February 12th 2019
Leo R Driving Success
Leo R, in Year 5, delivered a mature drive to win the IAME Cadet Class in mixed conditions at the challenging Whilton Mill circuit in Northampton recently. Although it was not a British Championship race, the field of 34 included the strongest karters in the country, some of whom are 3 years older than Leo.
Grid positions for the final were determined from the results of 3 heats with randomly drawn grid positions. Leo finished in 3rd and 4th positions in the first 2 heats. In the last heat, he was drawn at the back of the grid but came through to finish 5th, setting the fastest lap in the process.
The final was held under dark skies with the track damp in places. Leo chose to set his kart up for mixed conditions which proved to be a wise move. The early laps were frantic with 10 karts battling in the lead group. Leo initially lost positions but recovered and then came through to take the lead at the mid-point in the race, passing 3 battling karts in one corner. Once in the lead a light rain shower benefitted Leo whose kart was well suited to the damp track. He was able to pull away from all but one other kart. The leading pair worked together, running in each other’s slip stream, to establish a comfortable lead over the chasing pack who continued their close battle for the final podium position.
With 2 laps to go Leo made a decisive push and was able to break free of the 2nd placed runner. His slender lead was maintained over a tense final lap with Leo crossing the line a few meters ahead of his nearest rival.
Many congratulations Leo!
