A PROMISING FIRST MONTH WITH ASH HAND

The Alfano says it all. Hopefully Mike can develop that pace into Ash becoming a regular race winner.

Mike giving advice to Ash about the Garage complex at PFI in January.

A lesson on overtaking being given at the January meeting at Whilton Mill.

Good driver feedback is key to the right set up. Ash broke the existing lap record at Shenington at the February meeting.

ENDURANCE WINNER FOR TRACK-DAY TEAM

Back in the seat for the first time since December and the first time in a Pro-Kart for over six months, Mike competed in a competition organised for professional track-day specialists. 40 drivers in 10 teams competed for over two hours clocking up almost 250 laps. Mike set the fastest lap of the meeting by almost half a second and helped the team to a 5 lap victory. Thanks go to MD Ross Jones for the invitation. Hopefully the first of many track victories.

Visit http://www.drivingexperiencesdirect.co.uk/ for more information about the exciting track day offers.

SUPER 1

Having seen the low numbers entered for Senior TKM, Mike is pleased he decided not to compete again in 2008.
I am sure there will be a few club outings, but the travelling costs on a limited budget are too much for no financial rewards. Save the 2008 funds , concentrate on paid driver assistance with a view to cars in 2009.

ASH HAND - MINIMAX

Mike is very pleased to be chosen by ULTIMATE MOTORSPORT to assist Ash Hand in the 2008 season as driving coach and race mechanic. Mike said "Considering Ash has only been in the seat for under a season, he shows great promise. I hope I can pass on some of my experience to him so that he can make the podium on a regular basis. I found in 2006 that winning becomes a nice habbit and I want to help Ash to the top of the National standings." Mike reflected that he has joined a very professional team, with good equipment and plenty of experienced people in the awning. The rest is up to Ash to listen to advice and work hard both on the track and also at school. Ash has a very good website http://www.ashhand.com/ I hope he will soon update it with our 2008 results.

ULTIMATE MOTORSPORT

Mike has been offered a position in 2008 to act as driving coach and race engineer for all club, Stars and Super 1 Rotax rounds. His first meeting was at Shenington when his driver Ash Hands managed his first podium on a Tony Kart. His second outing was at Whilton, where he drove well in the final to just miss out on another trophy. PFI is next week where another podium is anticipated.

The team also runs very successful F3 and Formula Renault teams in addition to their Karting interests. They were selected as being the best F3 team in 2007, and aim to be at the front with their Kart team. If things go to plan, Mike will race in selected TKM meetings in 2008 when time allows, but sadly not Super 1 or Motors/Sky TV.

SUPER 1 AWARDS

Mike would like to thank the Super 1 organisers as he received his prize yesterday for achieving seeded driver status for 2008, although at the moment he has no plans to enter in 2008. If a Rotax chassis and engine becomes available to Klaassen Motorsport he will enter the SKY TV rounds on their behalf.

LEICESTER COUNTY COUNCIL GRANT AWARD

Having represented England in both 2006 and 2007 and been a National Champion in 2006, Mike was selected to be talented enough in his sport to be supported. Mike has also been proposed for another award via Loughborough University sports committee. Granger & Co the Leicestershire Esate Agents have confirmed their continued support as Mike transfers into cars and continues his career as a driving coach and race engineer.