We’re following the exploits of young Stefanos Charalambous as he moves up through the ranks of UK Kart Racing, and after a tough introduction to the Junior Rotax category, Stef now looks to be establishing himself at this level.
Last week’s encouraging results at the Kimbolton circuit were bettered last weekend at the Buckmoor Park circuit in Kent, with some consistently steady racing and some skilful overtaking manoeuvres. Even so, Stef endured some frustration because the day could have turned out a lot better. In the day’s first heat, Stef started from 3rd place, and quickly raced into what appeared to be an unassailable lead, flashing around the track nearly 100 metres ahead of his rivals, only for disaster to strike. The two back markers collided, leaving radiator fluid across a section of the track. Unfortunately for Stef, as the leader of the pack, he was the first to encounter this spillage, and he promptly skated across it as if he were on ice, and off the track! The warning flag immediately – or should that be belatedly? – came out, ensuring the other racers slowed down and didn’t suffer the same fate. The incident led to Stef falling back to 6th position, but at least from there he salvaged some respectability, eventually finishing 5th.
In the day’s other heats, Stef started 9th and 10th respectively, finishing 4th and 3rd respectively. This set him up for a 3rd place start on the grid in the Final, and he again showed a glimpse of his undoubted promise by capturing the lead. However, the greater experience of two of his rivals ultimately showed as they used their superior knowledge and familiarity with the track to push him back to a 3rd place finish.
But, a second podium finish in as many weeks bodes well for Stef’s coming races, so let’s hope that he quickly moves up a step on that podium!