Britain’s premier karting series – the Wera Tools British Kart Championships will blast back into action this weekend [22 -24 April] as Shenington in Warwickshire hosts the opening event of the eagerly-anticipated 2022 season.
Buoyed by a spectacular list of registrations across the classes for the new term, the BKC will contest a 12-event tour of the country, taking some of the best karters in the UK from Dorset to Scotland in a dynamic calendar of events, testing each of the competitive categories to the limit.
The 1018 metre circuit near Banbury, affectionally knowns as `Sheny`, provides the perfect backdrop for the IAME, TKM and KZ2 classes to get their season underway and offers a scintillating prospect of another blistering weekend of racing action that we come to expect from the British Kart Championship protagonists.
The Wera Tools sponsored series provides packed grids of privateers and team squad members who will line up to tackle the fast and flowing but narrow layout which ensures nose to tail racing throughout the categories. All will undoubtedly be eager to get a head start on their championship aspirations and grab the top step of the podium.
Two track layouts will be in use over the weekend too, with the impressive KZ2 gearbox class using the longer configuration, utilising the second of the Stratford Hairpins with the ultra-fast run back towards the Bruno Chicane an impressive sight as the rapid racers stretch their legs.
With many restrictions of the pandemic being lifted, spectators are finally welcomed to the circuit to watch the action trackside, but for those unable to attend in person, series broadcast partners Alpha Live will once again be providing unrivalled coverage from the weekend with paddock news and race day coverage.
The entry lists for this year’s BKC are packed with new names and returning challengers, each one aiming to get their season off the perfect start and working their way towards the championship climax in September.
IAME
The Cadet class sees 37 drivers tackling the season opener with a mix of returnees and newcomers all set to do battle at the rapid circuit. Wearing the ‘O’ Plate for 2022, Jorge Edgar makes a comeback with Fusion Motorsport after claiming seventh in the standings last season whilst fifth placed Henry Domain also returns with Oliver Rowland Motorsport. Last year’s Bambino champ Austin Newstead graduates to the class with Oliver Rowland Motorsport, as does second-placed 2021 Bambino Colbe Pattison.
Junior X30 will once again provide an impressive array of talent and with last year’s titleholder Dan Guinchard stepping into British F4, the form book is arguably a tricky one to predict. Harry Burgoyne Jnr returns with Strawberry Racing after a top ten slot in 2021. Reigning Mini X30 champ Leo Robinson steps into Juniors with Fusion Motorsport as does Junior TKM title holder Alfie Garford, this season with Premium Karting.
The Senior X30 category sees the ‘GP’ plate of Harry Platten return with BMR after fourth place last season and third-placed Thomas Fleming also aiming for the top spot with DHR. Mick Barrett Racing’s Bart Harrison was runner up to Guinchard in Juniors in 2021 but will be seeking to go one better in the Senior class this time around.
View the IAME entry list [HERE]
TKM
The hotbed of close racing that is TKM Juniors sees an increase of entries for 2022 and with many of the 2021 front-runners absent, there will be a new name on the trophy this season. Leon Frost however returns with TWM to capitalise on last years’ experience and seventh in the standings. Olivia Jakins also makes a comeback with the TWM squad and will sport the ‘8’ plate.
TKM Extreme sees outgoing champion James Pashley head for Senior X30 so Privateer Chris Whitton will be digging deep on his 2021 season experience to top the scores after fifth place last year. Charlie King graduates from TKM Juniors into Extreme with TWM.
View the TKM entry list [HERE]
KZ2
The ultra-rapid KZ2 gearbox karts are a fascinating sight on the UK circuits and have appealed to an impressive number of karters in 2022. Joe Charlton, last season’s third-place man aims for a trouble-free run this time around and will be gunning for another title to add to his 2020 acclaim. Dan Gould missed a round in 2021 which hampered his season but returns with Rush Performance and the ‘E’ plate. Bradley Barrett is back with Sodi Vitesse as is Privateer Allan Kenyon.
View the KZ2 entry list [HERE]
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 and can be found [HERE]
Also, via this QR code:
LIVE COVERAGE
View the action:
On the dedicated BKC LIVE page [HERE] (coming soon)
The Motorsport UK YouTube Channel [HERE]
The British Kart Championship Facebook page [HERE]
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.