Leyland Karting Championship - Round 6

Hod Almighty, Leyland Does It Again!

Lewis Hamilton might have endured a torrid season so far but his legacy was evident as Leyland’s nerve-shredding Karting Championship erupted in spectacular fashion at the reigning Formula One champion’s home circuit in Hoddesdon.

Hamilton learnt all he knows at Kart Raceway in Hertfordshire and memorabilia from the 24-year-old’s already glittering career adorns almost every spare bit of wall at the track…the kart he drove during his youth even greets you when you enter the clubhouse.

Hamilton’s near god-like status at the venue set the tone for a night of frantic and exhilarating action as 30 tradespeople took the young Briton’s mantle and didn’t so much run with it, more speed off into the sunset at over 50mph with it!

Bathed in an early evening sunset the outdoor track in Hoddesdon had no idea what punishment it was to be subjected to as the dedicated Leyland customers strived to claim one of the two places up for grabs at the national final in Birmingham.

Like boxers preparing for a world title fight, the drivers were subdued and cautious as they awaited the all clear to commence battle down at the track. The tension didn’t last for long, though, as the appearance of Leyland Lovely Pippa brought some schoolboy-like smiles to the faces of men who should know better!

Pippa was on hand throughout to pose for photographs and sign copies of the Leyland Lovelies’ big-selling 2009 calendar, while she was even called upon to console those drivers who failed to progress to the grand final…surely that wasn’t in her contract?!

The action got off to a lightening start as all 30 drivers were given three laps to acclimatise to the conditions with a few of them setting down an early marker as ‘ones to watch’.

The drivers were split into two groups of 15 in order to battle it out for a spot in the final and the first lot wasted little time in utilising every inch of the huge circuit to get an edge on their rivals. It was almost as if the drivers had chipped in to make a bulk order of thrills and spills…the pace was relentless and the action was bruising, just another night out at Leyland’s Karting Championship hey?

The second batch were responsible for a similarly hair-raising display of driving, but still fell some way short of the fearless risks taken by the adrenaline junkies in the first heat. Bless them, they gave it their best shot though!

The 17 fastest drivers from both heats were then placed into a final race, which saw no shortage of drama and excitement. Andrew Hems got off to a wretched start as his front tyre rolled off on the first corner after a slight collision, while there were also a few more bumps and bangs in the early stages between the pacesetters.

After the breathtaking start the race then developed something of a pattern and allowed everyone to take stock of what had so far been a night packed with incident and entertainment. Two men who had no intention of taking stock were Paul Cooper and Jason Clark-Ward, who romped home in first and second place respectively to claim their spots in the grand final in September.

Paul started from fifth on the grid but it should perhaps comes as no surprise he made so much ground up as it later transpired that he used to be a racing car engineer!

Now working for WJ Cooper & Son General Builders in Southend, Paul was quick to lavish praise on his competitors. “The competition was really intense and I had to work really hard to make my way to the front of the pack. Once I was there I had no intention of letting it slip from my grasp…I had worked hard enough to get it after all! I’ve had a great night and would like to praise Leyland for all the hard work they have put in to give something back to their most loyal customers.”

Jason will be joining Paul in the final and will have his eye firmly on the top prize after showing great determination to come from seventh on the grid to claim second spot. “It was a tough drive out there and the 15-minute final really takes it out of you,” he managed to say in between breaths. “I’m looking forward to pitting my wits against the best tradesmen in the country at the national final now, bring it on!”

Paul and Jason 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.