Featured Driver – Jessica Bage
Jessica started karting when she was 13 years old at the same time as her sister. The chosen class for her was world formula which was supplied from Prosport. It was Mike Crawford who introduced us to Bob Shipman. After a few months practice at Warden Law and Teesside she felt confident enough to start racing however we struggled to get a good result.
Jess wanted to move to something with more grip because her driving was not suited to hard tyres, we told her to stop trying so hard and smooth things out with her driving but that was not going to happen. She popped the question to her dad; can I have a go in your Biland dad? We had an important meeting that night and I agreed we would give it a go. She raced three rounds at Warden Law and did quite well. Picking up some trophies.
We then decided to try her in Junior Max and got her an MSA licence. The test was done at Teesside on a wet Sunday morning; she did one race in Junior then moved on to Senior. The class suits her and she goes quite well. Jess has two more races on Novice plates then she will have her full licence.
Next year we are running Jessica at teesside and hope that the grids will be big with good competition.
Thanks to everyone who has helped us especially Ben Dixon for running Jessica at Warden Law in the July meeting, he managed to get her a win that day in senior max. He did better than me.
Neil Bage & Kim Gardner
Featured Driver – Ben Thompson
It was never our intention to introduce karting into our lives but when a friend offered Ben an old S60 comer cadet Kart we thought it would be “ just a bit of fun” not realising where it would end up, the cost or the time involved.
It was mid 2008, Ben was nine years old at the time, the kart had sat in the garage for a few months without any interest until eventually we took it to Teesside and after a shakey start Ben began to find his feet and really enjoyed it. After a few more visits we decided to enter the November Teesside Sprint where we finished last but that didn’t matter we were hooked.
A conversation with Bob Shipman and other’s about cost and reliability led us to consider different Cadet options and we decided to change to a Honda Cadet Kart. We bought a Project One chassis and RPM engine returned to Teesside in December and finished second. We also started racing in the Warden Law Club Championship, Ben’s confidence and desire to compete grew, Karting by now was a big part of our lives.
In January 2009 Ben passed his ARKS test and competed in his first MSA race at Teesside, since then he has raced at Fullbeck, Larkhall, Rowrah, GYG, and Woobwell in the NKF championship where he has finished in second place overall including pole position in qualifying at GYG and a front row start for the final at Larkhall, collecting 24 trophies throughout the year so far and also achieving the Honda Cadet lap record at Teesside, plus currently holding third place and 1st Honda in the Warden Law Championship.
We never thought Ben would take to karting like he has but it has given him something to focus on and allowed us to spend some quality time together although as in all sports it has its highs and lows. Jill, Bens Mam, is very proud of his progress and he has her 100% support although she finds it difficult to watch him on track (without airbags, seatbelts and speed limits).
Throughout our short time in karting we have received endless help and support and made many new friends, Ben himself wants to thank everyone who has helped make his introduction into this sport easier, safer and happier.
Ian, Jill and Ben Thompson
Featured Driver – Danielle Gardner
Danielle started karting about 3 ½ years ago in late 2005 with her sister. Her dad was already karting at this time, racing Biland and he decided to let the girls have a go.
Danielle and her sister started by sharing a kart, this being a World Formula and practised at Teesside and Warden Law. The plan was to get her to do a lap time that was under 60 seconds and the prize was a set of new tyres, but what she didn’t know was as the tyres got worn the harder it got then after a few weeks she got it! When the new tyres went on she was on the pace.
Danielle was a bit shy to enter her first Club meeting at Warden Law in 2006 but one of our friends Ray Watson talked her into it. With a year and a half in World Formula and finishing 2nd in her first half a year, then 4th in her 2nd year we decided to move her onto Junior Max. She thought this was great and we got her through her MSA license. She has been in this class now for about 10 months and is getting to grips with the changes, enjoying travelling to the different tracks and learning different things.
When we moved from four stroke to two stroke karts it made things interesting because there was so much to learn and now Danielle has got to grips with her kart and setup and she knows what she wants therefore we should do a lot better. Watch out guys move over for the girls!
Her chosen Championship for this year is the NKF, which she is currently 7th and still has four more rounds to go, she is aiming for a top 5 finish. We are enjoying the experience of travelling to different tracks around the country and competing with lots of other good drivers, not many girls competing in this sport. Danielle will hopefully step up to Senior Max next year and we hope we can still have lots of fun on the track and on the social side of things, where we have met some great people, who have become very good friends. We won’t mention you lot because you know who you are.
Thanks to everyone for their support who took the time out to help us in a male predominant sport.
Kim Gardner & Neil Bage
Featured Driver – James Walton
When I first proposed the idea of promoting our drivers in the program I never thought it would be my own son so quickly! After the first 2 meetings we decided as a committee to leave the featured driver decision to the Clerk of the Course as we didn’t want anyone accusing us of favouritism in any shape or form. I was a little uncomfortable with George’s choice this month but the little man had a good day and James is very proud to be chosen. Below is a run down of his brief involvement with the sport.
