Hooton March 2010

After a disjointed Feb and very little racing and practice since the last race at Hooton in Feb. We headed to Hooton Park and Jack got back to racing and got a solid
7th place.

5th at Hooton Park Feb 2010

Jack got a well earned 5th place at Hooton yesterday. After two 7th places in the heats and 6th on the grid for the final. Good consistent driving got Jack another trophy and 5th place in the final.

MBKC 2009 Presentation evening - 2nd in the Invitation Series for Jack

Jack enjoyed his first black tie presenation evening of his home club - MBKC. It was a fantastic event and Jack was presented his trophy by Nathan Freke the new Ginetta British Champion. (More professional pics copy and paste the below url)

http://www.paul-griffiths.net/Motorsport/Karts/MBKC-Presentations/10967665_sKZLp#766641424_Nihgr

Durham and Yorkshire Kart Club - DYKC - Closed

We are saddened by the end of the DYKC, we enjoyed racing at Teesside under the DYKC banner. Jack and I found the club friendly, professional and well organised. It's such a shame the club no longer has a circuit and we will miss the atmosphere and racing next year.

10 ways to save money cadet karting

Karting is an expensive hobby compared to many sports for children. Over the last few years, we could of spent money a little more wisely and hopefully this post might share some of our mistakes and lessons learned.

1. Safety equipment - Do not save money here, buy the best!

2. Chassis - When starting out we had an old Zip rolling chassis and comer S60. We purchased a new chassis before we could get the best out of it. In hindsight, it would of made more sense to keep the old one and get it on a flat bed and replace the usual bolts and bearings. Make sure you check the alignment regularly, we purchase new frames now, as we feel Jack can get the benefit.

3. Seat - Get a seat that fits like a glove from the start. We used what was on the kart already and Jack would rattle around in the seat as it was much too big. As soon as we put in a second hand seat for £15 that fitted he went over a second faster the same day.

4. Engines - Whilst practicing we should of stayed with an unsealed s60 longer. Jack was not old enough to race and I used to rebuild the motor myself. The extra w60 performance made a slight difference, as all the time was in the pilot at first.

5. Race engines - If you can afford a new blueprinted engine, get one at the outset of racing, from a recognised engine builder i.e. John Davies of Force Motorsport. We bought far too many engines (We had 7 at one point and Jack was still on novice plates). In the end I sold all but one of the original batch and bought two good engines new and paid a reasonable amount and we just use 3 motors.

6. Tyres - Do not buy new rubber more than a couple of times a year until you are within 1 second of the front runners. This season we average 10 meetings per set of tyres, next year we might reduce that to a new set every 5 meetings.

7. Lead - If you need weight on, get it on asap. The tyres and frames are designed to work with around 100 kg on, the kart will feel and handle different and you are not doing yourself or pilot any favours running light. Jack went quicker with weight on nearly straight away as the kart was more balanced.

8. Maintance - If you want to spend money on anything, get the carb rekitted often and keep the motor fresh - better value than tyres, race fuel etc.

9. Learn about setup properly - This can be hard if you are new to the sport and you often hear conflicting ideas etc. Although do your best to learn and possibly pay a decent team that runs and wins with your chassis to help you for one day to get the basics - Great ROI on speed / investment. We used Scott Walker of SAS and still use a lot of what we learned.

10. Coaching - If you have never sat in a real kart(I do not mean hired twin engine pro karts) get some coaching for your child or get some books and learn the basics. We have used Terence Dove of Evenflow and Mr. T has a great way of getting things across to kids. I had my first kart at 10 and raced on and off until my early twenties, although recently I only drive a kart now and then. I was in Spain a few weeks ago and had a go in a very quick kart. It always gives me refreshed perspective and makes me far more relaxed with Jack, it is tiring, physical and demanding(and fun). Many parents seem to miss this point, be patient and have a go in one if you can - you will not be as pushy and will have more empathy for the pilot - walk the talk! We now have a great solely dedicated coach in Chris Taylor and it works great if you get the right individual. Although most people seem to think because they can drive a car and watch F1, they can teach their child to drive a kart quick!

