MOTORSPORT: Close to 50 drivers contest opening round of Coningsby championship

With practice getting under way at around 10.30am, it was clear from the off that the track would be very greasy to start with. Once the grass was gone, the track was producing a huge amount of grip but also churning up as well. This not only made set-up of the karts critical but also proved tedious for the track designers and drivers alike, having to pick the perfect line every lap.

The top three in the 70cc class were all drivers who only started racing last year so a big well done to all of them. First was Emily Holland showing all the boys how its done. Second were the Craven twins, Josh and Elliott, and Oliver Goodliffe was third.

Winner at 90cc was Jack Goodliffe, stepping up from the 70 class. Second was another ex-70 driver from last year, Katlin Holland, and third was Winter Series points champion Billie Fiveash.

The 125cc 4T junior was dominated by Brandon Joyce, winning all of his heats which, with a grid of 11 karts,, was highly impressive. Second was Alex Ward, back from injury, and third was 125 novice driver Nathan Tatton, an impressive drive considering the grid.

Also returning from injury after a smash over the winter was Andy Moore who triumphed in the 125cc 4T seniors. Second, just pipping brother Adam, was Luke Blower.

Andy Nunn dominated in 125c two-strokes by winning every race, not an easy feat considering the competition of Ryan Simmons and legend Kevin Smith. Kev suffered mechanical gremlins and Ryan was third.

But with probably the drive of the day in the last heat was John Reynolds. In heat five, John was certainly giving Andy a run for his money and was pushing hard for the race win, ending in a very well deserved second place on the day.

Winner in 250cc 4T was Paul Carter, pipping brother Mark who claimed third on the day. Second was Craig Holland who took his maiden win along the way.

The 250cc two-stroke class boasted the second biggest grid of the day with 10 karts racing.

First was returning junior legend Daniel Smith who raced many years ago and enjoyed a lot of success. Runner-up was Mick Clarke, bouncing back from mechanical gremlins, and third was last year’s championship winner and British champion Shaun Everard who also suffered mechanical gremlins.

The next round of the championship will be being held next month at one of the club’s new fields at Carlby in the south of the county.