At the start of the Prokart Heat 1 a coming together of the leading karts resulted in Danny Davison having a ride to hospital in an ambulance. I am sure that I speak for all club members in wishing Danny a swift recovery from his broken collar bone.

Summer Holidays
Remember that Wednesdays are kept free of hire karts ( as far as possible ) so that owner drivers can get some serious testing done.

Junior Racing
KNE are trying to start regular race sessions in hire karts for juniors. The target age group is 10 – 16 years old. If you know anyone who may be interested please pass on our contact details.

Byker Grove
The BBC have filmed on several occasions recently at Warden Law as they prepare an extended story line around karting. On Monday and Tuesday 15th & 16th August they are returning to film the finale which is the kart race where the hero beats the bad guy on the track. I believe that this exposure for karting on national TV can only benefit the sport ( and consequently the grids ) as the programme targets teenagers. To create a realistic race I need about 10 – 12 volunteers who can turn up on both days and take part in the filming. This is your chance to be on TV! All you need is either a Prokart or World Formula kart. Please let Emma know as soon as possible if you wish to be involved. You would need to
be at the circuit from 8 am until at least 6pm both days. All offers of help would be appreciated.

FUN Meeting
Well done Quinton for running all classes except Senior Max on our software. I hope the timing sheets are an improvement from the entrants’ point of view. The August meeting will have all classes on computer. Please remember that accurate info, re kart and transponder number, is needed by us to make the system work.

World Formula Championship
Those involved in this class will be aware of allegations of cheating against Steven Welsh who dominated the heats and final. Sadly many drivers and parents jump to the conclusion that a faster driver than their boy must be cheating. Both Peter Knibb and I are well aware that most allegations are made without any accurate or specific info as to what they believe the driver has done that is illegal. A number of reasons exist as to why one kart is quicker than another. They include –

In my time running the Fun meetings I have learnt that winning drivers spend more time on the circuit testing, altering set up, dyno and preparing the engine, taking lessons and generally demonstrating a great deal of attention to detail. Sadly the results of such dedication is often interpreted as cheating.

Last Fun meeting the scrutineers and officials watched and discussed Steven’s driving during the day. His kart, tyres and engine were checked thoroughly on the day. In addition KNE took the decision to send the engine away for a full strip down and check by the importers and engine sealers. Nothing at all was found to be wrong! In my opinion Steven and Gordon Welsh do not deserve the unpleasantness directed at them last Sunday by a few drivers / parents. Having spoken to them today they are happy to forget and move on. I hope that the drivers who spent most of the last Fun meeting making allegations and “fanning the flames” will now make better use of their time.

Finally the WF entrant who wrote anonymously to complain needs to learn how to make a point properly. Firstly if you are unable to make your complaint in the proper manner on the day to the Clerks then why bother writing anonymously? Secondly, which circuit or event weighs all karts prior to the start of each race? Please remember that the meeting is intended as a Fun Meeting so we are somewhat
relaxed with novice drivers.

MSA Kart Sporting Committee
A number of points were raised and discussed which you may like to consider.

All drivers should be given the chance to marshal a race meeting to give them a better insight into the problems faced by officials. As Peter and I think this is a wonderful idea we are willing to give any driver over the age of 16 the chance at the Fun meetings. Please form an orderly queue at reception!

The Black & Yellow Quartered flag is still in use for karting. Drivers should reduce their speed immediately to a steady pace as soon as the Quartered flag is waved. No overtaking is allowed with karts forming a line behind the leader. The race will be restarted by a waved green flag on the start line.

Weight of driver, speed of kart and ballast carried is a subject currently being reviewed. I suspect that the club will survey all drivers possibly in September to gain factual information. Heavy drivers who are too young to move up a class are also being considered in this review.

Tyre testing will continue to be used with suspect tyres being identified on the grid. The competitor will be asked to change tyres if his tyres are found to be outside the accepted parameters.

Discussions continue about bringing all non hire kart racing under the auspices of the MSA. How ever the regulations for entry level karting i.e. our Fun meeting will be simplified and streamlined.