It was the last event of the year at Larkhall over the weekend,and we had a point to prove with Steven.
There is a rule change next year,meaning that the Honda engine can have its seals remove,allowing it to be modified.There are still rules,and a spec to what can be done,blue printing ,so nothing major but the 2 stroke guys are kicking up a stink.It has caused a lot of "discussion" between the parents of the cadets,with a choice of 3 engines for next year and it has been said that "cheat" Honda engines will be built and will be the fastest on the track ,so we needed a good result for Steven while his engines still have the seals on them.
We are sticking with Honda for next year ,it is regarded to be the " beginers class ",however it can also be very quick when driven properly.
Steven has had a good end to the year,winning last time out at Crail.
We tested Saturday and Sunday last weekend,and really made a big step forward in the wet,so we knew were in good shape for this weekend.We were on the pace yesterday ,for the first time ever at Larkhall,I was well chuffed,he has always liked the wet,and the Honda engine with his chassis is awsome.
I done a few rain dances last night before I went to bed,and as you all know,it was very wet today,and Steven was loving it,with his first ever heat win at Larkhall,all be it from pole,but against the 4 best drivers in scotland
Heat 2 was even wetter,and we had a 7th place start(13 karts in total) so I told him to take his time,not take any risks and use the 8 laps to get to the lead(which I knew he would do) .By the 2nd lap ,he had passed them all and was in 1st place and then opened up a good lead,which he kept to end.His fastest lap was 7 tenths quicker than the Scottish champion,and nearly a second a lap faster than next guy.His kart has so much grip in the wet,he could do no wrong,its was great
Heat 3 and he started last .I told him that he did not have to win this one,just to try for a 5th place to get front row for the final.He had caught the lead 4 by lap 5 ,great,but he decided he was going for an other win,got to smart,and made a mistake,spun out ,and got stuck in the mud.Bummer.by the time he got out,he was last with no way of making up any places.
He still qualified 5th for the final,so a win was not going to be hard for him,4 karts to pass ,10 laps to do it in.The plan was to do 2 laps to calm him down ,and see where all the deep water was,as it had really turned wild,and then take 1 place a lap.....a walk in the park
.All ready to go ,and we were told to switch of the engines......"sorry guys ,but the finals have been canceled " What a night mare.Had a look at the track,and had to agree with the decision,standing water and some very deep pudles,but Stevens chance of the win was gone.
He is OK with it,and knows he could have won it,thats motorsport for you.
Thats it for the year,a few fun days for the kids,and I am prokarting next weekend,so will let you know how that goes.I also bought Steven a 2 stroke for next year so we will see how that goes,along side the Honda.
Cheers
Stu
