March 2026

March was always scheduled to be a quieter month, with just Shenington Round 3 in our calendar. We did have the option of some testing at PF International, but as the rounds we are wanting to do are mainly in July and August, I felt it was a bit early to compete there.

We also had our secret test, which of course by now, you will know it was a fantastic test day at the new Silverstone International kart track, a brand-new FIA ‘A’ rated circuit; it will be the most prestigious venue in the UK, hosting some amazing karting in the future.

There is no doubt that the current situation in the world is having an impact on our sport and we are already seeing increased costs in some areas. We need to be cautious with our budget and ensure we can attend events where we can get our best results and also give you, our sponsors, the best exposure.

Silverstone Test

I was so lucky, and it was a great surprise to be told on the morning of my birthday that I wasn’t going to school, and that in fact we would be taking part in the inaugural test of the Silverstone kart circuit.

We knew it was due to open soon, and I was invited to go and test their readiness to receive owner drivers, to provide feedback about the circuit and facilities as an owner driver. It was a true privilege for Jade to select me as part of the test team; only 2 cadets were invited from the team, me and Theo Tyack, and only 2 from our friends at Tim Wilson Motorsport.

The day started with a driver’s briefing, then there were to be 5, 11-minute sessions where the whole venue would be monitored to check performance.

The circuit, now likely the best venue in the UK, features the longest track with up to 5 different layouts. We would be using the full international layout, 1377m long with 18 corners, elevation changes and a high-speed starting straight.

The track was truly amazing, super abrasive but very enjoyable, the day was run very well but at the moment there are some significant improvements that are needed for owner drivers.

The kart ran well and it was a good chance to put some extra hours on our new engines, although we did get through a few sets of tyres!

Shenington Round 3 - Saturday Practice

Having spent the Tuesday running around Silverstone, the kart had a quick prep for the weekend. After the disappointment of round 1 in the fog and round 2 with the penalty, I really needed a good weekend.

I still have an engine that needs some time on it, so the first couple of sessions were spent doing that and messing with carburettor settings to try and get the perfect setup.

With the help of Noah Wolfe on the coaching and analysis, I managed to find a few tenths throughout the day. The Saturday afternoon practices were very close though, the whole grid covered by half a second, which was surprising. I was really off the pace with a 6th and 7th placing. Race day looked to be a battle.

Sunday Race Day

The day started bright and a little chilly, with everyone in full race trim, normal service was resumed and I found myself in P3 over the quick 5 minute warm up. Rudra Gokulnath and I looked set to resume our previous competition as he posted the fastest time.

Heat 1

With mixed grids, I wasn’t having any great start positions all day, both heats would be mid pack. Heat 1 starting P5 with teammates Felix and Theo 1st and 3rd respectively, hopefully with their help we could push to the front. I got a great start, immediately into P4 whilst Theo spun and dropped to last, I then pushed forward to 3rd on lap 2, Rudra made the move for first and a lap later I pushed through for second, we worked together to push away from the pack, creating a 3.7s lead from Felix in 3rd, we were so evenly matched it was impossible to pass and I settled for 2nd knowing this would put me in a good position for the final without risking an accident or collision.

Heat 2

A better start position of P4 in heat two, however, the weather was on the change, the warm sunshine had gone and the surface was getting damp.

Starting on the outside of the track, I got pushed wide at the start and Theo and I spun into the infield. I did manage to recover quite quickly but this was a big problem; I was now away from the pack and last on the road.

I pushed hard and on lap 4 caught the main field, I managed to move up to 8th and then past Felix for 6th but the damage was done, I eventually finished 6th, meaning I had all the work to do in the final. Rudra took P1, which guaranteed him the pole position on the grid, and I would finally end up starting from P4.

Final

Starting P4, I had Felix on P2 and Harry Favell in P3, both difficult to pass, both quick on the day, but it had started to rain, so I was feeling good. A swift change to an all wet setup and we headed to the grid.

Sat on the grid, dad was having issues with one front tyre; it wouldn’t hold air, he told me just to drive until I couldn’t, we had no choice. It would inevitably go flat but we had no other tyre to put on in such a short time.

So that was the plan, the start was difficult but I maintained my 4th place and as predicted getting past Harry was hard, I finally managed a move on him on lap 5, up to P3, sure the tyre was flat now!

I caught Felix, by lap 7 but again, in the wet he was proving hard to pass, all the time Rudra was getting further and further up the road, I passed Felix on lap 9, but the gap by then was too great to make up, some 3.7 seconds, with a flat tyre and sitting P2 that was the best I could do, crossing the line for the first podium of the year and very happy to make it. My lap times were very good considering and I think we could have got to Rudra earlier if I wasn’t worried about the tyre.

The result puts me in 3rd place for the Shenington Championship, just 12 points off 1st, but I must work on catching Rudra. I also collected a third place in the Shenington Winter Cup by securing a second place in the event.

Up Next

April will be an important month as we move towards the first round of the WERA Tools British Kart Championship opener in May at Whilton Mill.

Whilton Mill Testing - 22nd April

Whilton Mill Round 2 - April 25/26th

Shenington Round 4 - April 18/19th