Off the back of a dominant victory just one week ago, Freddie looked to repeat this performance at the British Open Championship at Cumbria Kart Club. Heading into the weekend as favourite , Freddie knew that he had to raise his game if he was going to beat the strong Iame Cadet grid. In order to prepare for the main race on Sunday, Freddie and his team tested multiple set up’s during the long 15 minute test sessions. Ending the day in the top 3 three fastest, it was clear to see it was going to be a tough battle to win.
The ever-lasting British winter continued on Saturday as snow fell in the Lake District disrupting the practice day. The snow and dropping temperatures made the highly technical Rowrah circuit even more difficult to drive. Freddie however, managed to remain top of the time sheets and was prepared for the Sunday race day.
With a very busy format there would be qualifying, two heat races, a prefinal and grand final – a lot of laps in one day. With this track being Freddie’s favourite however he was keen to get started. An icy track meant difficult qualifying conditions and leaving it late in the session Freddie managed 2nd place after some difficulty with overtaking traffic. Heat #1 went smoothly, Freddie’s strong start allowed him to tackle the lead early and drive away from the opposition posting the fastest lap along the way. As the gale force winds set in, it started to make the competition closer and no individual driver could break away. Falling foul of last lap contact Freddie crossed the line 3rd. This would still start him on the front row for the prefinal.
Over 12 minutes, the prefinal was a tough battle as drivers changed positions in the early stages. Freddie led the way but couldn’t break away because of the head wind. However using his defensive skills, he was able to drive a great last lap and cut back on first place to take the win over the line. Although to win the prefinal was a great achievement there was still only one race that counted.
The British Open Championship known as the ‘O’ plate would be the longest race of the year. 15 minutes plus one lap meant staying with the front pack was everything. The top three broke away and were considerably faster than the rest of the field. Often rotating positions, the three stayed close together until Freddie got dropped from the pack slightly. With true grit and determination, he managed to catch the two in front and take the lead with two minutes to go. Impeccable defensive driving meant he held off any attacks. Crossing the line on the last lap he had a three kart length lead, looking forward and driving the perfect lap he didn’t have to cover himself in the last corners.
Ecstatic with his victory Freddie joined an exclusive club of 9 year old O plate winners the only other one being Redbull driver Jonny Edgar in 2013. Now carrying the O plate it is a great start to the season and gives Freddie the momentum he needs for the rest of 2018.
