REMEMBER
The Fun Meeting is on the 9th April because of the Red Bull event on the 2nd April. Our apologies for the change of date but Red Bull do now have influence in motorsport generally and are, from our point of view, worth keeping happy!

Site Improvements
As many of you will have realised we have, in the last 4 weeks, installed new ladies toilets, refurbished the mens toilets and installed a new drain around the Dog Leg on the circuit. The drain has already proved its worth but it took far longer for us to complete it than we expected. It ensures that when the circuit is drying out after a shower all the circuit will dry evenly removing last year's problems of a "stream" across the Dog Leg & St Johns. Our apologies and thanks to those owner drivers who were inconvenienced while the work was ongoing (and thanks to both Will and Chris of KNE who stayed out on the circuit digging the drain in the worst weather of this winter!). Over the next few weeks we have a long list of small improvements to complete prior to Super One coming in May …. none affecting mid week use of the circuit. In addition we are planning to erect a large building near to the present scrutineering building to provide a covered Park Ferme for larger Championship events.

Paddock Chat
Since my return from holiday there have been a number of incidents and conversations that need to be addressed by parents in the hope that the racing at Warden Law and the atmosphere that surrounds it improves.

i. Cheating is endemic throughout motorsport (as it is throughout life and business) but it occurs, in my opinion, a lot less than the gossips suggest. Sadly many drivers and their parents assume that a quick driver must be cheating as he has beaten their son. Over the years I have seen several successful drivers work hard to reduce the weight of themselves and their kart; spend a lot of time on the circuit and dyno testing ………. only to accused by the losers as cheats. Another point that some parents over look is the poor example that they set to their own children by whinging to anyone who cares to listen.

ii. The correct way of expressing your views regarding another driver is in the form of a Protest form and correct fee (MSA events) or by quietly talking to the Clerk of the Course at the Fun meetings. Gossiping with other competitors achieves nothing and often results in you being seen as a whinger etc. Sadly one or two regular WLKC members are known more for their whinging and complaining than for their success on the track. On the Protest form be specific as to what your complaint is ………. a general comment e.g. "he must be cheating (because he's winning?)" helps no one. If you do not have the conviction to Protest another driver at an MSA event please think long and hard before going around the paddock bad mouthing other drivers.

iii. I would suggest that all drivers avoid the temptation to "have a go" at another driver just because he has upset you on the circuit. So often the victim assumes that the other driver did it deliberately. Why? All drivers make mistakes from time to time including you / your driver. If you feel aggrieved talk to the Clerk but do not approach the other driver yourself, particularly in the heat of the moment. If you are approached suggest to the other driver that he talks to the Clerk or puts a Protest form into the office AND then walk away!

Let your results on the circuit do the Talking!

WTP & Comer
A lot of the recent troubles nationwide over the new WTP engine originated from the February Fun meeting at Warden Law. It is probably fair to say that the club and circuit have attracted a lot of criticism nationally because of the exaggerated claims made re the new electric start WTP. One parent, who did not take long enough to consider all options, contacted the MSA to complain based on one new electric start WTP on one day's racing in mixed weather with open tyres. The whole issue of the electric start WTP has now blown up out of all proportion and has damaged entrants, the clubs and circuits nationwide. Having talked to all parties concerned i.e. the MSA, the ABKC and the John Mills group, I now do not believe that they will sort the issues out before at least the summer of this year. I feel that the interests of the parents of WTP drivers have been forgotten by the "power that be".

The KNE Fun meeting will, with immediate effect, revert to last years regulations for WTP i.e. 100 kg weight limit for the pull start engines. At this moment in time I see little point in trying to run an electric start class. We are going to run the class as an open class for WTP (pull start), Honda AND Comer. Please ring me if you have any thoughts, issues, problems with this so we can get the Cadet class back on track. If any one is considering the Comer class as an option please talk to me as soon as possible.

MSA Points and the WLKC Championships
As a result of problems over the last 2 years with manually calculating Championship points the MSA Club have acquired software that allows the points to be calculated by the computers. Points are awarded based on every drivers finishing position. For a more detailed explanation talk to Anne Laws at the next MSA club meeting. Recent changes in the KNE offices means that any queries to do with MSA racing at Warden Law should be directed to Anna Lightfoot during office hours. Emma Little remains responsible for all queries to do with the Fun meetings.

The Kart Shop
After several months of discussion HRS are moving off site as from the 1st April 2006. They will continue to operate from the North East and provide engine rebuilds and continue to sell CRG karts & Rotax engines. Their contact telephone numbers remain the same. Karting North East are taking over the shop and will continue to supply owner drivers with consumables etc at the circuit. Further details will be available soon.

If anyone believes that they have what it takes to run a Kart Shop please talk to Ian Lawson as soon as possible. We need someone who ……is willing to work most week ends, has retail experience, can take responsibility for stock control, understands customer care and who has key board skills. Some knowledge of karting is necessary but it is not top of the list by any means. Most parents whose son / daughter has been involved in karting will have sufficient knowledge for this position. Other staff will be employed to support this position. Talk to Ian or Emma if you are interested.

Personal Injury Insurance
Combined Insurance has contacted KNE re cover for WLKC club members. They offer Personal accident/disablement insurance - a straight forward policy from Combined Insurance, offering a range of levels of cover for accident, injury and disablement at home, work or play - even whilst karting! Low starting rates…for more information please contact Paul Owen 07737 542136 or Tony Daglish 07950 329863. KNE are not acting for Combined Insurance in any way other than to pass this information on to you.

Junior Karting
KNE are trying to build up interest in junior kart racing by offering Junior Race meetings in hire karts on the 4th Sunday in every month. To enter a young driver must have completed our Induction Course. We are dropping the minimum age to 8 years old with the intention of running 8 - 11 years old as a separate race from the 11 and older. Some consideration will be given to weight i.e. a heavy 11 year old will race with the older group while lightweights will race with the younger group. Quinton will be available midweek to provide additional training if wanted to young driver who wish to progress.

Free Entries for You!
If you introduce 2 drivers to our Junior Race Meetings i.e. who you book in, KNE will give you a voucher of £25 to use either for testing or for racing at the Fun Meeting. As an additional incentive we will only charge for one driver with the second going free. (Both drivers must attend to claim the free voucher, existing Junior Club drivers cannot claim and payment must be made when booking). The race format is 3 heats plus a final for all drivers. All equipment is provided. This offer applies to April and May races only.