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
