Leyland Karting Championship - Round 4

LEYLAND’S BAND OF MERRY MEN TAKE NOTTINGHAM BY STORM!

Forget that Robin Hood bloke, the real stuff of legends was to be found racing around the track at the Langar Kart & Quad Centre as the Leyland Karting Championship stormed into Nottingham.

In the latest regional heat, things were really hotting up and it was clear from outset that these drivers were taking no prisoners in their quest to secure a place in the grand final. After receiving a record number of entries for the Nottingham heat, competition was fierce with more than one would-be winner admitting to having sneaked in a few cheeky practice laps in preparation for the big day!

After donning their helmets and overalls, the transformation from working man to speed demon was complete and spurred on by Leyland Lovely Pippa, who faced her own endurance test after opting for killer heels, the race was on.

Some 30 of the region’s finest tradesmen were pitted against each other in the initial 24 heats and with the old maxim ‘points win prizes’ ringing in their ears, the drivers clearly meant business as they bombed around the track. As the battle for glory played out around the circuit, guests were able to take a pit stop and refuel courtesy of the carnivorous delights on offer at the complementary BBQ!

High on adrenaline and the smell of burning rubber, the tension was tangible as the drivers waited to hear who had made the semi-final roll call and who had crashed and burned. Marking themselves out as ones to watch after achieving fastest laps times in the initial heats, brothers-in-arms James and Roger Barnes stormed into the next round clearly intent of keeping the winner’s mantle in the family. It certainly wasn’t going to be an easy ride and with the likes of Gary Hickman, Danny Bebbington and Stuart Bliss in hot pursuit, not a bookie in the land could have picked a favourite.

For those whose driving days were over, Leyland Lovely Pippa presented a very shapely shoulder to cry on and the opportunity to have their photo taken with the pit-stop pin up reminded most that every loser wins. For those who were still trackside, an unexpected threat was just coming into sight….

Proving that car sharing is more than just an environmental gimmick, partners in crime Andrew Lowe and Richard Stubbs were taking the ‘tag-team’ approach. Having clocked up a more than impressive time sheet in their first heats, the dynamic duo took it in turns to pound the circuit and go on to secure a place in the semi-final.

After three heart-stopping races, the Nottingham dream team was found and as the drivers got into the ‘zone’ for the final, for once not all eyes were on the Leyland Lovely…

And like magpies with a competitive steak, the Barnes brothers set their sights firmly on the super shiny Gold and Silver winners’ medals with Roger and James taking first and second place respectively. Taking teamwork to a whole new level, Andrew Lowe and Richard Stubbs cruised into joint third place and received the bronze medal for their trouble.

Roger, who owns Roger Barnes Carpentry in Norwich, said: “It’s been a great night and to win the race is the icing on the cake! We might be brothers but anything will go at the final, although it is nice to think we have two chances of keeping the winners’ trophy in the family!”

Silver-medal winner James, who works alongside his brother, added: “We’ve had a great time and hopefully made the family proud! I’ll be looking to continue the winning steak in Birmingham and at the very least, beat my brother!”

Roger and James will be joined by 14 other tradespeople at the national final where they will be competing for a string of amazing prizes. Along with scooping the Championship trophy, the champion will also walk away with a behind the scenes full hospitality package for two with Leyland’s sponsored team, Airwaves BMW, at the final race of the British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch. Two nights accommodation for two at a four star hotel is also included along with £250 spending money and an exclusive BTCC & Leyland goodie bag. All the runners up at the national final will get their hands on a driving day experience voucher, along with a host of other prizes.

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize just fill out one of the entry forms for one of the remaining heats. What are you waiting for? GET ON WITH IT!