CKGB AGM & Santa Pod - Event Review
Over the past few months the membership of the Club has grown significantly, plus there have been many changes to the committee. Consequently, there have been some significant changes to the way we are managing events this season. Therefore, the 2024 season has kicked off with some pre-season events in preparation for our main events, but we have already seen lots of great new Cyclekarts and had a fantastic time as well - roll on the rest of the season!!
WHILTON MILL 9/3/24
Following a well supported AGB, the Club took the opportunity to book a two-hour test session at the nearby Whilton Mill Karting facility. We used the small Mill Circuit and 11 Cyclekarts took the opportunity to blow the dust and cobwebs off established cyclekarts, or to test new or part-built ones. This also allowed other members and guests to come and actually see some cyclekarts in action (including one person all the way from Norway!).
We were blessed with a dry day with some sunny spells, which has been a rarity so far this year (the following day it rained incessantly). Some Cyclekarts behaved faultlessly, whilst others had some gremlins. But this is what the day was all about, so members could get some experience and go back to their sheds and continue tweaking.
Click Here to view the full photo gallery from the AGM/Whilton Mill event.
SANTA POD 6/7/24
The continual wet weather almost scuppered our visit to Santa Pod as our initial date was scrubbed due to a waterlogged facility. Anyhow, after some frantic re-scheduling we had another date to play with. In addition to a further testing opportunity for our members, this event was used to test the new Event Management processes and procedures. It was also used to practice some new racing formats. The club had sole use of the Santa Pod "Live Action Arena", which is where Monster Truck, stunt motorcycle and drift demonstrations take place. Once again we were blessed with a dry day with some sunny intervals.
The new club "Hazard Log" and "Risk Management Plan", has highlighted that we have inherent risks regarding:
The robustness of an amateur build.
Inexperienced drivers.
No bumpers or side-protection bars fitted (as fitted to go-karts).
Greater probability of a cyclekart overturning (when compared to a go-kart).
So, in view of those risks, a simple circuit was set up on the Friday. This comprised an oval with a dog-leg straight, plus a blended short-cut through a water-splash. The straights were approximately 10 metres wide and the loops at each end of the oval were approximately 12 metres wide. Seven Cyclekarts and nine drivers (including one Junior) attended. Approximately 750 laps were safely completed, with just the occasional breakdown and a few clipped cones being the only incidents. Thanks to the wide nature of the track, a variety of lines could be taken through the corners, which enabled relatively easy and safe overtaking.
The club practiced the new "Pursuit Racing" format (similar to the bicycles in the Olympics), with two start lines opposite each other on the track. We had several 5 lap heats, which were quite exciting as you could look across to the other Cyclekart every half-lap to see how you were progressing. Onlookers could also check progress by doing this and it was actually quite exciting for both. The general consensus was that it was an enjoyable new format with minimal risk. Consequently, this is likely to be added to our events at both the Kit Car Shows.
We then set up a tricky driving test in the infield. Not as exciting as the Pursuit Racing, but the general concensus was that it was great fun. Therefore, more of these are likely to be introduced as part of some of our events.
The final new feature we explored was the use of "Joker" laps. These can either be a short-cut, or a longer diversion. In gridded races, we often get bunched up, which is where the risks listed above become more probable. Subsequently, the introduction of "Joker" laps (for example one every 5 laps), introduces an opportunity for each driver to reposition himself on the track when bunching occurs. Each driver then chooses the most opportune moment to play his Joker. The differing routes need to be blended so that we don't introduce additional risk of collision when the Jokers are being used.
At Santa Pod, we trialled a short-cut and this blended very well with the track we had set up. There was a sting-in-the-tail however, as it also included a 2" deep water-splash! Anyhow, it worked well, so if we visit venues where a Joker lap is possible, then it may become a regular feature.
Click Here to view the full photo gallery from the Santa Pod event.
SUMMARY
Both drivers and organisers gained a great deal of experience from these pre-season events. Therefore, we aim to introduce this increased number of dynamic activities into the coming season.
The new Event Management system is a bit more arduous for entrants as you have to access the relevant information and forms through the club Forum, but it has drastically reduced the admin burden on the organisers. Subsequently, the Santa Pod briefing was only 5 minutes late and the track was open very soon after that. This is a significant improvement on previous events.
Best regards
Ian Fletcher
CKGB Events