Le Ray secures another senior crown

But, regretfully, his closest challenger, Jack Le Blancq, was absent from round 11 of the Guernsey Kart and Motor Club Championship.

As a result Le Ray had only one competitor in Marco Hermano.

Le Ray has certainly been the superior driver this season, showing tremendous talent throughout. Le Blancq may well give him a harder time next season, though, as he put in some stronger performances in the latter part of this season.

While driving exceptionally for his first season, Hermano does not yet have the lap pace of Le Ray.

Holding a commanding series lead, Le Ray had already won heat one in comfort when he took a gamble in heat two and fitted his kart with slick tyres for a slightly drying track.

The gamble did not go to plan and Le Ray struggled for grip throughout the race, allowing Hermano to secure his second race victory of the season.

Lesson learnt, Le Ray went back to rain tyres for the remaining races and securing victory.

It must be said that Hermano is thoroughly enjoying his racing.

He is fully aware that he is not yet as quick as the leading drivers but continues to race with a big smile on his face and clearly loves the thrill and excitement of the sport.

Spectators may not be aware that driving a kart in wet conditions is extremely challenging.

With a short wheel base a kart, if pushed a bit too far, especially in the wet, will just suddenly snap its rear and spin a driver off the circuit in a matter of a fraction of a second.

Even the best will get caught out occasionally and in the Junior max class Euan Robert suffered this problem in both heat one and two, just minor spins but relegating his finishing position.

Robert must be admired for his determination, though, and with his composure regained went on to finish the last two races in third position.

Hannah Snell’s performance was also very strong for this event and she also appears to be improving, as is newcomer Sam Heathcote.

Learning to race quickly in wet conditions for a newcomer takes time and Heathcote certainly was not daunted, showing an excellent overall pace in all of the races.

At the end of the event, Kart captain Dave Le Ray congratulated all the karters for their fantastic and safe driving.

‘On behalf of the Kart Club I would like to thank the officials, marshals and volunteers for persevering in these wintry conditions and ensuring the event could take place today.’