2017 PKC is a GO GO GO!

Lightweight winner Adam Jones with Dan Thomas, Sam Joseph and organiser Royston Badham

Wow what a fantastic record turnout for the opening round of the 2017 PKC! We would like to say a huge thank you to all competitors who took part today. Everyone raced really well and the competition and sportsmanship between all drivers was fantastic.
Taking part in Round 1 were 4 PKC Champions. 2009 Champ Colin Rowland Mason (Johnston) returned to the PKC and was competitive from the off. 2015 Lightweight Champ Dan Thomas (Templeton) took to the grid after sitting out most of last year and reigning Champions Sam Joseph (Swansea) and Michael Lloyd Davies (Cefneithin) were back to defend their titles so anticipation was high.
The event kicked off with the combined practice & qualifying session which gave everyone a preview on each others form.
In the lightweight category Adam Jones (Tenby) stood out as an early title favourite by comfortably winning all 4 of his races giving him maximum points. Dan Thomas put in a strong performance and kept Adam honest and came second overall with reigning Champion Sam Joseph coming third. Both Dan and Sam deserve a special mention for their incredible racing in race 4, where Dan defended brilliantly against a charging Sam. Stuart Davis (Milford Haven) and Melany Howell (Drefach Felindre) finished the event 4th and 5th respectively after putting together a string a strong performances.
The heavyweight division was crammed full of drivers for the event with no fewer than 20 taking part. Newcomer Robert Maynard (Carmarthen) turned a few heads by launching himself to the sharp end of the grid and winning 3 races allowing him to claim victory. Reigning Champion Michael Davies added another race win to his tally but was ultimately only able to finish second overall. Brian Newton (Llanybri) continued to impress the whole paddock. Despite turning 70 this year, Brian is always near the front of the field and today finished third overall ahead of Damien Holmes (Haverfordwest).
With his impressive heavyweight victory, Robert Maynard was the best rookie of the day and earns himself a solid starting point in the Rookie of the Year standings. Melany Howell topped the ladies rankings with Brian Newton topping the Masters Cup table.
After the event we held our first Fastest Lap Challenge of the year which saw Sam Joseph set the track on fire with the incredible time of 23.779 seconds.
We would like to say a big thank you to Carew Karting for hosting the round and to all staff and marshals.
Round 2 takes place May 13th when the PKC returns indoors to West Wales Karting.

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Heavyweight podium with 2nd place Michael Davies, Brian Newton and organiser Royston Badham. Absent from the photo is winner Robert Maynard