Leyland Karting Championship - Round 7

THE CREAM OF BRISTOL HIT THE ROAD!

This time it was Bristol’s turn to play host to the now legendary Leyland Karting Championship and as the fast met the furious, the action moved up a gear or two!

As one of the most contested heats for places of the competition so far, it was clear from the off that the good trades people of the South West were in it to win it. Some had brought family and friends to cheer them on from the wings, some had brought their own racing suits and crash helmets. Even ‘The Stig’ made a special guest appearance but the real stars of the night were Stuart Hazeldine and Dave Stockton who put the pedal to the metal to finish in first and second place respectively.

But the road to glory was a long one, and with 30 dynamic drivers battling it out over 20 heats, it was bumper to bumper all the way!

The tension was highly charged as the contestants surveyed the landscape that was going to make or break them over the course of the next few hours. The Raceway, Bristol’s largest indoor karting track, is an engineering feat worthy of nod from Brunel himself and featuring an epic flyover that takes the racing experience to a whole new level, it was time to buckle up or shut up.

With the smell of burning rubber signalling the start of the 4-lap heats, many brave souls soon came unstuck at the hairpin turn with bumps, crashes and 360 degree spins separating the men from the boys. Or should that be women from the men? Flying the flag for female drivers everywhere was Scarlet Waller who left plenty of her competitors red-faced as she effortlessly weaved around the track.

By the time the five semi-finals were underway, the pressure was starting to build and Leyland Lovely Tina was on hand to provide a shapely shoulder to cry on for those that could no longer take the pace. Seeking solace in the buffet, many were seen crying into their sausage rolls and after bailing out in the semi-final, Bristol’s very own Stig was just one of the drivers who parked next to Lovely Tina to watch the rest of the show. And what a show it was.

The final race reunited the winning drivers of each of the five semi-finals along with the next three fastest drivers and as the confirmed speed demons lined up to once again take their lives into their hands on the flyover and hairpin turn, those watching from the raised spectator area held a collective breath.

And then they were off. As closely run races go, this one was as intimate as a candle lit dinner for two with only milliseconds between those who reined supreme and those who were rained off. After giving the boys a run for their money, Scarlett finished a respectably seventh but it was clear from the start that someone wasn’t going to let anyone get in his way. As first past the finishing line, Stuart was soon joined by Dave and closely followed by Paul Brimelow who rocked up in third place. Basking in the spotlight, Stuart soon revealed that karting is not is only forte with the self-employed multi-skilled marvel specialising in plastering, kitchen fitting, interior design….and did we mention he also found time to squeeze in a few practice laps? However Stuart refused to have his head turned by the near celebrity-status that comes with becoming a Leyland Karting champion. “I didn’t come here expecting to win but as my lap times got quicker and quicker, I started to think that I could be in with a chance here!” Stuart said. “ I just hope that my luck continues at the final in Birmingham!”

Silver-medal winner Dave Stockton was also full of praise for the event and we are almost certain that this had nothing to do with him being able to get up close and personal with our very own Leyland Lovely Tina who was one of the first to congratulate him. “It’s really been a great night and I can’t wait to do it all again in Birmingham. Stuart better watch out though, there was less than a second between us and with so many great prizes at stake, I’ll definitely be moving up to top gear!”

Stuart and Dave 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.