NEWS – November 2014
Number 15
Drivers’ progress
Well what a month November is turning out to be with two top news
stories relating to Protrain drivers moving forward in motor sport.
Firstly Jack Hawksworth, a former British and Grand Prix Kart Champion
with Protrain has now secured a top team drive for the Indy Series in the
United States. Having had an up and down season last year, due mainly
to pit lane problems, Jack made such a big impression in his first year in
Indy racing that the great AJ Foyt has signed him up for 2015.
(www.jackhawksworth.co.uk )
Secondly the Formula Kart Stars announcement - LONDON - 19th
November - The 2015 Formula Kart Stars grid is filling up quickly with lots
of promising, young talented karters, who are all looking forward to impressing the Formula 1 teams.
One of those karters is 14-year-old Jonathan Hoggard, who sat down with FKS to give his thoughts on the
new FKS format, as well as looking ahead to the 2015 season.
“Despite only stepping into a kart with Protrain for the first time two
years ago, Jonathan has proved to be a very quick learner. Jonathan
really accelerated through the ranks, competing in several different
series, including finishing 3rd in Super 1 Mini Max this season.
After hearing about the opportunities FKS provides for it’s drivers,
Jonathan instantly knew what his next move would be. “I first heard of
FKS in June or July this year at a Whilton Club Meeting from a friend. I
thought it was quite cool if you won a championship, you can get into
an F1 young driver programme and I felt that it would be a fun
challenge to see if I could do that. I don’t think I would have been able
to get this opportunity without FKS.”
Jonathan also pointed out that he is pleased with how FKS will be a level playing field next year, with all
competitors being provided the same equipment. “There won’t be people with better engines being able to
pull away if they are slower drivers, which is good for competition and makes it different to the other
karting series.” (www.formulakartstars.com )
It is very interesting to note that FKS
also believe that the only way to
recognise true driving skill is to have all
of the drivers on exactly the same
equipment. I wonder where they
picked up that idea, and why do they
not mention Tyro?? But the other point
here is that once a Protrain driver with
Tyro, the sky is the limit as we have
produced drivers that are now running
in three of the major motor racing
classes in the world.
Tyro Racing Review 2014
With two seasons completed, set out below is a summary of Tyro driver performance at the different
circuits we have visited. As you will see all of the drivers have improved.
Driver’s Seat Position
All of the owners must take a good look at their kart seating position
ready for the 2015 season. Most of you are using the seat position
that was set when your Tyro was
new, and now your drivers are
probably 10 to 15cms taller,
which means the seat or pedal
positions need changing. The perfect position is shown in his picture,
arms and legs slightly bent.
To fit the seat, first fix a board across the bottom of the frame, such
that it very slightly lifts the frame. Set the driver into the lose seat
such that arms and legs are as shown. Hold the seat steady and mark
the best position by placing the point of a felt tip pen through the rear
set stays. Drill the marked holes. Bolt up the rear stays with spacers if required; you must use a large
diameter flat black spacer between the seat and any other spacers. With the rear clamped check the
position of the front seat supports, mark and drill the seat to suit. Bolt all four clamping systems tight.
Gillard Racing Karts
We all love our Gillard Tyro karts but in X30 Chad Little has even more to be pleased about with his kart.
Chad recently became the unofficial X30 Little Green Man Champion. Unofficial, because although a
competition was held, it is not an official championship this year because it is new class and they may not
have an MSA official championship in their first year. In the X30 World finals Victor Oberg, on a Gillard,
had a second in the pre final, and was chasing the leader very hard in the final for his engine coil to fail;
how tough is that?
For those looking for a nice race suit, a fleece, a jacket, a woollen hat, or a cap the Gillard range look
superb, and the smaller items make great stocking fillers. See pictures of some of the items on the web site
www.tyrokarting.co.uk/shop-team-wear/4574596432 or go to www.gillardracingkarts.co.uk/clothing/
Second Hand Tyro
With our numbers continuing to increase we do not need so many “taster karts” so we have two ex taster
Tyro for sale. Both have done less than 17 hours running and are available immediately complete with a
free test day at the circuit of your choice. The cost of each kart complete and ready to race is £2300
including VAT, make contact with Steve as soon as possible as they are available on a first come first served
basis, complete with a six month warranty. Call Steve if you need any more information.
Shenington Visit
The Tyro visited the famous Shenington Circuit in November and in spite of a foggy test day they had a
great weekend as recorded by our Tyro Official Photographer Archie Coveney.
For a full report check out the web site News page.
Heat One and Livi Holt leads them round on the first lap
Still misty as Val, Josh P. and Charlie round Wilkins
Livi with Ross, two superb performances
Georgie taking the lead from Jed, Guy, and Ross
“It just locked up!” Josh S.
Ross in full control
Guy and Oscar tangle, surprising Josh S.
Georgie leads then round to start the final
Maximum concentration from Josh.
Georgie passing Val in the Final
Tel - 07711 606967 or email - [email protected]