. The BRDC Stars of Tomorrow Junior Intercontinental A 2006 champion qualified thirty-second out of the eighty-six entries in the KF2 class. Uncertainty about engine supply has slightly reduced the size of the entry this year. With a ninth and seventeenth in his heats, and then a sixteenth in his semi-final, the King James School, Knaresborough pupil achieved his objective of reaching the grand final. “We’ve only had the new engines for a few days, and our tuners really haven’t had enough time to get the best out of them yet so we had a few teething problems during the racing. But the new 2007 kart is fantastic and was going really well,” enthused the Long Marston youngster. Unfortunately a brake problem in the final forced him to pull off with only a few laps under his belt.
“I’ll be doing plenty testing in the
next few weeks and I’m sure everything will have settled
down when we race in the Margutti Trophy next weekend,”
said Nigel, eagerly anticipating his outing at Parma on 4th March,
scene of one of his most memorable junior international wins of
last year. There are already ninety entries in his new class. Brownsburg, Indiana – February 21, 2007
After a successful opening round weekend during January’s Florida Winter Tour event at Homestead Miami Speedway, Floridian Thomas Silva headed back to the reconfigured circuit looking to improve his position in the chase for the championship. After all was said and done the talented youngster walked away with two podium results and currently sits fourth in the overall point standings.
After qualifying second and finishing fifth in Saturday’s pre-final, Thomas Silva put his head down and battled back to claim the third and final step on the podium. Though Silva was not the quickest driver on the racing circuit, he used his knowledge to get ahead of faster competitors and protected his racing line when needed.
For Thomas, Sunday’s action started out the same as Saturday’s as he saw himself in second place after the morning qualifying session. The pre-final proved to be a challenge for the 15-year-old competitor as Silva crossed the line in P8. Forced to start the main event from the outside of row four, Silva methodically moved his way forward to garner the second position and his second podium result in as many days.
“The Rotax Junior class is one the stiffest levels of competition that I have ever competed in,” explained Silva after the event. “The racing action is so close and one mistake could be the difference between winning and finishing outside of the top ten.” Thomas also went on to add, “I would like to thank my tuner Tom Buckley and Dave Davies from SSC East for providing me with the equipment that I need to run upfront. I am looking forward to scoring victory for the team at the March event in Ocala.”
Thomas will enjoy a few weeks off in preparation for his next assault on the Florida Winter Tour Rotax Junior class. Currently sitting fourth in the championship chase, Silva has a chance at the title and is anticipating two great results in March.
For more information on Thomas Silva please contact
him directly at tsilva10d@yahoo.com STRONG START FOR OLLIE MILLROY AT WINTER CUP
Briton Ollie Millroy’s 2007 campaign began well with a storming performance in the prestigious Winter Cup at Lonato, Italy this weekend, a race he won in ICA last year. The 16 year-old from Claygate, who moved up to KF1 (Formula A) this year with the Zanardi team, finished 11th in the Final, matching times with the more experienced runners, some with more than ten years advantage.
The current Super 1 ICA British Kart Champion, who competed in the event with a new chassis, new team, new tyres and new engine acclimatised well to the changes, gradually settling into the groove when the racing commenced on Saturday morning.
Starting the week just three tenths off the more established runners, Ollie got his head down during the course of the event and by the end of the weekend was matching the times of the more experienced drivers.
The Surrey teenager was happy with his performance against the cream of International kartists, and delighted with his improvements over the course of the weekend.
“I’m happy with my performance, which got better as the weekend progressed” said Ollie. “It was my first time racing with this package and everything was new to me, including the Zanardi chassis, which feels a lot different to the Birel I’ve been driving for the last two years. In this class you are racing against the very best kartists in the world and for the first time I sat on the grid surrounded by drivers who were ten years or more older than me, and with vastly more experience.
“I was up to seventh place on the last lap but three or four of us had a coming together and I got the worst of it and finished 11th. The quality at this level is as good as it gets and I am really looking forward to the challenge of beating these guys”.
Ollie has stayed in Italy this week to carry out extensive tyre testing with Bridgestone, in Ugento, prior to his next event the Margutti Trophy at Parma, Italy on March 3rd and 4th.
To follow Ollie’s progress visit Ollie’s
website on www.olliemillroy.com (19/02) Magura gives kart drivers their big TV BRAKE!
