Tall tales told over a few pints are part of the warp and weft of British life. Although at the Bridge Inn in Santon, the odd exaggeration of the truth or a mild fib is simply not enough - only outrageous, bare-faced lies will do. UK Easykart seriesIf you want to win the World’s Biggest Liar Contest.
Previous winning whoppers have told how the Lake District was formed not by ice or volcanic activity – but by moles and eels. And the incredible story of how farmer John ‘Johnny Liar’ Graham caught a giant cod by lobbing a barrel of bitter at it.
Doubtless then, when the Easykart caravan arrives for its annual double-header at nearby Rowrah, there will be some excuses - and perhaps a few downright porky pies - told after a day at this most fabulous of circuits.
The track bends and drops, climbs and appears to follow the topography of the surrounding landscape. It is as unique to England as warm beer and Morris men, because no one else in Europe would think to put a kart circuit in a former quarry.
Even though he’ll be flat-out on the sidelines, Andy Cox – of Birel importers ACR – alludes to the magic of the Cumbrian venue, saying “I always look forward to Rowrah and love the Lake District, even if it rains!”
He adds, “It [Rowrah, not the Lake District] is physically demanding, as well as mentally draining for a driver. To get a good lap - and more importantly, consistent laps - is very difficult. For sure the new [track] surface will change some things, maybe even some of the racing lines, so it will be interesting”.
The battle for supremacy in the Heavy class is nicely balanced at the moment. Barnaby Pittingale currently has a 25 point margin, but it is Kieran McCullough who has matched his tally in the past two rounds, with 1st and 2nd-place finishes. Kieran remains third, but has closed in on early series leader William Smith, whose challenge in recent races has begun to wobble. However, Andy tips Brian Parias and ‘Flying Scotsman’ Mark Lawrence as two drivers who may yet step forward and add to the drama of this close-fought class.
Casting his expert eye over the Light class, Andy says that Owen Jenman, Jack Sales and Elliott Rice could threaten to take Rowrah’s two available wins from their rivals. Terry Langley will be doing his utmost to prove Cox wrong. The Championship leader has taken three victories this season, whilst Jenman has yet to finish higher than second. However, the latter goes well at Rowrah and must himself feel he is now due a turn on the top step of the podium.
Adrian Crockett will be eager to give his title chances a major boost. He lies third at present and will be a threat. Furthermore, don’t rule out Sam Massey, who is quietly building a strong case to be considered a ‘dark horse’ for a top three championship finish. The betting-minded of you might also find a punt on Steve Youle or Ben King offering very decent odds.
In the Junior category, Patrick Lay continues to lead the field ahead of Brad Fairhurst, but could well be looking over his shoulder at his closest rivals for the 2009 crown. Patrick has finished runner-up at the three rounds, whilst Brad won at Rye House in the last round. Christopher Waldock has also been in great form, the victor at Clay Pigeon and Teesside and is breathing down the necks of his fellow front-runners. Behind him, there is a gaggle of talented young drivers who are long overdue a maiden win. William Lampitt, Thomas Grainger, Tiernay Oliver and Dean Clayton look stronger with each race and at Rowrah their long wait could finally be over.
Looking at the Cadet class it is difficult to see if James DeHavilande can be knocked off his perch, so to speak. He has been exemplary, but as Andy Cox points out, “there are a few drivers who have not reached their full potential for a race win, for one reason or another - Ronan McKenzie, Will Stowell and Harrison Thomas for example”. The double-race weekend presents these drivers with a vital opportunity to peg James’ lead. That said he could put the championship beyond doubt if he wins on Saturday and Sunday.
Andy concludes, “The great thing is that in Easykart, any number of people could win - the driver really does make the biggest difference not just the kart! Any one of the drivers we’ve talked about could win – and more besides.”
They all have a big incentive to do well, a possible place in the Easykart World Finals, which are being held this year at Siena in Tuscany in October (16/18). Andy says, “We’re finalising the details of who will be in the British team going out to the Easy World Finals. This year we will field 25 drivers because the UK is now the fastest growing Easykart franchise outside of Italy. At the beginning of September we will have all the details, and maybe a bit more idea of the expected runner and riders from Easykart UK.”
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