Best value - Seat time for the pilot is the best way to spend your pounds!

Obviously there are lots more things we have learned along the way. It is still possible to win on a tight budget, although not non exsistant. If a smart Dad truely understands setting up the kart chassis and engine. He makes sure it is prepared to the highest standards and has a pilot that has some talent, you can get results. One such example is lad and dad outfit Scott and Jake Walker.

Although the best advice I had was off John Hoyle of JKH - " You do need to spend a certain amount to be competitive, although any more than that amount is wasted".

New cadet kart chassis for 2010 - Zip Storm - no. 510

We decided it was time to replace our 2009 zip storm cadet kart (no.380), although we did think to wait, as the new homogation will happen in 1 year(2011) and that will require another new frame. After much consideration on the Wright kart or possibly a Tony Kart, we decided to stay with a Storm. We ordered a part spec Storm from Zip North and swapped over many of our parts i.e. seat, axles, steering wheel, floor trays etc. This saved some money and made the new frame more econmical and justified updating a perfectly good 09 frame for just a few hundred pounds (Relatively, this is karting !), after selling a full rolling chassis and engine.

The kart is nearly identical to our previous one (Red frame and red body work). The main difference is we have fitted the new castor kit ready for 2010. Our reasoning to stay on the zip was as follows:

- Jack wanted another Storm
- We want consistency for Jack
- We have loads of spares
- We like the ease of the setting it up
- They are still winning
- Ian Shaw of Zip North has given great service with easy parts availability

The Wright and Tont kart seem excellent cadet karts, although sometimes better the devil you know!

Wigan 29th Nov 2009 - Invitation series decider - Jack misses out after hospital check up!

Jack headed to Wigan leading the invitation series by 14 points. Jack needed just a 3rd and 4th within the invitation drivers to win the series.

Jack started heat 1 and got knocked off at the end of the straight, a little winded -the medics sent him to Wigan hospital to be checked out, the right decision. Although this cost him points as he missed two heats. After getting the all clear, Jack wanted to drive.

He had to start 34th and last off the back of the grid in the final. After a storming drive in torrent conditions, he climbed up to 18th. This placed him second in the invitation series in the final. This means the series is tied for first place between Jack and one of his friends Harvey Brown. Harvey takes the title on count back and Jack is second. Well done Harvey. Jack was disappointed although will still be invited to the black tie dinner in January to be presented with a trophy. Jack showed great courage by ending up in A and E, then still wanting to drive and putting in a great effort in the final; with a never say die attitude. I always try not to add too much "rose coloured glasses" hoopla into the blog posts, although we where especially proud of him last Sunday!

Round up 2009 and plans for 2010

WHAT A YEAR!

Jack completed his first race in Feb 09 and has improved all the time since. The first few races and winning novice trophies really caught his imagination and gave him a lot of satisfaction and pride. He joined SAS motorsport and made new friends and being in a team got Jack and I up to speed faster.

Then once we moved onto the full yellow plates it became apparent a lot of hard work was needed by both of us to move up the grid. This made for a few character building races mid season and he had to push on, even when things seemed to not run our way. A great lesson in life for a 9 year old. Jack has had more than his fair share of knocks whilst karting, as a friend Dave Taylor said "More hits than Take That", this was the biggest satisfaction for myself, the way he kept bouncing back and still wanted to race.

After a summer rest break we decided a new approach was needed. This involved traveling further a field and having a more dedicated one to one approach for Jack to start our push up the grid. This meant we ran independently and got a friend involved called Chris Taylor. Chris has many years experience and started as a cadet when 8 years old like Jack. Chris's experience and previous success added a missing link to our family run team. We also keep reminding ourselves karting is supposed to be fun!