Magura is the headline sponsor for this year’s series, which is being broadcast to 15.9 million homes across 25 countries, including Spain, France, Holland, Germany and Switzerland – where even Michael Schumacher is a huge fan! Starting at Llandow, drivers will be battling it out over 10 rounds - that will also see them travel to Rowrah, Glan-y-Gors Park, Lydd and Hooton Park. And Magura know exactly who they’re backing to get on the podium – Mr. Magura says “In TKM Extreme we’re supporting Alex Jones. He won the British Open by a mile at his home circuit (GYG), and if he can find consistency, we can expect big things from him this season. “ In Junior Rotax, Magura’s money is on 2006 Motors TV Minimax, Champion James Theodore. “In 2006 he led from Round 1 onwards. He’s had multiple Club Championship wins, got 4th at the British Open in 2006 and is a Haase works driver. Even Michael Schumacher knows who James Theodore is!” Very soon all you’ll hear at circuits across Europe will be “Ik zou een Magura willen alstublieft kopen” or “Quisiera comprar un Magura por favor,” perhaps “Je voudrais acheter un Magura sv” or even “Ich möchte ein Magura bitte kaufen” … However you say it, you too could find yourself
wanting to buy Motors TV’s leading brake system. OLLIE MILLROY KICKS OFF 2007 SEASON
Ollie Millroy begins his 2007 campaign in Italy next weekend (February 16-18) when he competes in the prestigious Winter Cup at the superb Lonato kart circuit in Italy. The Super 1 ICA British Kart Champion returns to the event he won in ICA last February, with a new team and a new kart as he moves up into KF1 (Formula A) with Zanardi, run by the very experienced Dino Chiesa. The 16 year-old Claygate youngster has undergone several test sessions at the Italian track and is delighted to have settled well into the established team that has run amongst others, four current F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Tonio Liuzzi and Robert Kubica.
“Testing this week has gone really well,” said Ollie. “The first day (Thursday) was a bit of a wash-out but Friday was very productive. It was dry in the afternoon and we were able to put a lot of miles on the new engines. I’m still learning more about it from each session and I think it is like using the old junior engine in that you have to drive it smoothly.”
The Zanardi chassis Ollie will be using this season will feature a new 125cc engine called KF1, replacing the established 100cc Formula A engine favoured for years. Although the engine has more power, a restrictor has been fitted reducing the revs and consequently reducing top and bottom end speed out of the corners. Ollie though is delighted with the performance of his Iame engines so far and is totally in agreement with the decision the crack Italian Zanardi team made, competing with these engines only.
“The new engines are totally different from the 100cc engines and the kart has to be driven differently. I am sure that when all of the works teams get to grips with them and the drivers get used to them, they will all be as quick and competitive as they always are. It’s like most things, no one likes change, but in a few weeks time I am sure it will feel as though I’d never driven a 100cc engine and I expect to be up there with the best of them.”
Apart from testing the teenager has also spent months preparing physically for his busy season ahead, which will take him to the European and World Championships and Italian Open and the WSK Championships. Over the winter Ollie has worked harder than ever on his fitness under the guidance of his personal trainers at Caterham, Pro-Performance.
“Fitness is not an issue with me,” said Ollie. “I enjoy working out, running and cycling and especially beating my trainer, Dan Williams! I go there every week and my recent fitness assessment in the middle of January showed a large increase in stamina and strength, which I intend to continue working on throughout the year.”
Ollie will start off his weeks racing next week with more testing in Italy, commencing on Tuesday 13th February, prior to timed qualifying and the races on Saturday and Sunday February 17th and 18th.
To follow Ollie’s progress visit Ollie’s website on www.olliemillroy.com (11/02) SuperRok in the Super One Series The MSA have granted N.1.3 approval for the SuperRok
class to run in the Super One MSA Series and registrations are
invited. Potential entrants should download the registration form
from www.s1series.co.uk
and send with the fee as soon as possible. They will also have
to make arrangements with JKH’s John Hoyle for the kart
package, an innovative scheme which, for a fixed fee, supplies
the kart, entry fee, Saturday practice, slicks, and a loan engine
drawn from a pool each meeting plus an initial set of wets. John can be contacted on 01928 740090 or team@jkhintrepid.co.uk . More details on the ROK classes can be found on http://www.vortex-rok.com . The class will only be run for a minimum of 12 entries and a National A licence is required. The winner will receive an invitation to the World Finals in Garda. Super One promoter Neil Hann said: “Because it is such an innovative idea having the pooled engines I am very happy to offer to hold the championship this year and I’ll be very interested to see if it appeals.”
