Finally the long awaited go-kart challenge between the Kent TouchTec Kings 2019 team and their mechanics got off the grid at Bayford Meadows Karting and a big thank you to Ian Ward and staff at Bayford for entertaining everyone for the afternoon. Unfortunately Anders Rowe, Dan Gilkes, Nathan Ablitt and Drew Kemp (flying out on a racing tour of Australia) were unable to make it.
However this did not deter the Kings riders with many of them not holding a full four wheels driving licence!
A quick practice session saw the main contenders move to the front of the grid including Rob Kashdan from team sponsors TouchTec, Rob Ledwith and Russell Etherington - all from Rob’s pit crew.
An unfortunate heavy crash for Alex Spooner did not deter his enthusiasm and left him mid grid with plenty to do. It was a bad start for the Spooners as dad Chris was also taken out on the practice lap.
From the practice lap it was clear that no prisoners were going to be taken and that there were no ‘team orders’ and even if there were, they were being ignored! With team Manager Chris Hunt watching on he must have been glad it was the close season as at times it was like watching Rollerball!!
As the lights went up there was a charge to the first bend before chaos occurred approaching the tight 2nd bend as we had four drivers spin their karts as the other negotiated safely through. It was clear that the Ledwith team were experienced drivers as they dominated out front, with the amazing Alex scything through the field to join them. Youngster and normally placid Jordan Jenkins earned the displeasure of the marshals with his forceful driving and was lucky to avoid an exclusion when battling with the ultra-quick Jacob Clouting. Teenager Jake Mulford was struggling in the mid field as he learnt to drive his first motor vehicle with brakes, at the tender age of 15. The action was thick and fast with plenty of thrills and spills as the leaders came within a second of the track record and lapping some of the field.
The ultra-professional Rob K took the first race with the Kings riders filling eight of the top places with Team Trainer Paul Hurry proving he is no slouch with some solid driving. With the results of the first race determining grid positions for race two it was tight at the top. Again it was a close start with complete chaos occurring on the second bend as no one was going to give way. It was a good job a few were experienced grass trackers as they used every part of the circuit. After a close start the leading contenders pulled away while the remaining drivers battled it out for the minor places never giving an inch. No love was lost between the Cloutings as Jacob proved to dad Sal that he was top dog! With an all action style Jacob was duelling wheel to wheel with Jordan and who said bumping was not allowed?!
With most of the race completed the top four of Rob K, Rob Russell and Alex fought for the win. With the aggressive style of Rob ‘the bump’ Ledwith thinking he was a certain Dutch F1 driver as he moved out anyone in his way. Then with twi laps to go he muscled out Rob K allowing the following drivers Russell and Alex to burst through and this stayed the order to the Chequered Flag.
As they crossed the line 47 year old Rob Ledwith celebrated in style as he put everyone to the sword including his younger Kings team mates, followed through by Russell and Alex. As they took the accolades of the crowd there was anger about Rob’s forceful driving but after a drink and a chat all were best friends! The riders certainly proved to be top dogs as they took six of the eight top places. Who would believe this with them having to adapt to brakes – or were they using them????
A quick drink and off to the Mexican restaurant in town as they looked a poor imitation of a spaghetti western! As the team were so young it was a visit to Kasper’s in town after the meal rather than the local pub. Youngster Jake’s quote of the day was “awesome” as everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day provided by Ian Ward and all at Bayford Meadows Karting!