Over the last few months Jack has improved a lot, although more importantly enjoys karting more and is starting to show signs that this consuming sport is becoming a real passion. He now gets me up on non race weekends to go and practice! Chris Taylor must take significant credit for helping Jack improve, although obviously Jack has worked really hard and seems to try harder and harder all the time to get better. As he is a bit of a Magpie and likes the shiny trophies....

The plans for next year include travelling to new tracks and possibly competing in the Northern Karting Federation, Motors TV challenge at DYKC at Teesside, and completing in MBKC(Manchester and Buxton Kart Club) championship. As the year progresses we will look to race regularly in large competitive grids at Shenington, Whilton Mill, Kimbolton and PFI.

Objectives for Jack (He came up with one of the below....yes number 1):

1. Have Fun
2. Look to get a little bit better every time he gets in the seat
3. Be sporting and show a mature responsible attitude

Summary - Karting costs a lot in time and money, although it is truly a unique sport. Jack has at least 3 and potentially 4 seasons left in cadets, I think I will have a lot more grey hair by then, although it really has been a great year for everyone. Last week Jack had to prepare and present a presentaion in school for homework. He did not have to think about the subject, the feedback was that he presented well and with confidence and I feel this is because he feels karting is "his" sport. That makes all the high's, challenges, sweat, tears and money totally worthwhile.

A big thank you to all whom have helped one way or another! We have one or possibly two races left in 2009. Then it will be a welcome rest break and some practice to get ready for another years fun in 2010.

Steve

Teesside 15th Nov 09

We enjoy visiting Teesside and it was our third visit and we felt the previous races would pay off. Sat practice went well and Jack felt confident he could have a good meeting.

The heats showed an improvement in Jack's starts and opening laps which has helped him progress and get better results. Consistent finishes in the heats of 7th, 7th and 8th gave Jack 5th place on the grid for the final.

Jack drove a more mature race in the final and finshed 5th his best result up to this point.

Hooton Park Nov 8th 2009

Jack started this year doing his first ever race at Hooton Park as a novice. The last Hooton club meeting of 2009 rounded out the Cheshire kart clubs season and even on a cold and wet Nov the club got 25 entries.

Sat practice went well and Jack seems very comfortable in wet / damp conditions and had good pace all weekend.

Final 9th place.

A solid weekend and Jacks best result at Hooton.

Wigan - 1st in the invitation series for Jack - 25th Oct 09

With a cadet entry of approx 40 drivers and an A and B final, MBKC Oct meeting promised an exciting weekend. A wet Sat practice and a virus meant an early finish to help Jack get rest.

Sunday saw an improvement in the weather and some solid results saw Jack make the A final.

Heat 1 - 18th
Heat 2 - 8th
Heat 4 - 23rd

After being held up in the pits before the start due to a non starting kart, Jack's start was compromised. Then some overtaking and a solid drive saw Jack leading the other invitation series drivers. Then 23rd place in the A final saw Jack placed first in the invitation series and silverware. Well done Jack!

Laps with Jack at Hooton Park

Teesside - 18th Oct 2009

We headed up to the Teesside Autodrome in Middlesbrough, to the friendly up and coming Durham and Yorkshire Kart Club. The club managed to get in 3 heats and a final by 1.15 pm ! and this allowed us to get home to watch the F1 and Button take the crown.

Saturday practice went well. On Sunday a few mistakes where made on set up with a lack of grip and the wrong gearing for heat 1. Heat 2 went better with a 6th place and heat 3 had a none finish due to a lose hub.  Not Jack's mechanic's finest day....

The final saw 10th on the grid and a steady start saw Jack back in 16th and last. Although his overtaking turned it round for him again and he climbed back to 9th by the chequered flag.

Jack wants to visit DYKC again as he feels a good result is not far away if lessons are learned. Overall a fun day, friendly club and a slick, incident free meeting.