Rotax offer Super One qualification status for the Max Challenge Grand Finals. Rotax and British distributor J.A.G. have announced that the Super One Rotax Series will be used to choose the British nominations for the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, to be held in Dubai in late November. Series promoter Neil Hann said: "We are very excited about these new prizes for the Super One Series, and we are holding registrations open for the time being." There will be two nominations from Junior Max, one from Senior Max and one from DD2. Additionally one wildcard will be chosen from Senior Max, but will have to enter the DD2 class in the Grand Finals. Therefore the Super One Series are offering the opportunity of a Rotax DD2 class in 2007, to run with the other Rotax classes. This championship is subject to MSA approval. The Super One Series organisers need to have a minimum of twelve entries, the winner will receive an invitation to the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals in Dubai. So get your registration form off to Sonja Game asap with the fee (which will be returned if the DD2 class is withdrawn). A National A licence is required. For further information on the DD2 contact JAG on 01892 611805 or see www.jag-rotax.com The DD2 class for 2007 has just received N.1.3 approval from the MSA.
This is an opportunity not to be missed, as Jean Gravett of JAG said: "Other countries send their best drivers to the Grand Finals and our best drivers are in the Super One." In 2006 the ABkC Rotax Max Super One champion Michael Simpson took up an all expenses paid wild card entry to the Grand Finals in Portugal, and came away as the DD2 World vice-champion. Qualifying for the Grand Finals as European Junior
Max champion, Jack Hawksworth also took second place on the podium
in Portugal. This year five British drivers will have the same
opportunities over and above any that qualify by other routes. When the chips are down, Parrott flies into action!
You’d think that Formula A star Jason Parrott
would be the most unusual ambassador for National Chip Week (February
12-17). Afterall, the lad is whip-thin lad and remarkably fit.
But whilst being an international kart racer is exciting and glamorous, running a chippie, isn’t. “I have to get at 7am every weekday to peel the spuds by hand, run errands and sometimes I spend the afternoons dishing up chips in the shop…” he smiles. For 2007 Jason has been offered a place in the crack-Italian MGM team to compete in the European KF1 Championships – at Ugento, Varennes and Salbris and the World Championships at Mariembourg, where he’ll be racing Birel. But what about his, dare we say it, odd diet? Jason laughs, “Well, just as a kart needs petrol, I need chips. They’re both fuel!” Okay but how come he’s as thin as a rake? Surely, chips are bad for a racing driver? “In moderation, chips are fine. Did you know, that a cheese and pickle sandwich contains twice as much fat as a portion of chip shop chips. And come on, do I look overweight?” Jason’s European campaign gets underway
on May 4th-6th, at Ugento where he hopes to cook up a storm on
the track! To follow his fortunes throughout
2007 – visit www.timparrottmotorsport.com Regulations for 100 National and ICA in 2007
Following discussions at the Annual General Meeting in December, and subsequent representations from racing teams, the ABkC confirms that there will be no change to the ICA regulation for the 2007 ABkC championship promoted by Super 1, including minimum weight. ICA is a CIK class and the ABkC/MSA regulations follow the CIK regulations. Registrations for the ABkC ICA Championship in the Super One Series are very good and those registering have done so on the basis of the current regulations. Registrations are not so good for the 100 National class. The ABkC confirms its rev limiting regulations for 2007, as permitted in the MSA Kart Race Yearbook C.4.2 and S1 regulation 3.4.2 to extend engine life and reliability, which are as follows:- 1. For races declared Open or Dry maximum gearing
would be Clay Pigeon 10:80, Larkhall 10:75, PFI 10:82, Shenington
10:81, Three Sisters 10:72, Warden Law 10:80 The ABkC 100 National championship provides racing at national level for 100cc direct drive engines, for almost every kart racer. For 2007 the minimum weight was increased by 5kg to 160kg to make the class viable for drivers in their twenties, thirties and beyond, the class isn't just for teenage jockeys! The additional clarification above will substantial increase reliability and engine life leading to much reduced costs of competing. If 100 National is for you please register with Super 1 before the end of January (registration form http://www.karting.co.uk/ABkC/RegForm2007.pdf . It is vital there are enough competitors to race 100 National in 2007, if it gets replaced by another class in 2007 it will be much harder to recover in 2008 when the CIK classes become TaG KF1 and KF2. Regulations are shown below: 100 National - ABkC Engine Rev Limiting 2007 1.For races designated open or dry the maximum final drive gearing between the crankshaft and the rear axle for 100 National shall be that listed below (crankshaft sprocket:axle sprocket) or equivalent using alternative sprockets. Maximum gearing may be changed at the discretion of the Clerk of the Course. Clay Pigeon 10:80 2. Cylinder head volume must be a minimum of 10cc using the CIK specification plug insert and measured as per the CIK method see Appendix 5. Ambient temperature is defined as any temperature between -5°C and +50°C. Spark plugs are free but must be un-modified and the thread must not protrude into the combustion chamber when fully tightened. Modification to the spark plug thread is not permitted except for helicoil repair so long as the repair is to the full depth of the thread. 3. The “squish” distance between the
piston and cylinder head must be 0.9mm as a minimum at all points
(measured in accordance with MSA/CIK defined procedure).
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