JCB Academy student kart racer Sam Randon was left to reflect on what might have been despite a storming race which saw him battle back from last place to finish fifth in the final round of the Edgar’s Hyundai SuperOne British Karting Championship.
Strength of character helped the 17-year-old work through one of the most frustrating weekends of his racing career.
A succession of mechanical gremlins confounded his attempts to put his stamp on the Shenington circuit in Oxfordshire at the weekend.
Randon refused to be beaten by the equipment, but the young racer had every reason to be downhearted as he prepared for the final in an unfamiliar last place.
“We blew up both of our engines on Saturday morning and only managed a handful of qualifying laps,” he said.
“Then it wouldn’t start for the Sunday warm-up, and stopped again on the track in the pre-final before the race had even begun.”
The most crucial race of the weekend, the finishing positions of the pre-final set the grid for the final, so the JCB Academy student found himself starting at the back.
During the 15-minute final, the young racer stormed through the pack to finish fifth, setting a new lap record in the process.
“I really enjoyed the final, the kart felt great and we were flying. I’m obviously pleased we got a result today, but without the problems I could have won this event,” said Randon.
