Kimbolton kart circuit will host the tenth event of the 2022 the Motorsport UK Wera Tools British Kart Championships this weekend [9-11 September], but will also have the honour of seeing the first champion of the season crowned at the Cambridgeshire track.
Whilst the Rotax and Honda Classes head into their penultimate round of the series, by Sunday evening, the KZ2 British Champion will crowned as the class enters its final encounter of the year. The gearbox-kart category is a fan favourite thanks to its high speeds and action-packed racing, and the category will see one of three drivers in the hunt, lift the prestigious title after the busy weekend of racing.
The 999 metre circuit in the heart of the country is impressive thanks to its fast and flowing yet technical nature and is a perfect host for Britain’s premier karting series.
This year’s British Kart Championships has seen an impressive number of registrations across the classes with an exciting mix of newcomers and returning champions bringing a dynamic feel to the 2022 series. Whether the class title will be decided this weekend or not, each driver will be looking to bring home the maximum points possible for their championship aspirations.
The Mini Max, Junior Rotax and Senior Rotax classes, plus the ultra-competitive Honda Cadet protagonists will be in action from Friday’s Practice sessions, with Saturday seeing the KZ2 category join in with Timed Qualifying and the first Heats of the weekend.
Sunday hosts more heats for KZ2 and the PreFinal, Junior Rotax Repechage and of course the all-important Finals.
Update
Following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as a mark of respect the British Kart Championships will not broadcast live over the weekend and social media will be reduced. All races will be recorded as live and will be available to view on the Motorsport UK YouTube Channel [HERE] after the weekend.
Classes
Mini Max
All classes are entering a critical phase of the championship fight and none more so than Mini Max. Noah Wolfe [Synergy Racing Developments] vaulted into the lead of the category after Finals wins at Warden Law and Clay Pigeon gave him a two point lead over Scott Marsh [DHR] who had a less than fruitful trip to the South West circuit. It’s as tight as it gets between the two racers but Sebastian Minns [KR Sport] was another to have a tricky Clay trip; an on-form weekend could see him get closer to the two out front as he holds third in the chase.
Harry Bartle [Croc Promotion] and Hugh Moulton [Coles Racing] are fourth and fifth respectively and sit over 60 points adrift of the lead but with a whopping 455 points still on offer, plus bonus points and dropped scores, it’s all to play for.
Junior Rotax
With almost 40 points in hand over his nearest rival, Brandon Carr [KR-Sport] is in the box seat heading to Kimbolton after an impressive run of form over the mid-point of the season.
But chasing hard is Vinnie Phillips [Strawberry Racing] who would also be looking for his second win of 2022 in the 87 kart. Charlie Hart [Sam Pollitt Racing] currently lies third but 55 points behind although the youngster are long overdue for his first victory of the season.
Jez Williams [KR-Sport] and Aditya Kulkarni [Argenti Motorsport] are separated by a slender margin in fourth and fifth respectively but less than 35 points separate third to eighth. Watch this class with interest over the weekend…
Senior Rotax
Like its Mini Max sibling, a new championship leader emerged from Clay as Callum Bradshaw [Strawberry Racing] took top three places in the Heats and Pre-Final and coupled with the Final win, overtook Kai Hunter [DHR] who was outside of the podium places over that weekend.
There is hardly anything in it points wise so top scores will be vital, but there could be fly’s in that ointment as Matthew Higgins [DHR] has found his form of late. He sits fourth as it stands, just behind Guy Cunnington [Strawberry Racing] but Lewis Gilbert [Potenza Racing Engines] in fifth can’t be far away from a maximum score this season.
Honda Cadet
Honda Cadets always provide blisteringly close racing on track and the championship standings are equally as enthralling. Jarrett Clark [Synergy Racing Developments] leads the way but Kenzo Craigie [Zip Factory Team] took his maiden Finals win at Clay to close in on the top spot – bagging the Wera Tools Driver of the Day for his efforts.
Just shy however are Synergy Racing Developments teammates Noah Barham and Max Endacott and the usual tactical teamwork from the squad could see yet more entertaining on-track action. Albert Friend [SFR Motorsport] endured a difficult Clay Final, so will want to bounce back at Kimbolton and sits fifth.
KZ2
It feels like a lifetime since the KZ2 category has been on the BKC tour as G-Y-G in June saw the gearbox racers contest their last event.
It was a star-studded KZ2 entry thanks to guest appearances from FIA Formula 3 racers Reece Villagomez and Reece Ushijima, GT4 ace Stefan Bostandjiev and FIA Formula 2 star Jack Doohan, and Ushijima’s win would arguably have an impact on the title chase.
But with seven from 10 points scoring opportunities counting and 20 bonus points for contesting each event coming into play – at all comes down to this weekend.
Charlie Turner [Rush Performance] leads the way with 428 points as teammate James Glenister and Sodi Vitesse racer Bradley Barrett tie in second. Just two behind are Morgan Porter [ Moore Racing] and Tom Adams [Rush Performance] another two adrift but when the dropped scores come into effect, it narrows down the margin on who can take the honours.
It will all hinge on Sunday’s Heat and Finals scores, but Turner is well poised to scoop the No.1 plate – you won’t want to miss this one!
ENTRY LISTS
For a full entry list of karters in each category this weekend, please click:
TIMETABLE
For a full timetable of the proceedings during the weekend – please click [HERE]
LIVE TIMING
Live timing for this year’s British Kart Championships is once again provided by Motorsport Timing UK and can be found [HERE]
Also, via this QR code:
Registrations are still open for the 2022 Wera Tools British Kart Championships, to register, visit: https://www.britishkartchampionships.org
Keep tabs on the latest Wera Tools British Kart Championships news and updates by following us on social media: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and using the hashtag #BKC.