THE OWL / THE MAGAZINE OF HUGHES HALL
from its usual British Touring Car Championship package to compete on Silverstone’ s full Grand Prix circuit. Both events reflected the strength of the pathway. At PFI, we welcomed 223 drivers across the Rotax categories, the highest championship entry for several years, while Silverstone hosted a record 32-car F4 grid.
If you have not visited a leading kart meeting recently, you might be surprised by the scale and professionalism of the paddock. Karting continues to evolve, driven by customer expectations and the desire to deliver a first-class experience. At the same time, we remain focused on making participation as accessible as possible.
One of the most encouraging developments has been the growth of different categories offering competitors a range of options. Rotax continues to thrive thanks to its reliability and controlled engine format, while new technologies are beginning to emerge. I was fascinated to see the Rotax E10 electric Cadet class and hear from parents about the simplicity and ease of maintenance compared with traditional two-stroke machinery.
Alongside this, the Tillotson T4( 4 stroke) category continues to establish itself as an affordable and accessible route into karting. This year we have launched the T4 Academy in partnership with Tillotson and RPM, creating a supported ownerdriver pathway designed to help newcomers take their first steps into competitive karting. Initiatives such as this are vital if we are to continue broadening participation and creating opportunities for talented young people, regardless of background. Accessibility is not just about creating new classes; it is also about
Revolution Magazine
JEP
Hugh on the grid at Silverstone with the BRDC International Trophy
BKC tyre usage is tightly controlled, helping to reduce costs, plus a tyre recycling programme to repurpose or reuse the spent tyres
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