Hooton 11th Oct 2009

Changeable weather made for a busy weekend at Hooton park. Due to only 2 heats any bad luck can set you back on the grid for the final. After first corner incidents in both heats and a bent stub axle, it was 20th on the grid for the final. Some frantic work fitting a new stub got the kart ready for the final.Again a first corner incident put Jack 22nd and last! Then with some fantastic overtaking and a spirited drive, Jack battled back to 13th overall. Which in a funny way seemed a great result.

Final 13th position.

3 Sisters Wigan - Sept 27th

Jack was eager heading to Wigan and looking forward to a race on the club circuit, as he has nearly always raced at Wigan on the Valley circuit. Sat started well and Jack set a quick time of 48.2 straight away. We left early as Jack has had a small virus/bug and felt a bit tired.

Sunday started well and Jack started his first race on the front of the grid and even lead for a brief period. Jack had 3 solid heats and seemed to be himself again after being under the weather and was off playing with friends and having fun as normal.

Final - 17th grid slot: Classified 15th, after Jack crashed and the race was red flagged.

After a racing incident Jack hit the tyres hard and was in pain. The medics and MBKC did a great job in helping Jack and he had to go to Wigan hospital for a check up, a bit of whip lash and a very sore back was thankfully the outcome. He still said it was a brilliant day and is eager to get back racing, as he is enjoying his karting more then ever.

Shenington - 19th - 20th Sept 2009

2nd place in the B Final

We headed to Shenington for Jack's first race at the U.K.'s oldest kart track. Saturday was spent learning the track with his lap times dropping in lovely September sunshine. This was also the largest cadet race entry Jack has seen, with a competitive field. Shenington kart club was also well organised, and was managed in a very professional manner.

A quick swim and a good nights sleep in a local hotel, Jack was eager to get his first race at Shenington underway.

After some mixed results in the heats and the usual bumps and knocks and a non finish, we had not scored very many grid points and Jack lined up 5th for the B Final. Although, Jack had got his lap times consistent and a best time of 52.2s.

B Final: Starting 5th, Jack did some good overtaking and drove very well to 2nd place to a WTP driver and was the first Comer driver home.

We made the A final, although with a long drive North ahead, we left early too beat the traffic after a really enjoyable weekend in which Jack learned a lot. Next race is Jack's local favourite track Wigan.

Hooton Park 12/13th Sept

After a 2 month rest, Jack was eager to get back racing. Sat practice started well and he was fast and was not far of the pace of the front runners in the first 2/3 sessions, although we did not get near this pace again due to a few problems.... Then after lunch, Jack had an off by defending a bit too hard and not conceding a corner. He hit into the tyres, knocked himself dizzy and after a trip to the medical centre, it was confirmed he had concussion.
An early bath was the order of the medic and he headed home with a sore head.

The next morning, he really wanted too race, although he was not 100% himself. We thought we would do the warm up and see how it went.

Qualifying 18th

Heat 1 -18th, Jack took 5 places quickly and then a spinner in front of him, caused a small bump and a restart near the back

Heat 2 - 20th - only completing 9 laps due to an engine failure, after driving well

Final - 17th - Battled through after starting near the back

Overall a fun weekend with the usual ups and downs. This should of knocked the rust off after a 2 month break. Jack is now looking forward to his first ever race at Shenington next weekend and feeling 100% again.

Summer rest break for Jack

Next race Sept

Dragon Masters GYG - 5th of July 2009

We made the trip to GYG race circuit in Wales for the annual Dragon Masters meeting. The format includes qualifying and a heat on Saturday and two more heats and a final on Sunday. The weather was changable all weekend, which mean't constant set up and tyre changes. It was also Jack's first race at GYG and the weekend promised to help build more race experience.

Sat practice: Jack was trying hard to learn the circuit and deal with the difficult conditions.

