Both UK drivers Robert Forster-Jones and Mackenzie Taylor impressed at the Industrial Trophy at Parma. Fresh from his British Super 1 Championship victory, KF2 star Robert Foster-Jones won the first round of the prestigious Industrial Trophy at Parma in Italy. The Ricky Flynn Motorsport driver is enjoying a phenomenally successful season that has seen him win the International Winter Cup, the British Open and Super 1 Championships, and become European Vice-Champion.
This year’s event also has historic significance, as it will be the famous circuit’s last before the developers move in and convert the facility into - what is believed to be - a hypermarket.
Robert’s triumph sealed what had been a textbook weekend for the 18-year old. Fastest in timed qualifying, he won both his heats to secure pole for the final – from where he was barely troubled as he took a lights-to-flag victory.
Foster-Jones said, “The weekend was perfect from start to finish. You can’t ask for more. If only every meeting was like that! I just hope we can do it again (in the second-leg).”
Foster-Jones returns to Italy this weekend (18/19 October), for the concluding race - and is keen to add the Industrial title to an already full trophy cabinet.
Mackenzie stuns on senior debut
Mackenzie Taylor set tongues wagging after finishing 2nd on his maiden senior race. Fresh from finishing his junior career as the British Super 1 Vice-Champion, 15-year old Mackenzie travelled to Parma in Italy - for the annual, two-part Industrial Trophy - with no experience of the faster, KF2 class machinery.
In timed qualifying, he astonished seasoned onlookers - posting the 2nd fastest time, just behind Ricky Flynn Motorsport team-mate, Robert Foster-Jones.
Amongst a quality field of 94 other drivers from across Europe, he then showed his potential by finishing in 3rd in his first heat, before winning the 2nd. This put him alongside Foster-Jones on the front row of the grid for the final.
A slip-up at the start saw Mackenzie lose places as the 34-kart pack plunged into the first corner. However, he kept his cool and soon began chipping his way back up the order.
By lap 10, he was in 2nd and could see Foster-Jones ahead - and set about reeling him in. A series of fast laps saw Mackenzie close the gap from over three seconds, down to just four tenths of a second.
The pair set-up a grandstand finish as they entered the last lap. Foster-Jones coolly took the win, with Taylor opting not to make a rash challenge for the lead.
“I bet you weren’t expecting that!” Mackenzie said afterwards. “That was a good result with what little time I’ve had (in KF2). I can only get faster from here. 2nd place is an excellent start to my KF2 career and is a great incentive for me to keep pushing.”
Team boss, Ricky Flynn was also delighted, saying - “That was more than okay. They both did very well. Everyone worked very hard all weekend and you get out what you put in. Let’s just hope we can do it again this Sunday.”
Mackenzie and the team return to Parma for this weekend’s (18/19 October) concluding part of the annual event. With three points separating them, the return encounter is sure to be even more thrilling.
Visit Mackenzie’s website - www.mackenzietaylor.co.uk - to follow his fortunes throughout the rest of the 2008 season.
To find out more about Robert Foster-Jones and follow his fortunes, visit www.robertfosterjones.com |
