Aboard the Rotax-powered Arrow karts, the four drivers went full throttle on the
challenging Hamilton layout.
The event took place thanks to the
assistance of Kartsport NZ and the Hamilton Kart Track which allowed all four
drivers on the track at the same time.
“It was excellent to jump back
aboard a kart,” said Bright.
“It’s been far too long since I drove one,
but I won’t wait that long next time.
“Karting is excellent for so many
reasons. It really teaches you the craft of driving, it gives you experience of
understanding the mechanics, and most importantly this is all done in a safe and
controlled environment.
“I instigated the Britek Motorsport Scholarship
to give something back to motor racing. It has provided me so much and it would
be great if one of the guys involved with us does go on to great things in the
world of motor sport.
“Scott McLaughlin is doing great things in karting
and having the opportunity to drive beside him I can see a very bright future
for him.”
It was a homecoming for 14-year-old McLaughlin, who raced
extensively at the Hamilton circuit before moving to Australia four years ago.
This year he has been one of the star performers in junior clubman
competition across Australia and New Zealand.
“It was a real blast,”
said McLaughlin.
“I have been working with Jason for nearly five months,
but to actually drive against him was a thrill.
“I dropped back behind
him to watch his lines and although he hasn’t driven a kart in a long time I did
pick-up some things.
“I have learnt a lot from being involved with the
Britek Motorsport Scholarship, but I know there’s still so much I can get out of
it.
“Just the fact that I got to share the track with Jason, Marcus and
Adam has further inspired me to make the most out of motor sport.”
McLaughlin’s karting programme is overseen by Adam Graham, who also
drives one of the Formula Ford entries for the Britek Motorsport Scholarship in
the Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Series. Graham is a multiple
Australian champion in karting.
“I’m really enjoying my racing,” said
Graham.
“Whether it’s racing Formula Ford, working with the Britek
Motorsport Scholarship or preparing and maintaining Scott’s karts, my focus is
all about success.
“The time on the track was excellent, as well as
sitting down and talking with Jason and Marcus is a massive benefit for me.”
After a month out of the driver’s seat in a V8 Supercar, Marshall
enjoyed the opportunity to drive the Rotax kart.
“It certainly blew out
the cobwebs,” said Marshall.
“There was no chance to cruise around when
you have Jason, Scott and Adam out there with you.
“The Britek
Motorsport Scholarship is a great programme. So many talented drivers don’t get
the right advice, but the guys involved with the Britek Scholarship have been
given a great opportunity which I know they are embracing.”
The Britek
Motorsport Scholarship is a reciprocal business relationship that provides a
structured staircase opportunity to aspiring career-path drivers.
The
program caters for Karters and aspiring open-wheel drivers that want to move
into V8 Supercars or pursue a career overseas.
As well as McLaughlin and
Graham, the Britek Motorsport has Justin and Nathan Garioch in karting, plus Ben
Walter, Martin Swindells and Taylor Gore in the Australian Formula Ford Series.
The Britek Motorsport Scholarship covers many key areas including;
sponsorship, public relations, personal development, fitness, technical
comprehension, data analysis and engineering.
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Jason Bright got back behind the
wheel of a kart for the first time in 12 years
Bright joined V8 Supercar teammate
Marcus Marshall and Britek Motorsport Scholarship holders Adam Graham and Scott
McLaughlin on the track
The event took place thanks to the
assistance of Kartsport NZ and the Hamilton Kart Track which allowed all four
drivers on the track at the same time
After a month out of the driver’s
seat in a V8 Supercar, Marshall enjoyed the opportunity to drive the Rotax
kart
The Britek Motorsport Scholarship is
a reciprocal business relationship that provides a structured staircase
opportunity to aspiring career-path drivers
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