Drivers Star in National Karting Championship

Three North House L6th pupils have rocketed through to the South East regional final of the coveted British Schools Karting Championship (BSKC) 2014.

Will Palmer (17), Ben Gasson (17) and Mylo Boyd (17) captured their place in the BSKC Regional Final by beating local teams at the TeamSport indoor Karting track in Camberley on 18^th March.  

David Ardley, team principal, said “I am immensely proud of what this team has achieved.  After our unfortunate disqualification last year at the local qualifiers we have bounced back with aplomb, winning four out of the six races and gaining a second and a third in the other two. We carry through our first place to the South East Final at the international outdoor track at Buckmore in Kent on the 4^th May – the track where Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button began their motor racing careers. This is a significant achievement by the three students who have practised and raced with focus, passion and dedication.”

The BSKC is a nationwide team-based karting championship open to any school or college with students aged 13 to 18. Schools can enter multiple teams of three.  Students do not need any previous karting experience or any special equipment to participate in this exciting team sport.

Ben Gasson, a first time competitor for Cranleigh in the BSKC, said; “The racing was very competitive and hard work. The practice sessions beforehand were very important to help us get to grips with the track and the techniques required. On the day one of our close competitors said that Cranleigh were ‘stupidly quick”.  I think we will take that as a compliment!”

Mark Turner, Championship Manager at the BSKC said: “Congratulations to the drivers from Cranleigh School on their success.  They showed great skill to beat the other teams and make it to the South East regional final.”

The BSKC offers young people a structured route into motor sport and karting is a great way for them to gain confidence and learn many of the skills that will help them both in school and in other areas of their life.

For details of the Regional Finals or more information on the BSKC, visit www.bskc.co.uk. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter at @karting_bskc.