Ok, that didn’t exactly go to plan..
The long and the short of it is; I didn’t make the top 6 in my ‘local’ BIKC final. Gutted isn’t the word!
After a relatively competitive practice session, I was disappointed to find that (following a mandatory kart change) I was only able to qualify in 14th place out of 24 drivers, with my best lap time being 2/10ths slower than I had achieved in practice. This left me lining up 2nd on the grid the ‘B’ final, made up of the slower 12 drivers. My only opportunity to qualify for the regional finals would have therefore meant finishing in the top 2 in the B final (which I duly did), and then to make my way up to at least 6th place in the ‘A’ final from 14th on the grid..
Sadly, I was only able to make up six positions to finish 8th overall in what was actually a competitive race (in which I set something like the 5th fastest lap), just running out of time at the end to gain two further positions. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement, however other than my sub-par qualifying performance (which I attribute more than anything to a slightly off-pace kart) in general I was pleased with the way I drove on the night in what was actually a very competitive field of drivers. My congratulations go to all of the drivers who qualified across the different weight categories, and I wish you all the best for the regional finals!
Rather than getting down about not qualifying I’ve decided to pick myself up, dust myself off and enter the next round of Castle Combe’s Karting Championship, due to take place on 13th October. I may also look to enter the final round of the championship in November -
After a couple of relatively positive results at Castle Combe earlier in the year I’ll be hoping I can finish off my 2024 season on a high. I’ll be sure to let you know what I end up doing though!
Until then -
Drive safe, and have fun!
Ben