Qualifying: Due to the unpredictable weather and a great qualifying lap in wet conditions, Jack qualified in 6th place and surprised himself to be that far up the grid with well over 20 competitors. Well done Jack.

Heat 1: 20th

Heat 2: 15th

Heat 3: 18th

Final: 16th

Wigan Gold Cup 28th June 09

Hot weather and a substantial cadet grid made The Gold Cup meeting from MBKC a memorable one for Jacks first yellow plate race. Jack had an eventful weekend with plenty of ups and downs, although in his words "the best fun he has ever had" - Racing and playing with friends - What karting is all about !

Saturday practice went well and when the timed qualifying started late on Saturday afternoon Jack was looking forward to it. He put in 3 good laps and then had an off and the red flag came out. Jack was off to the medical centre, although was ok with bruised ribs. His time on his second lap was 21st out of 33 cadets.

Heat 1 : Started 21st. On the warm up lap a kart in front of him trying to warm its tires spun! and took Jack out before the race started and another quick trip to the medical centre.

Heat 2: Started last 33rd. Solid race taking climbing up to 19th over 8 laps

Heat 3: Started 19th, great start and moving forward, then a snapped throttle cable meant another retirement

Final: Starting second to last, Jack made and good start and climbed up to 22nd taking 10 places.

A solid weekend and Jack kept bouncing back despite the retirements.

The Best Comer Cadet Engine Builder / Tuner

We recently visited John Davies of Force Motorsport based in Selby, Yorkshire. John has many years of experience and was once a cadet Dad looking to improve his sons S60's performance; in the unsealed era. John's success grew by word of mouth and today is recognised by many as The leading engine builder for many different classes as well as Comer.

This post is unsolicited by John and is based purely on the fact that he has been exemplary in our dealings and the excellent service he has provided and we just felt praise is well deserved with the team from Force. Force Motorsport rate engines via an equation that factors in an engines capability over the whole rev range. Rather than a straight horse power figure that might only be achieved for a fraction of a second on the track. This helps ID engines that will deliver good track performance, rather than those that just offer a nice dyno print with a high HP value. This is why numbers like 110 and the magical 113 are banded about for the comer w60 engine.

Race Reports - Last 2 races - Hooton and Teesside

Jack's last two races where at Hooton Park and Teesside Autodrome. Both weekends taught Jack a lot about the ups and downs of karting(a bit like life, whick makes it a great sport for kids to learn about the world). The two races where Jack's final races as a novice and a closed fantastic period of fun learning to race karts.

Hooton 14th June 2009 - Sat practice saw carb issues, bent sprockets, and pace was hard to find being 2 seconds off his PB.

Heat 1 - start 21st - finished 18th
Heat 2 - start 26th - finished 17th

Final - Jack started 19th and made a mistake on the opening lap after making 3 places, the spin placed him 26th and last. He then pushed on and climbed back to 20th. A character building weekend....

A visit to Force Motorsport, post Hooton; found that the slipped chain at Wigan had put the crank out on Jack's best engine. Thanks to John Davies, we got our kit back in A1 condition ready for our next race in Teesside

Teeside Autodrome 21st June 2009 - A new track for Jack in the North East. DYKC was a friendly club and the fast sweeping track was an immediate hit with Jack. Sat practice was smooth and Jack was on the pace from the second practice session.

Heat 1 - Start 12th, classified 15th, retired whilst in 7th
Heat 2 - Start 12th, Finished 8th
Heat 3 - Start 11th, Finished 7th

Final - Jack started 10th and dropped to nearly last after a tentative start. He then showed some decisive overtaking to climb up to 8th and was first novice home. A great weekend all round and a fantastic way to finish as a novice. Many thanks goes to Scott of SAS, whom just seems to help keep Jack on a constant curve of improvement! Thanks.

