Home drivers take triple honours at World Karting Championships

Lincoln driver Louis Wherrell missed out on a podium place in the finals of the World Karting Championships on Sunday (September 15) after rain hammered down to cause chaos and crashes at the Trent Valley Kart Club south of the city.

It was the first time the championship had returned to the UK since 2017 after beating 18 other countries that applied to play host to some of motorsports biggest future stars. 

Louis is currently rated the best driver in his age group, so will have been disappointed that he had to pull out after 18 out of 22 laps in his final, but one young Briton, 15-year-old Ethan Jeff-Hall from Lancaster’s CRG Racing. was crowned world champion at the PF International circuit near Stragglethorpe.

Fellow Britons Joe Turney of Kart Republic Motorsport and Matthew Higgins of Energy Course joined Ethan on the podium in second and third respectively.

Around 250 drivers took part in the three classes, which meant that with mechanics, team helpers and support staff around 1,500 race personnel were on site as well as an estimate 2,500 spectators over the weekend. 

“It’s hard to put into words, but this is the ultimate event in the karting world,” explained Nigel Edwards, the Chairman of Trent Valley Kart Club, based at PFi. 

“It is a huge festival of karting, spread over four days and involving only the most successful drivers in the world.”

The requirements for an international-level event can only be met by few venues around the world and Edwards said no stone has been left unturned to ensure the event is as successful as possible. 

“We will have more than 70 marshals and officials on site, with an additional logistics team involved for parking up vehicles and organising the paddock.” 

“Not only are the drivers on show, the circuit organisers and the venue itself are too. The track celebrates its 30-year anniversary this year – with its bridge extension 12 years ago setting it apart and making it unique. It remains renowned as one of the best karting circuits in the world, and its status as a World Championship venue is just reward.”

Pictures: Brian Tyler Photography / Visiarti Media