Top local karter just misses out on a third title this season (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Top local karter just misses out on a third title this season

TOP local karter Richard Hughes narrowly missed out on his third championship title at Shenington on Sunday, having to settle for second place instead in that prestigious series.

He had already won the 2004 championships for the Rotax Max class at Rissington and Whilton Mill in what has been a magnificent busy season for the Castle Eaton-based driver on his Arrow.

In the 30 weekend meetings, contested, he achieved eight wins, eight second places and a dozen pole positions.

Over 50 drivers entered each of the three championships in what has become the UK's most popular karting class.

The Rotax Max formula is based on the Rotax 125cc water-cooled engine, with electric start, centrifugal clutch, power valve and efficient silencing.

The engine develops 29bhp at 14,000rpm and can propel the kart at speeds of up to 80mph at most circuits.

All engines are sealed and no tuning is allowed, although two de-tuned junior versions are also available for specific age groups.

Asked to sum up the season, Richard said: "It has been a terrific year. We set out to win all three series and that would have been a dream come true - I don't think anyone has ever won three championships in the same season.

"To win two and come second in the other is pretty close to the goal. I must first thank the Arrow team for supplying a superb kart and the 2005 model should be better still!

"Thanks also go to BRT for maintaining the engine, Spell-fame Karting for tyres and components and Total Butler for the fuel. I am really grateful for all the support and help I have received."

The next task is to attend all three presentation dinners and to collect the huge trophies. However, behind the scenes, work has already commenced on the 2005 season.

Richard has already tested the new Arrow A-Max kart and there is a full report on this in the current edition of Karting Magazine.

The first batch of these is arriving from Australia in the next few weeks and the team will be testing them in all conditions as soon as possible. The new karting season starts at the end of January, so there is little time for a break.

In 2005, the team will be expanding its junior section, helping more youngsters to get into karting.

Further details on the team's KDesign web site at: www.bizness.co.uk/karting