In July 2006 our family was involved in the inflatable accident in Chester-le-Street and 6 weeks later James was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. We can’t be sure it was a direct result of the accident, but without any history of diabetes in the family it was likely that it was trauma related. As a result of James’ condition we found it increasingly difficult to sustain his blood sugar level when he was playing football and rugby and he was missing out on weekend matches with friends. That’s when we started to look for an activity that only needed short bursts of energy.
One of our friends told us about Warden Law circuit and we immediately booked his induction to see how he liked it. His instructor at the induction was Jay Southern who told us that he looked quite natural behind the wheel for a beginner (were you reeling us in Jay?) and nicknamed him ‘Stig’ as he went everywhere with his helmet on! We couldn’t keep him away from the place and decided to get his own kart rather than paying a fortune for arrive and drives (probably would have been cheaper when we look back!). Jay and his dad Allen gave us invaluable help and told us a lot of the pitfalls they encountered when they started. Actually, Allen told us that we would be better off buying a fishing rod! Now I know exactly what he means….
Allen sorted us out with a good second hand chassis and a Honda engine to get him in the seat quickly rather than go through the pain of the Tryton/Comer saga that was keeping a lot of the Comer Cadets in the paddock last year. It turned out to be a great decision and he cut his teeth in the Warden Law sprint races after about 5 or 6 weeks practice. With Allen and Jay’s help we avoided getting carried away too soon and concentrated on James’ driving skills and getting myself familiar with the setup and maintainance of the kart. It was a steep learning curve at first and it’s still seems like it gets steeper but we both learned the basics a lot quicker thanks to the Southern family.
In October of last year we decided to try some MSA racing but didn’t expect to the problem of getting a licence for a Type 1, insulin dependant, diabetic. After a conversation with Sheila Barter at the MSA she told me James would have to visit the MSA appointed Doctor in London for his opinion. James was aware that if the decision was not in his favour then he could never compete at National level should he wish to, but he didn’t worry about it too much. The MSA Doctor asked him if he knew the signs of extreme blood sugar levels and how to correct them which he answered without prompting. A quick check over for general health and he said, ‘Well James, I think I’m going to let you go racing!’. Talk about a load off our minds……..
In November of last year I was honoured to be invited by Bob Shipman to join the committee of the new MSA Club at Teesside. Although very inexperienced with karting and clubs in general I offered to help with the general administration and communication duties of the club and also to take advantage of the internet for ease of race entry and membership etc. Thinking back, I was struggling for spare time before and never realised the work and commitment the role demanded. I have, and still am, enjoying every challenge the club has and will continue to serve as long as I am wanted and I feel I’m providing some positive input. The workload has had one negative effect – lack of track time for James. We decided to switch to Comer Cadet for 2009 and he has found it difficult making the transition because of the lack of time behind the wheel. It all seems to going the right way now, but as I’ve been told many times, ‘Never think you’ve cracked this sport or it will bite you!’.
Through Karting and DYKC, we have met some great families and individuals from all backgrounds and we could not have hoped to find a better sport that involves the whole family.
Thanks AGAIN to the Southern family and also Bob and Liz Shipman, the Hardys, the Maddison family, Anton van Rooyen at Warden Law and everyone else that have kept us on the right path during our short journey so far.
Chris & Jit Walton
Featured Driver – Robert Shield
Words and pictures kindly submitted by Michael and Julie Shield
For a number of years Robert was asking for a Kart, his grand-pa had raced karts in the 50s, his dad had rallycrossed in the 80s, so it was only a matter of time!
In February 08, when Robert was 13, we had a look at Warden Law, saw what was available and went away to think about it. Junior TKM seemed the most reasonable option.
We began racing at Warden Law in March 08, it was a huge learning curve but Robert certainly seemed to have a racing spirit. In only his second meeting he won during extremely adverse weather conditions of snow and sleet, beating his nearest rival by the full length of the start/finish straight. He was running a strong 2nd in the championship with the possibility of leading when Robert broke his wrist at home, by this time we thought it was time to move onto bigger and better grids ready for the possibility of competing in the Northern Karting Federation Championship (NKF). We went to Rowrah, to enable Robert to get his MSA licence. It was fantastic we had a great time and were hooked. We spent time last year visiting Fulbeck, Three Sisters, Wombwell and Larkhall, just to let Robert have a feel for other circuits and prepare him for the 09 NKF.
The latter part of last year we joined ‘The Clan’, a Scottish based team who have been invaluable with their help and support. Andrew Fairley, boss of the Scottish team, has advised us on technical setup and on aspects of driver training and race tactics.
We were delighted Teesside Karting has become a MSA track run by DYKC, this means we have a local track where Robert can concentrate on a local championship.
2009 has begun so well, Robert loves the Teesside circuit and consistently showed he is very quick, his string of wins means he took the Winter Championship, not bad bearing in mind he had been racing for less than a year.
