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Strawberry pair pips GP rivals
Luke and Joseph Reilly score brilliant 1-2 at Kart Masters
6th August 2009
For the past thirteen years, the annual Kart Masters event at PFi has
been the jewel of the British karting’s summer season. The chance of
winning the sought-after ‘GP’ plates attracts large grids, and as a
result the racing is often fast and furious.
The team’s Junior Max star, Josh Webster overcame a chassis bending
crash during Saturday’s warm-up – which required some ‘caveman tactics’
to try and straighten it out again – and went on to finish 16th and 2nd
in his two heats: good enough to secure him a sixth row grid position
for the first final. His team-mate, Barrie Pullinger had had a similarly
torrid time but qualified just one row ahead, in tenth position.
Their fortunes would be polarized in the opening moments of the race.
Despite losing a place at the start, Josh was able to recover and
steadily climb up the order to take an excellent 2nd place. In contrast,
Barrie was out almost instantly – the victim of a crash and with a
broken wheel.
Unable to cut in at the start of the Grand Final from his outside
position going into the first corner, Josh dropped to fifth place,
whilst Barrie conversely enjoyed a dream start. He rocketed from thirty
first on the grid up to seventeenth.
As the race settled down, Josh began to pick his way through to the
runner-up spot. In the midfield, Barrie had something of a rollercoaster
ride, but was eventually able to seal a respectable fifteenth place.
In the Senior category, Luke Varley led the line with strong
performances throughout the weekend. Fastest in his group during Timed
Qualifying, he won his first heat and finished fourth in the second.
James Greenway and Joseph Reilly fared less well, although James did
take a heat win.
In order to join his colleagues in the pre-final, Joseph found himself
needing a top six finish in the B-final (or repecharge) and didn’t
disappoint, winning it with ease.
He then delivered a barn-storming drive, to leap-frog from twenty ninth
to sixth place in the pre-final. Luke had assumed the lead almost
immediately and duly won to take first blood and pole for the Grand
Final. James was unable to get into his stride and became embroiled in a
four-kart dice just outside the top ten, where he stayed.
As the air thickened with tension, Luke emerged from the fog of exhaust
smoke to lead the Grand Final. Joseph also profited, nipping into third,
then second, in quick succession. The pair broke away and was able to
open a gap of over three seconds from Michael Simpson’s similar Tony
Kart, which they held to the chequered flag.
Strawberry boss Warwick Ringham said, “I’m very pleased, especially for
Joseph. He had a couple of bad heats – one where we had to start from
the back of the grid and the other where he broke a rim. To go from the
B final to finishing second was just fantastic. I said to Luke before
everything started on Saturday, whoever qualifies on pole will have the
early advantage. He focused on making sure it was him and he did it.
From there, he was consistently in the mix. He deserved his victory.”
Regarding his Junior stars, he commented “I’m really happy for Josh. He
did very well and I think second was a good result. Unfortunately Barrie
broke a wheel in the first final and that put paid to his chances. But
he showed character and didn’t give up. I would also like to say a
special thanks to Paul Chambers for his efforts and contribution to our
success. He gave us great technical support and a big ‘Thankyou’ to Paul
Carr who worked wonders helping to get Josh’s kart somewhere near
driveable again. I’m also grateful to all the drivers and members of the
[Strawberry] team for their efforts and of course to Steve, Tim, Richard
and Heather at Steve Ogden Engines for their support and fast engines!”
The team still has a small selection of their works, race-winning Racer
EVR karts for sale. These are perfect for the Euro Max series and senior
KF classes. Prices are from just £1,900 and the team can supply the
karts complete with new or used engines. Call Warwick now to discuss
your requirements on 0114 269 6215/0114 288 9933, or e-mail him at
info@strawberryracing.co.uk
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