An aspiring racing driver took the first step towards making his competitive debut last Wednesday (8 May) by emerging victorious in Jota Aviation’s Broker to Racer Challenge karting event at Buckmore Park.
New for 2013, the Challenge will transform a private aviation broker into a fully-fledged racing driver with the help of Le Mans 24 Hours outfit Jota Sport. The 100% funded prize includes a programme of driver tuition, ARDS racing licence application, personal fitness assessment and training with support from performance progress lab Zer06, and their first ever race at a major British circuit.
Brokers registered their interest for the event via email before 40 participants were selected at random. The Challenge took place at Buckmore Park, one of Britain’s premier karting venues, with drivers competing in practice, heats and a winner-takes-all grand finale.
And while a friendly atmosphere prevailed throughout the evening, the on-track competition was turned up a notch as the chance to swap karts for cars drew nearer.
Following a thrilling decider victory was secured by Ed Gillet, Cargo Account Manager at Air Charter Service, who triumphed in a closely fought contest with Jet Hire Direct’s Richard Worthington.
Ed will now begin preparations to trade one of Buckmore Park’s go-karts for a high-powered racing car, with entry into an event late in the 2013 season planned for Jota’s inaugural broker-turned-racer.
Andy Green, Jota Aviation Managing Director: “I’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone who attended Wednesday’s event. I hope a good time was had by all and that the racing was as fun as it was competitive. I should have known that pitching a group of brokers from different companies against each other would result in a fierce contest! It was a fantastic effort from everyone involved and we will definitely run the Challenge again in the future.”
Ed Gillet, Jota Broker to Racer Challenge winner: “The Challenge provided a very enjoyable evening and everyone from ACS had a great time. I am very excited about the possibility of working with Jota on the track and am grateful for this incredible opportunity. I hope I can re-pay it by booking many flights with Jota Aviation!”
Source : Jota Sport