NEWS

Ashfords - Karting Champions!

Royal Marine Helps Ashford Karting Team to Victory

 

An all-star team entered by local solicitors Ashfords were on top of the podium at the Exeter Chamber of Commerce Karting Challenge, held on 17 February 2011.

The Ashfords Team - which included local racing drivers Jack Drinkall (17) and Tim Sweet (32) and Corporal Scott English (26) of the Royal Marines - led the gruelling two-hour endurance event from start to finish. It took place at the newly-refurbished Raceworld Karting Track at Woodbury Salterton, and was organised by local firm Posh Pig Promotions.

Nine teams, all of whom were members of the Chamber of Commerce, took part and included Barclays Bank, Charles Stanley, Devondale Electrical Distributors, Fresha Café, Midas Construction and Signs Express.

Exmouth-based Formula Ford Academy scholarship winner, Jack Drinkall, who is hoping to complete his first full season in Formula Ford this year, is being advised by Ashfords' motorsport team, and was introduced by Simon Lewis of local accountants Thompson Jenner. Jack posted the fastest lap of the evening ahead of his father Steve, himself an ex- kart racer and a last minute addition the Ashfords stellar line-up.

Highly talented Tim Sweet, who is also being mentored by Ashfords' motorsport team, is aiming to compete in the 2011 Porsche Carrera Cup GB, and set the third fastest time of the evening on his first visit to the Woodbury circuit.

Ashfords are delighted that Cpl English, was able to join the team in recognition of the firm's support of The C Group, which was founded in May 2008, in order to raise awareness and generate practical support throughout the business community for the Royal Marines, particularly those who are suffering the long-term effects of injuries sustained on operations.

Cpl Scott E English is a Royal Marine driver and has served 11 years in the Corps. He recently has returned from a tour of Afghanistan with 40 CDO RM and now runs the Motor Transport Regulating office responsible for the allocation and road worthy condition of all vehicles that deploy from the centre.

Bob Small, of Posh Pig Promotions, said:

"The event was really good fun and everybody that took part thoroughly enjoyed it. As it was the first year we were holding the Karting Challenge, we didn't know how successful it would be, but it was fantastic and drew a good crowd. I would like to congratulate Ashfords on their win - but all the teams did really well. It was great that The C Group were involved too."

Jamie Horner, Partner and sports specialist at Ashfords said:

"The sterling work that is carried out by the Royal Marines is ever present in the minds of Exeter's business community, and Ashfords is proud to mark its association with The C Group through Cpl English's involvement with the team.

"As part of our ongoing work with Jack and Tim, we were delighted to give both of them the chance to showcase their racing skills in front of local businesses as they seek to link up with potential sponsors to drive their future racing ambitions forward."

Colonel Jim Hutton, Chief Executive of The C Group, said:

"The C Group were delighted to be asked by Ashfords to find a Royal Marine to participate in the Karting Challenge. Cpl Scott English stepped up to the plate and did us proud amongst some talented racers. Raising awareness of the work that the business community does to support Royal Marines; wounded, injured and those in need is a key role for The C Group and events like this give us that opportunity."

All images courtesy of Vibrant Pulse.

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