Junior and Lightweight Adult Race Series: Round 1 Debrief
We relaunched our Race Series last week on Friday the 6th of February for a exciting new 6 Round Spring/Summer championship Series. To encourage drivers of all ages to take part in some form of competitive racing, we have split the Race Series into 3 separate classes which consist of: Junior (8-11) and Lightweight Adult (12-15) Series’ being held on the first Friday of each month and then an Adult (16+) Series being held on the following first Sunday of each month. This creates a fair racing dynamic in which factors such as experience and weight are as equally spread as possible.
Race Series Format
The format of the Race Series is the exact same across all 3 age classes. The aim is to give each driver an equal chance to showcase their driving skill by starting from different positions on the grid in each of the 3 heats per Round. The Spring/Summer Race Series format is as follows.
- 5-minute qualifying session for all drivers to get used to their kart and the track conditions whilst attempting to set their fastest lap time.
- The grid for Heat 1 is the order of qualifying (fastest to slowest) and this Heat will consist of 16 laps.
- The grid for Heat 2 is the reversed order of qualifying (slowest to fastest) and this Heat will consist of 16 laps.
- The grid for Heat 3 is the accumulated points that the drivers have won from Heat 1 & 2 (most points to least points) and this Heat will consist of 16 laps.
- The points for Heat 1 & 2 are as follows from 1st place: 24, 22, 20, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10.
- The points in Heat 3 are boosted and are as follows from 1st place: 30, 28, 26, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18.
Junior Race Series: Round 1
The Junior Series had 3 drivers ready to go head to head with one another on Friday evening, and with challenging, slippery conditions it was certainly a test for our younger drivers. Max, Matthew and Mason all showcased amazing ability driving in the tough conditions and avoiding any costly mistakes throughout the 3 Heats.
- Max finished out as the overall winner of Round 1 after claiming victory in all 3 Heats as well as 2 fastest lap bonus points. The defending champion is off to a great start in 2026. Amazing stuff Max!
- 2nd place was awarded to Matthew after two 2nd place finishes as well as a fastest lap bonus point in the final Heat. A solid start from Matthew who will look to build on this performance in the next Round.
- Rounding off the podium was Mason with a 2nd place finish in Heat 2. Mason is showing massive improvements every time he takes to the track, keep up the great work Mason!
Lightweight Adult Race Series: Round 1
The Lightweight Adult Series unfortunately only had 5 drivers in Round 1 due to other commitments by a number of drivers, however we raced on with our 5 drivers who were raring to go! Just like the Junior Series, the track conditions were tough with some treacherous patches of standing water on certain corners. This Round was spectacular with entertainment around every corner, just ask the marshals! All 3 of our podium sitters claimed a Heat victory and they were only separated by fastest lap bonus points, which meant the drivers had to leave absolutely everything out on the track, lap after lap.
- David took the crown of the 1st Round after an incredibly tense 3 Heats. He claimed a crucial race win in Heat 3 as well as 2 fastest lap bonus points in Heat 1 & 2. Well done David, a great start.
- Angela claimed 2nd place but was so unlucky not to take overall victory after taking the lead in Heat 3. She won Heat 1 and claimed the fastest lap in Heat 3 as well but sadly it wasn’t enough to beat David to the top spot. Keep up the good work Angela, the win will come!
- Josh was our final driver on the podium after an impressive win in Heat 2 , coupled with a 2nd and 3rd place finish in the other Heats. Josh is really growing in confidence and his race craft is improving in every Round!
That concludes the debrief for Round 1 of the Junior and Lightweight Adult Race Series. A big well done to all those who raced, especially Rhys and Sam in the Lightweight Adult Series. We would also like to extend thanks to the parents and spectators who showed up to support their drivers, you really do create a great atmosphere for the drivers!
Round 2 of the Race Series will take place on Friday the 6th of March and there are still spaces available to book. The booking link is below or you can find it online by going to www.wightkarting.co.uk or give us a call on 01983 565366. Thank you!
