Ollie’s first time out in 250 twin cylinder at Snetterton

Ollie Ridout made the jump up from his trusty F125 into the pinnacle of the Superkarting world.

He drove a 250 twin cylinder at Norfolk venue Snetterton.

The West Norfolk racer said: “A few issues Saturday morning: the clutch cable snapping on the way to grid for free practise meant it was a no-go, but meant we ironed out any issues ready for qualifying.”

Over-geared and getting to grips with all the power, Ridout achieved his goal for the weekend. He qualified with a sub two-minute lap, 1:59.986, four seconds faster than he’s ever gone round Snetterton.

A few tweaks overnight and on Sunday, a nervous Ridout in race 1 had an issue on warm up lap that meant he started from the back, in 26th. He climbed up to 14th (sixth in class) and lapping down to 1:57.023.

In race two he gridded on P17. Ridout made a demon start and was quickly up to 11th only to make a silly error into Montreal hairpin, losing three places and finishing in identical positions and with a lap time down again to 1:55.902.

Ridout said: “Sadly the day ended badly with me stalling on the grid and being out of the race, but overall an amazing experience for a first time out in the pinnacle class of Superkarting, and I didn’t disgrace myself!

“Massive thanks to John for lending me the kart, Vic Hempshall for the driver training and all his advice, Jmo (James Wilson) for his first weekend as my spanner man and to Daryl for coming early doors Sunday morning.”

Photo: James Wilson