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The action starts from 10am at Clay Pigeon Raceway, Wardon Hill, between Dorchester and Yeovil. 

Visit www.easykart.co.uk for more information.  

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Easykart, Round 3, 31 May 

Clay Pigeon preview 

Round three of the Easykart UK series heads to the West Country to the glorious Clay Pigeon circuit this weekend (30 May / 1 June) - the venue where the F1 World Championship leader Jenson Button started his career. 

Legend has it that he won on his debut, and there’s a whole host of competitors who will be eager to use Button’s past and present success to inspire them to their first wins at one of the most popular tracks on the Easykart UK calendar. 

Series promoter John Vigor is tipping Kieran McCullough to take his maiden victory in the Heavy category, although current table-topper Will Smith would surely beg to differ. Smith has been in scintillating form, and was the class of the field at the previous round at Llandow so his confidence will be sky high.  

The opening round winner Barnaby Pittingale remains a significant threat. The Londoner is always fast and exciting to watch round the twists and turns of the Dorset track. 

Don’t rule out the likes of Brian Parias, (who won there last year), the ever-competitive Mark Lawrence, Adrian Ricardo Batty and Richard Friend, who is really beginning to find his Easykart mojo.   

Warming to his new role as a pundit, Vigor also tipped special guest driver, George Robinson to give a thoroughly good account of himself. 

A special welcome to the Heavy class and series is extended to Oliver Stoner. Having bought reigning champion Oli George’s kart, he will be revved up for his debut and has proven kit under him. It will be great to see how he fares against the regulars. 

Last season, Clay was the turning point in Terry Langley’s bid for the Light title. He won and went on to finish no lower than third in the remaining five rounds to seal the overall triumph. 

For his rivals, it looks very much like business as usual. The phrase “untouchable” is regularly used - and for good reason. However, a resurgent Owen Jenman and Steve Youle will figure in the reckoning come race day. One of the most stylish figures on track and in the paddock, Sam Massey has impressed with his pace and is building towards a very good result, so don’t rule him out. Sam Smithson must believe that he’s due a change in fortunes. He was Langley’s closest rival for the 2008 title but has had a luckless start to his 2009 campaign. That might well change this weekend. 

The Junior class may well be a little more open this weekend. Series leader Brad Fairhurst took the main final spoils in Wales, but it was William Lampitt who beat him handsomely in the pre-final. Tiernay Oliver was second in both races and must be fancied for a long-overdue win.  

Another ‘one to watch’ is Patrick Lay. He is a consistently strong driver, and having won both finals at Whilton Mill in March is on equal points with Fairhurst.  

Every time he races, AJ Morris appears to be making a step forward and the ever-cheerful Sussex lad is just one of a gaggle of drivers who could step up onto the podium. Connor Hambleton will sadly be absent due to an injury, and all at Easykart UK wish him a speedy recovery.  

The Cadet category has attracted another new entrant, in the shape of novice racer Jake Bone. Rumour has it that during his ARKS test, Jake was very impressive indeed. Keep an eye on his progress on the results page of www.easykart.co.uk

James DeHavillande takes a five point advantage with him to Clay, but didn’t have it all his own way at the previous round. His ability kept him in the hunt for trophies but he didn’t quite look like the dominant character seen at Whilton.  

Similarly, Ronan McKenzie shadowed his every move in Northamptonshire, but battled for every single point at Llandow - Ryan Anderton and William Stowell were the stars of the show however. The pair dominated the event, and it will be fascinating to see if this quartet can deliver a great show to the spectators on Sunday. 

For those of a betting persuasion, a flutter on Josh Grimston might return good odds. Having taken fourth and fifth in the earlier rounds, this tidy little driver is an increasing danger to the top three’s supremacy. 

If you’re considering making the swap from your current category or starting kart racing, Sunday’s event is a great way to meet the drivers and talk to them about what they enjoy about Easykart and get advice and information from the UK importer, Andy Cox and series promoter, John Vigor .

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