Formula (MARK 1) Grand Prix (ESSEX MARK)
Go- Kart Race!
The 2024 Formula “MARK ONE” Championship was envisaged as a motor racing competition for GO- Karts at the dedicated Racetrack located in Grays ESSEX; this was the inaugural race to raise money for the Festival 2030 Charity. It was open to teams of all ages and abilities for a fun yet competitive event. The Race was contested over a Grand Prix style two-hour period.
Drivers and teams competed for the Podium spots (and bragging rights) of Top Team.
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The day was blessed with fine weather conditions, making for good race “visibility” conditions – no excuses for drivers not seeing any hazards on the track!
The event started around 3.00pm with Team drivers arriving, (many familiar faces intent on winning!) booking in reception, then being kitted out with their official ‘Race Gear’; all supplied by the venue. Then off to an official briefing. (Mandatory safety briefing included) Richard Goodwin addressed the assembled drivers to wish them good luck in the race and to thank all who were participating, especially Mark Lawrence for organising the event (based on an idea from Paul Thurgood). He reminded everyone it’s all for Charity! (Festival 2030).
First twenty warm- up laps to pace and set timed position on the starting line-up grid.
Then the Grand prix race for real started! (Circa 4.30pm).
Spectacular views for spectators of the Race from the Track side and Pavilion areas.
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The Race could be real time “live” tracked via modern technology using dedicated Apps to give lap time race positions etc to add to the experience of checking how the Team was performing in the Race.
The race had the expected “thrills and spills” – thankfully nothing too dramatic to warrant a major incident to stop the racing. Eighteen participating Teams positions swapped grid places as team members were called in to the pits for a pit- stop to refuel or change drivers. The Race at first was led by 2 or 3 teams but congratulations to Team 1 (Cornerstone Craft) for showing the other Teams how to win!
Richard Goodwin then invited all the winners on to the Podium for a few congratulatory words to all assembled; then John Finlay presented the winners trophies to the top three Teams. Followed by the traditional spraying of Champagne!
The real winners of course, CHARITY!
Raised more than £3k
A BIG thank you to all our sponsors
Constantine Mark | Constantine RAM | Grays Thurrock Mark |
Aurelius Mark | Fillebrook Mark | St. Katharine's Mark |
Wayfarers Mark | Tuscan Pillar Mark | Khalsa Royal Oak Tree Mark |
Chingford Mark | Ilford St. Mary Mark | Mayflower Mark |
Mark of Love and Remembrance | Stilus Et Denarius Mark | The Easterford Mark |
Centurion Mark | Essex Armed Forces Mark | Southern Star Mark |
Beneficence Craft | BSF SOLID SURFACES - David Bailey | Cornerstone Craft |
PRIORY ESTATES - Jason Rees | USE THE SUN - Eddie Gammage |
Race Results
1st - Team 1: Cornerstone Craft ~ Luke Daisley, Ben Turner, Michael Lacovou
2nd - Team 16: Beneficence Craft Lodge ~ Christian Webb, Stuart McMillan, Steve Mills, Connor Mills
3rd - Team 2: Crowstone Mark Lodge ~ Simon Basham, John Basham, Richard Turner
2nd - Team 16: Beneficence Craft Lodge ~ Christian Webb, Stuart McMillan, Steve Mills, Connor Mills
3rd - Team 2: Crowstone Mark Lodge ~ Simon Basham, John Basham, Richard Turner
“Big thanks to all that took part and all those that won - perhaps come back again next time - to all those that didn’t quite win - perhaps next time! – It’s all about the taking part”
Posted 11/10/24