Robert’s biggest achievement so far is winning the prestigious, TKM Platinum Cup at Three Sisters, Wigan in March which he had only entered in order to gain race mileage on the Three Sisters track before the NKF visits the venue later this year. Immediately matching the pace of the leading contenders, Robert finished his first two heats in second place before winning the third heat. He then led the final from the start, beating more experienced racer Aaron Mansergh to win and claim the Platinum Cup. The event carried a fantastic prize package including a new racesuit and a Ferarri/single seater driving experience which includes one-to-one training and coaching sessions at both Three Sisters and Donington.
Sadly we will be missing the 1st round of the DYKC Summer Championship as we are at Larkhall for the 2nd round of the NKF where Robert is currently lying in 4th place.
Have a great weekend and we will be back in May.
Featured Driver – Tom Maddison
Words and picture kindly submitted by Paul and Lynne Maddison
Tom started karting in 2006, age 7, as a way of drawing his attention away from motocross. As a family we decided four wheels were safer than two!! After his first session on a hire kart we were approached by one of the instructors who suggested his ability belied his age and perhaps we should think of taking up the sport competitively. This set us thinking and a few weeks later we proceeded with the purchase of a second hand Zip Blade.
The excitement of his new hobby was short-lived as within weeks he fell from a tree and broke his arm finishing that season before he started!!
We hoped 2007 was going to be a fresh start, however this was not to be the case. From the first race we were beset with problem after problem, crash after crash, expense after expense, what had we got ourselves into.!! Tom, however was undeterred and managed to achieve a couple of Driver of the Day trophies and numerous top 3 finishes culminating in a fourth place overall in the Warden Law Championship.
2008 started off well with numerous top 3 finishes giving him a healthy lead in the Warden Law Club Championship, however this lead was diminished towards the end of the season resulting in a second place overall.
Toward the end of 2008 we decided that for him to improve he needed to compete on other tracks with larger grids and therefore his MSA license was obtained. He has since visited PFI, Wombwell, Wigan and Teesside.
2009 started with the purchase of a new Intrepid Maky Chassis. He has used this three times so far gaining a 1st place at Warden Law and a 1st place at DYKC in February. At the last Three Sisters meeting, near Wigan, he competed in his biggest field yet of 22 drivers. Starting from the back in each heat, he managed 7th in the first heat, 6th in the second heat, dnf in the 3rd heat as someone spun leaving nowhere for him to go, damaging stub axle, trackrod etc. The situation was bleak as no spares were available so the only option was to try and straighten the parts. This was achieved with the help of the Intrepid team, allowing him to make the grid for the final. He was allocated grid position 6 due to his earlier finishes so we were hopeful of a top 3 finish. It did not take long for our hopes to be dashed as on the warm up lap he was hit from behind and spun putting him in last place again!! After a fantastic drive he had worked his way through the field to finish a very creditable 6th, picking up the 1st Novice trophy on the way.
As this is written he has obtained 4 signatures on his novice license……………1 more to go before he can compete on a level playing field.
In the two years Tom has been competing he and the family have made lots of good friends without whom karting would not be such a pleasure to take part in.
Featured Driver – Lee Bourner
Lee was born into a motorsport family, his Dad Mike Bourner, competed as a clubman in stage rallying and then rallycross. When Lee was 11 he asked if he would be able to race a Junior Mini in rallycross when he reached the age of 14. As parents we thought it sensible for him to learn some driving skills in a go kart. Little did we know what we were letting ourselves in for! Lee was a generally a quiet boy, lacking in personal confidence and self esteem, coping well with Junior School but in need of a focus for his youthful energy.
Lee commenced karting with Warden Law Kart Club in 2004 aged 11 on a WTP Cadet. He quickly gained a reputation for his good clean driving skills but lacked the confidence to overtake. Even though he may have qualified on the front row, his nerves often caused him to be physically sick before the start of a race!
In 2005 at the age of 12 Lee moved up to Rotax Mini Max. Competing at club level, his confidence grew, he won numerous races and titles. 2006 Mini Max NKF Champion, 2007 finished 12th in Super 1. 2008 Lee moved up to Junior Max aged 15. Commitments to his GCSE’s left very little time for practice and kart development, consequently Lee had a very poor season.
Lee’s first event this year was Round 1 of DYKC Winter Series. A mixed level of competitors from novice to S1 veterans, guaranteed that there was a breadth of experience on the track. The racing was clean and the paddock atmosphere very friendly. Despite putting slicks on for heat 2 whilst the track was still damp, we were very pleased with the final result. Looking forward to competing at Round 2. For 2009 Lee will again be competing in Junior Max Super 1.
Mike & Sandra Bourner
Kieran Mooney
Kieran has submitted his picture here to give you an example of the featured driver post. You could feature here if your achievements bring you to the attention of the club. We will also feature any driver that is involved with the positive promotion of karting in any way. If you’re much improved or at the front or challenging then you can expect to see yourself here. In the interest of privacy everyone can opt out of these features in the upcoming members area but why would you not want to be here???