What a pit lane!

26/9/09

Thursday morning dawned bright and sunny over the Daytona Kart track at Sandown Park, Surrey. As the clock ticked past 9.00am the sound of the twin engines of the Pro-Karts could be heard firing up, ready for the Business Class Grand Prix.

Twenty-one drivers were going to compete over the 900 metre track for the honour of fastest chapter member. John James, last seen at Dancing Queen in Richmond, arranged the forty minute competition as a great team-building exercise for the chapter, but also as an opportunity to show that he could transfer his opportunist road driving skills to the race track.

The pre-race breakfast of bacon butties was supplied by chapter member Sarah Burley (Hampton Hampers), as was the mouth watering lunch time spread and a photographic record of the event was captured by fellow chapter member Daniela Justus (Babitonga Photography).

Qualifying soon sorted out the men from the boys - well the fast from the not so fast - and the grid was set for the race. When the flag dropped to start the race Mr. John James was left on the line. He says his kart wouldn’t go. Personally, I think his eyes were firmly fixed on the pit lane. But more of that later!

The event was split into two twenty minute races, with the results being combined to find the finishing positions. After a change of kart our soon to be Chapter Director, one John James, managed to secure second place in the first race, with the fastest chapter lady being Katy Letman.

It was the second twenty minute race that was more interesting. This was due to the starting grid better reflecting the true speeds and abilities of the drivers, and also because the confidence of the drivers and their circuit knowledge was better. However, over confidence was taking hold, as were tired bodies!

One notably confident driver was Lee Morris, who not only had a number of ‘incidents’ and spins, but also posted the fastest lap of the day.

The final result? In first place overall was Colin Kent (staff member at XGeneration), in second place John James (he proved his point!), with Lee Morris taking third. Our fastest lady was Katy Letman.

It was a brilliant day, great for the chapter, with networking continuing long after the chequered flag had dropped over lunch in the sunshine.

Oh. That Pit Lane. Unluckiest member of the day, me, I couldn’t drive due to a recent operation, but it had its compensations!