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	2007 summer chaMpionship ROUND 5 whilton mill
	RACE REPORT
	Round 5 of the 2007 OEKC Summer Championship was held at Whilton Mill on 1st July. With many teams committed elsewhere the paddock was somewhat quieter than usual. The main Championship contenders however were all present. The forecasted rain clouds where in evidence but the track was only partially wet with some standing water on a few corners. The choices made by the teams during practice as to what strategy to take would prove decisive as the day unfolded As practice got underway all the teams ventured out on used wets but it soon became apparent that if the rain held off the track would dry out around the majority of the track. Most teams had switched to slicks before Qualifying began, but Box Tech were still on track with inters and on lap 3 posted the pole time of 45.11 just before coming in to change to slicks themselves. Red Mist in the Biland were the fastest kart on slicks posting 45.91 with Le Maverick third in 46.62 The teams had opted for either a compromise or a full wet set up for the race and as the heavy clouds raced overhead everyone was convinced that the rain would arrive. It was just whether it would be sooner or later. Box Tech made a clean start in the damp conditions leading the field through turns 1 & 2 with Red Mist shadowing them before making their move into Christmas Corner with a text book overtaking manoeuvre. Le Maverick headed the chasing pack from Red Stripe, Stanion Slicks & Red Max. These four teams running at almost identical pace but all having moments in the tricky damp conditions. Meanwhile Red Mist had put the hammer down and their kart was flying in the drying conditions lapping consistently 1.5secs faster than the Rotax of Box Tech. Within 25 minutes of the start Red Mist had lapped the field, but their joy would be short lived. The mandatory chain guard had fallen off through turn two and unfortunately they were called in by Chris the CoC for repairs, which would cost them 6 laps. By lap 50 Box Tech had a lead of 19 seconds from Le Maverick with Red Max 3 seconds adrift. With Red Max wanting to close in on their Championship rivals Box Tech they pushed a little too hard coming onto the main straight. The damp edges of the track catching them out and spinning them across the kerb. Unfortunately this caused a tyre to pop the rim, which required a fast stop for a replacement losing them a lap. At the hour and half mark Box Tech held a 2 laps lead over Le Maverick with Stanion Slicks in third. Red Stripe were not at their usual pace and were trying to understand where the speed had gone from their kart. The one factor (rain) that all the teams had expected had kept away but for the occasional spot. The clouds were still threatening although occasionally the sun did shine. Those teams that chose the compromise set up were having the best of the conditions and everyone was now beginning to believe that perhaps the rain would somehow miss. With driver changes and a few areas of standing water the odd spin was happening and concentration would be required to ensure that no damage was inflicted on the karts. After three hours Box Tech still led, but now from Red Max who had been charging through the field after their earlier problems. Stanion Slicks were third with Red Mist moving up to fourth. Red Stripewere now using the day as a test session to try and understand why the kart wasn't performing as expected. With just 40 minutes till the chequered flag the heavens opened and all the karts dashed into the pits. Wets were the only option and they formed an orderly queue at the weighbridge. The deluge had caught everyone by surprise and as the karts made it back on track the pit crews reflected on how wet they had got in such a short space of time. Unfortunately for many of the drivers they too hadn't time to don their wet weather gear and within a lap were completely soaked. The Chequered flag couldn't come soon enough as the drivers negotiated the many rivers that had formed across the track. Box Tech took the win from Red Max with Le Maverick taking the final podium position. At the top of the Overall Championship Box Tech have taken a slender two-point lead (208) over Red Max (206), both teams now having won two races. Le Maverick are third (189) with Red Mist fourth (182) The next round of the championship is at Daytona Milton Keynes on August 5th, we look forward to seeing you all there.