The London Karting Show - Excel

The team at Thrashed selflessly make yet another early Sunday start to bring you guys the highs and lows of the London Kart and Motorsport show…

With the London Kart Show now becoming a well established event, Thrashed-Racing decided to take its maiden trip down to the ExCel arena showground in the Docklands to sample the latest kit and caboodle from the sports biggest names.

New for '06 was the addition of a Motorsport theme, which expanded on the Kart racing to bring Rally Driving, Saloons, and Single Seaters to the mix.

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More Gadgetry than 007

The event itself was held in a comparatively small show hall at the end of the ExCel centre with an indoor track in the hall opposite, and a small rally style stage outside. Lots of shiny kit was on display from the likes of KKC, ZipKart, Tillet Racing Seats and Tony Kart. We were like kids in a sweet shop! Products that stood out were the custom sprayed helmets of Ultimate Airbrush, The blue anodized Magura four pot calliper from Venhill Engineering, and the KKC kart with PRD Fireball 125cc engine is definitely going on the wish list!
Lots of circuits had turned up to tout there wares with Buckmore Park having the largest stand. It was heart warming to see the expansion of this particular part of the industry, and shows that our sport is very much alive and kicking. Of notable absence was Daytona Raceway, who we thought would be the first to promote there circuits to the general public

It was nice to browse around the big boys motorsport toys, and it helped to give you an idea as to where you could move on to from Kart racing. There were lots of knowledgeable folk about from the governing bodies to the keen amateur racer who were more than willing to share their passion for their particular area of expertise with the paying public.

Cool rides

It would be unthinkable to turn up to an event with a circuit and not have a go, so once we had exhausted (pun intended) the main arena, we made our way to the track where Andy showed an uncharacteristic display of pre-kart nerves. That was soon forgotten when bum touched seat and with Project Matt out with a cold, it was up to myself and Andy to fly the Thrashed flag. There was no grip to be had and the Karts slid around like the WRC cars we had watched the week before. Big “Sorry!” goes to everyone who I batted into the barriers on my way round. I was waiting to be shown a Black or a Yellow, but as the marshals didn’t seem too bothered I took what I could get away with. Hey, rubbings racing and all that…

Shout Out

A big thanks to Sue from Club 125 for all of her help, we certainly will be up to get our ARKS Licence with you. Check out www.club125racing.co.uk

Jules gets thrashed!

With a quick go on the Silverstone sponsored rally track and a final gawp at the couple of cuties with the micro shorts, Thrashed left with heads full of potential stories and purchases. Watch these pages!