Fun day a chance to test race lines

FAMILY AFFAIR: The Kemp family were big winners at Eastland Kart Club’s prize-giving. They are, back (from left): mother and father Anna and Phil, and elder son Morgan. Front: Tess and Callum. Picture supplied

MEETING 3 of Eastland Kart Club’s season, a fun day with no points, gave drivers the opportunity to test different set-ups and race lines. It also encouraged a family atmosphere.

Among those testing the limits was “the king of drifting”, Jerome Renata, who delights spectators every week.

The Kemp family — Phil, Anna, Morgan (14), Tess (12) and Callum (8) — have been there from the start.

Phil, a committee member who races in both the KT100 and ProClass, says he is amazed at how quickly the sport in Gisborne has grown from a few karts to well over 100. Benny Benson and Robin Trueman are his chief rivals in the ProClass.

Getting the karts and children ready for race day is a massive undertaking for the Kemp family. They have six karts to load, but Phil says it is worth the effort. He describes karting meetings as a great day out with a huge adrenalin buzz and a good family atmosphere.

Anna Kemp races in the Women’s Ltd when she is not in the lap-scoring box. Anna puts in a huge effort with Annah Dekker, recording for each points meeting.

Morgan and Phil Kemp are the class reps for Young Guns and Rookies. Morgan races Young Guns along with sister Tess and brother Callum. Tess also races in the Junior Restricted class.

In the 2014/2015 season for Young Guns, Morgan was third and Tess, fourth. Callum was second in Rookies.

Phil improved on his third in the ProClass in 2013/2014 to second in 2014/2015. Not to be outdone, mum Anna outshone them all and placed first in Women’s Ltd.

Best moments for the family were at prize-giving this year, when the whole family received trophies for their efforts.

The next club meeting is on January 10. It will be another meeting with no points at stake.