Britain’s premier karting series – the Wera Tools British Kart Championships will kick start its eagerly-anticipated 2021 season this weekend (21-23 May), as Dorset circuit Clay Pigeon Raceway plays host to the opening event of the season.
Buoyed by bumper registrations for the new-look term, the Wera Tools British Kart Championships will see almost 500 drivers compete across the 10-event tour which spans the length of the country from Devon to Scotland in a dynamic calendar to test each of the competitive classes to the limit.
Paving the way for a new era in the BKC, Motorsport UK took over the running of the series in 2019 and has flourished ever since, producing packed grids across the field. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19 in 2020, the championship once again produced a thrilling season across the kart circuits of the UK, with both privateers and team-based karters going head-to-head in the search of the top-step of the podium.
Now, the Wera Tools sponsored series will burst into life near Dorchester and the 815-metre circuit, famed for its pivotal role in the honing of F1 driver Jensen Button’s skills as a young karter, will provide the opening event of the season for the Rotax, Honda and Bambino contenders.
Sadly, due to ongoing restrictions spectators will not be permitted to attend the circuit but the BKC will once again be providing unrivalled coverage of the weekend thanks to broadcast partners Alpha Live.
The action from race day on Sunday will be shown live on the British Kart Championship’s Facebook page and new for 2021, the popular Motorsport.TV platform. As well as the racing, paddock news, features and updates, the coverage will offer the perfect way to view the action, as it unfolds during the day.
A plentiful entry list is awash with returning title contenders, as well as newcomers to each of the classes meaning over 200 karters have signed up for the Rotax Mini Max, Junior, Senior and 177 classes, as well as the Honda Cadets and Bambino divisions.
Rotax
The Senior class brings in over 60 registrations this season with Rotax regular Matthew Higgins making the switch from Junior’s to Seniors after a title-winning 2020. Kai Hunter aims to go two better from his third-place last season. Henry Ayres returns to defend his Rotax 177 crown after tying on points with Oliver Appleby at the close of last season.
Mini Max offers another quality entry, with returnees including Ben Crossley, Arun Phull and Harrison Crowther all eager to put their experience of last season to good use.
Honda
The Honda Cadet class is another to prove popular with 40 contenders aiming for glory in 2021. Narrowly missing out on a podium spot last year, Joshua Grahams will have Jenson Graham, Oscar Tumility and Timo Jungling also making a return to keep him on his toes.
Bambino
The ultra-competitive Bambino class for 6–8-year-olds will see last years 10th place Harry Neesam return to the grid, but he will be chased down by at least 19 other contenders all looking for their shot at glory, with Josh Cormack, Imogen Summerfield, Austin Oman and many more all equally eager for the top-step of the championship podium in 2021.
Dan Parker, Kart Manager at Motorsport UK said “We are delighted by the response to this years British Kart Championships and are very excited to get the season underway at Clay Pigeon.
“There is no doubt that the BKC is one of the most competitive national championships in the world with safe, regulated and competitive racing on a level playing field.
“Our live streaming and broadcast package is certainly regarded as one of the best out there and it enables fans at home to be absorbed in the racing as much as we are here at the circuits. Of course, we would like to see spectators at Clay but that won’t be possible due to current restrictions and we are hoping they will be able to return to the trackside soon.
“We believe we have put together a fantastic package for our competitors and with the addition of title sponsors Wera Tools, it really helps to elevate the series and confirm its place as the UK’s premier kart series. It has all the ingredients of another incredible season.”
Contenders in the IAME, TKM and KZ2 categories will contest their opening round at Shenington, Warwickshire on 28-30 May with a list of entries available shortly.
Registrations are still open for the 2021 Wera Tools British Kart Championships, to register, visit: https://kartinguk.alphatiming.co.uk/register/series
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