Stanley Stafford and Sebastian Burlington both produced impressive displays in their races at round eight of the UK IKR Karting Championship at Shenington recently.
Stafford and Burlington, who are from Lympsham and Elborough respectively, travelled to Oxfordshire with confidence following their wins in their classes on Mansell Raceway in August.
After overcoming three heats, Stafford started the race in sixth place and he set about passing two karts into the tricky harpin, he moved to the inside and was incredibly late on the brakes ensuring the passes were made in style.
It wasn’t long before the move for third position came with a brave pass into the chicane and securing a podium position.
With the two remaining karts firmly in his sights, Stafford set fastest lap and the move for second came quickly with skill and conviction.
With only pen lap remaining, Stafford moved in on first place, and closest rival.
The two racers were wheel to wheel at speeds of over 59 miles per hour.
Stafford, however, just ran out of time and road as the two competitors crossed the line just 500th of a second between them and had to settle for second.
“That was a difficult weekend but we recovered well from the mess in heat one to finish second,” Stafford said.
“The kart was on fire this weekend and I learnt lots. Thanks to all my sponsors, Ben from Win//R race team and my family for all the support, I just hope our next races goes more to plan!”.
After overcoming three different heats, Burlington began the race in 23rd position but right from the start he carved his way through the grid making arguably some of the best overtakes of the season.
On first lap alone Burlington moved up through the positions, making seven overtakes.
By lap four, Burlington had already past 14 other drivers and was in the front pack hunting down more competitors.
A further three overtakes came on lap five and six resulted a final finish of fifth position.
“Whilst the result was not what I wanted, this was one of my best drives of the season,” Burlington said.
“The kart felt good in the final but I knew I still had a lot of work to do to recover. Thanks to all the help from Win//R race team and my dad for believing in me”
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