Super One at Larkhall – Freddie Slater

Round 3 of the British Championship was held north of the border at West of Scotland Kart Club where former F1 drivers such as David Coulthard and Paul di Resta started their careers. A very tight circuit providing a perfect facility for the ultra-competitive Iame cadet racing. Finishing 3rd in last month’s LGM race, Freddie hoped to improve to the top step this time around. A busy week for Freddie included the birth of his new brother ‘Bobby’ who he hopes to follow in his footsteps in years to come. Driving straight from the hospital visit to Larkhall, Freddie was ready to attack the weekend head on.

Practice was difficult as the track had changed from the previous month, however in the last session Freddie showed his form by posting a lap time 2 tenths faster than the next best. Qualifying would be very close at this circuit as the lap is so short, and with so many fast drivers achieving pole would be a tough task. Freddie knew he would have to go it alone in qualifying and set out to chase down the opposition who were working together at the front. With a clear lap Freddie produced a 45.45 which was enough to take pole! The heats were difficult as the three front runners battled with strong defensive driving, however Freddie managed two 2nd positions.

Starting P2 for the prefinal Freddie slotted into 2nd and caught the leader very quickly, overtaking straight away Linblad went straight back in bringing his team mate Dodds with him. This forced Freddie onto the exit kerb and into the bark out of the last corner. Unable to re-join Freddie was forced to the back of the pack. Fighting his was back and never giving up he made it back to 16th.

Determined to put on a show Freddie knew if he was starting p16 a podium was still achievable. Explaining prior to the race that this is his preferred position to start from he didn’t fail to deliver. A breath-taking start took him straight into the top ten and one by one he picked his way through, posting purple sectors on the way. As he got to 5th and 6th positions he pulled off a near impossible manoeuvre overtaking two karts into one corner. As Freddie got into 3rd he set his sight on the leaders and ended only 1 second behind them as they crossed the line. Punching the air as he crossed the line Freddie knew he had done himself and the team proud making up for the disappointing prefinal. Still in the championship fight Freddie’s individual pace shows he still has the hands firmly on the British Championship in the next 4 races to come.