Hughes Racing Team celebrating two karting wins (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Hughes Racing Team celebrating two karting wins

THE Richard Hughes Racing Team celebrated wins on their Arrow karts in both the senior and junior Rotax classes at Rissington Kart Club on Sunday.

And the team also picked up the Novice Awards for good measure!

Team leader and reigning champion Richard Hughes, from Castle Eaton, near Swindon, won two of the qualifying heats in the Rotax Max class before going on to win the big race from pole position in dominating style.

As the commentator said, when the Total Butler supported driver shot away from the start, "This race is all about who comes second!"

And 15-year-old Peter Blakeney, from Devizes, took his maiden win in Junior Rotax, after coming third in the championship last year.

In a difficult first heat, he had to take to the grass to avoid a spinning kart, but strong performances in the other two saw Blakeney qualify in fourth place for the final.

He was soon up to third and closing on the leaders, when they tangled. But he immediately took his opportunity to get in front - and never looked back.

Lee Whichello had not even seen the circuit before he arrived on Sunday morning for his first ever race meeting.

He obviously benefited from a walk round the track with Richard and the way the team set up his Arrow, as he was immediately on the pace in Senior Rotax and went away with the Novice Trophy.

Meanwhile, Nick Ponting (13) from Rodborough Common, near Stroud, also put in some accomplished drives in the MiniMax category, to take the Junior Novice Award.

Team manager Bill Hughes, who thanked all the team at a champagne party following the event, said:

"I am particularly delighted for Peter. He was always the 'nearly man' last season, but consistently quick, and this win will boost his confidence still further.

"Richard loves the Rissington track and the new Arrow A-Max kart was superb, despite not having any testing on the circuit.

"With our BRT engines on song and the new novices coming on well, I am really looking forward to this season."