Jack Leese, Hooton Park Cheshire Oaks

Well done Jack - Great driving - SASMotorsport

Well done Jack on a stunning drive last week at 3 Sisters, to win best novice in every heat shows just how far you have come, it was a shame your chain came off when leading the final with a couple of laps to go. You must put that behind you and think about all the positives from the weekend. And there was a lot of them. See you at Hooton in two weeks time.

Best regards Scott Walker, SASMotorsport.

Chain costs Jack another novice win

Meeting Three Sisters 31st May 2009

Jack had a mixed weekend in very hot weather. The conditions made the track have lots of grip and Jack worked hard to get the kart set up for the unusually hot weather in Wigan. Jack was easily the fastest novice on the Saturday practice session and was giving many mid field yellow plates a fright. Jack lapped consistently in the 48's all weekend and did not look like a novice, although no trophy this time and an early lesson in the ups and downs of motorsport!

Sunday:

Heat one first novice
Heat two first novice
Heat three first novice

This placed Jack 21st for the final out of 32 karts, excellent after starting near the back in all heats. Jack started well and gained places and pulled out a significant lead on the second placed novice. With less than two laps to go, Jacks chain came off and cost him the win. He was disappointed; as he has loved winning his previous trophies and is very competitive. Although he now intends to work even harder to improve and will focus on always getting better every time he gets in the kart and not solely think about silverware!

Jack supports team mate Jake Walker at FKS - 2nd Place !

Jack spent last weekend watching Formula Kart Stars at GYG in Wales. His team mate Jake Walker set a great example in securing second against the best cadet racers in the country. Congratulations Jake.

1st Place Novice - Hooton Park 10th May 2009 !

Jack adds another novice win at Hooton Park -

Sat practice was hard due to engine problems and a wheel coming off! Jack had one full session at the end of the day and showed he had the pace. He kept his spirits up and knew Sunday would be better.

Sunday:

Heat 1 - Started 14th and finished 9th with some decisive overtaking. Setting a new personal best (PB) of 43. 06
Heat 2 - Started 13th and finished 11th a solid drive with a another PB of 42.82
Heat 3 - Started 14th and finished 10th with some his best driving to date and again lower his PB to 42.44

Final: Started 12th and gaining two places to finish 10th and first novice home. Jack also consistently lapped in 42's and demonstrated his ever improving driving.

Check on pics of Jack on the following link - kart 87
http://www.digipics4u.com/CKR_Club09/CKRstart.htm

Click on round 4 and click on cadets, then scroll through.

1st Place Novice Win At Wigan For Jack !

Jack raced at the Three Sisters track near Wigan on the 26th April 2009. The Manchester and Buxton Kart Club meeting was held on the valley circuit. Jack has only visited the circuit a few times, although the track is already a favourite due to its fast sweeping nature. Saturday practice went well as Jack continue to improve his times and he looked quick in relation to other novices. His feedback on setting up the kart helped the team get the kart performing and he felt confident. On Saturday night he described himself as a magpie that wanted the shiny trophy....fingers crossed for Sunday.

Race Day:


As normal we started at the back for the heats due to his black novice plates and Jack was determined to make starts an asset and delivered solid results in the heats and kept finding time, to set a PB of 52.8 in the third heat and was hanging on to the back on the main train for the whole race. Heat 1 - Started 17th, Finished 15th. Heat 2 - Started 19th, Finished 15th. Heat 3 - Started 18th - Finished 13th.

Final:

The final was a cut and thrust with two other quick novices, with position changes every lap. Jack kept pushing and got the result of first novice across the line. Final - Started 14th, Finished 13th.

Jack immediately noted in the van on the way home that Scott and the rest of the team have helped him to get his first trophy(Thank you from Jack), along with some old fashioned hardwork and desire. Well done Jack !!!

New personal best

Jack achieved a new personal best at Hooton Park - his new time was 43.2s and he consistently lapped in the 43s. Jack's new extra speed was after being coached by cadet expert Scott Walker.
Thanks from Jack and the 42's look not too far off!