50th Event 5 – Go Karting

The fifth event in our year of celebration, a go karting event aptly titled ‘SDC 50’ in ‘Le Mans 24’ style, geared up to start on Saturday 12^th March. Eager racers arrived at Whilton Mill Karting in Daventry under a sunny sky with a scattering of clouds providing optimal driving conditions.

Drivers kitted up and after a quick bacon roll fuel stop, listened to a pre-race safety briefing – which still led to injury for some! The 136 drivers (split into 20 teams) all took on a practice lap to decide their starting positions on the grid.

The lights changed at 11am and the race began! The challenge was a 3.5-hour marathon that tested skill, stamina, and team strategy, and included multiple driver changes and fuel stops. Many teams opted for strategies that gave drivers short stints in the karts with multiple driving sessions for each person.

Event commentary was provided throughout the day by Steve Deeks, who kept up the morale with constant race position announcements, and humorous jokes to the dismay of the clumsier drivers. For those not racing, SDC’s event village was set up to provide food, drinks, entertainment, and passers-by could also spot the Classic Formula Ford racing car in SDC colours for the 2022 season.

After some intense laps round, and round, Derry Building Services took first place, followed closely by ‘Kicking Asphalt’ – a team led by SDC’s Director Carl Bennett. Senior QS Richard’s team, the ‘Botley Bandits’, rounded up 3rd place. SDC’s achievement doesn’t stop there however, with M&E Manager Adrian Hutson setting the fastest lap of the day at an impressive 59.586s!

As the driving wound down, SDC’s Director responsible for this action-packed day out, Gary Wykes, took to the stage alongside Administration Manager and event organiser Marion, and Steve Deeks to present the prizes to the winning team. Marion, as a member of the chosen charity, Samaritans, was then presented a cheque for £10,000.

Gary thanked the drivers, volunteers, and sponsors, LF Solutions and CPS Building Services, for attending the day before everyone jumped into their cars and drove home at a much slower pace.

Photos from the day can be found HERE.