A TEENAGER from Oxfordshire is hoping to take his emerging racing career to the next level when he takes part in the British Kart Championships.
Carterton’s Robbie Blacklaw will race in the Junior X30 class, with the first event running from April 28-30 at the PFI Circuit in Lincolnshire.
The 14-year-old initially got into karting after a visit to Kent’s Brands Hatch in 2019.
His dad, Darren, has since been taking Robbie to tracks at Oxford and Milton Keynes, in order to fuel his passion for the sport.
He said: “I took him to Brands Hatch and he begged to have a go – it turned out he was actually pretty good.
“We then went to Oxford near enough every weekend and he learnt his craft.
“Unfortunately, Oxford closed for redevelopment so we then started going to Milton Keynes.
“It’s been an interesting journey so far and when he’s in the kart, he’s in his own little zone.
“He amazes me with some of the moves he pulls off, they’re not ones I would’ve done.
“I’m excited to see how it goes for him this year in the British Kart Championships.
“He’s now up there against the next level, but he’s got the thunder, passion and skill to do it.
“He’s excited for it. When he’s on the track, he switches himself on.
“He doesn’t really get nervous, he takes it in his stride.”
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The last few months have seen father and son source sponsorship to cover the pricey costs that come with the sport.
Two sets of tyres are used over a race weekend, with each set costing £160, while if required, a fully-built engine would set them back approximately £2,500.
“Towards the end of 2022, we looked at who we could approach,” Blacklaw said.
“He’s been proactive in getting sponsors, and he was bold in approaching people and getting them on board.
“He knows this costs money and he’s worked hard to get sponsors.
“It won’t be an absolute fortune what he’s got, but it’ll help with the running costs.
“There’s a lot more to sitting in the car and driving it round the track.
“A set of dry tyres are £160 and it’s the same for a wet race – he’ll burn through two sets over the weekend.
“Tyres are so important to strategy, you make the wrong choice and it’s like driving on ice.
“It’s really technical now, he’s looking at computer screens in detail, and it’s not like the past where you’re racing round the track.”
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