Christo aiming to shake-off Euro disappointment with potential title clincher

Riki Christodoulou this weekend stands on the precipice of becoming Britain’s Junior Karting Champion and will savour another chance to prove he is the leading light on the junior motorsport scene after his hopes were dashed at the European Championships several days ago in Italy.

After a strong showing last season at the annual meeting Christo travelled to southern Europe in searing heat with high expectations. The 15 year rapidly faced an uphill task after the first day of qualification when it transpired that his Tony Kart backed equipment simply was not able to compete with outfits of the other teenage hopefuls from across the continent.
Losing vital tenths of a second a lap during qualification, Christo just failed to force his way through to the final event and was left a frustrated observer.

His rivals back in Britain could well feel the backlash come Saturday. The youngster has only dropped 10 points from a possible 400 in the ELF-Hill House Hammond MSA series all year and another win this weekend at his local track Shenington could see him crowned at the penultimate event of the season.

“We were disappointed to come away from Corridonia with nothing, but technically we just could not compete,” remarked Riki’s father and manager Rick Christodoulou. “We were losing precious tenths in one or two sections and it saw us way down the order in the heats where Riki made up a lot of ground but wasn’t enough to make the cut. Our equipment was not up to the task and other drivers had better packages. Riki always gives 110% but we just could not help him to go any faster. On our form this season and with his performance last year we were rightfully anticipating a good result last weekend, nevertheless it wasn’t to be.”

In fact the large Tony Kart manufacturer were conspicuous by their absence in the Finals and they highest placed driver crossed the line in 23rd. “There is a new model of the Kart coming out in October with some modifications but depending on where we will be heading with regards to class and Championship next season we’ll have to see where the best deal for Riki lies,” added Christodoulou senior.

Team Riki Christo racing has good reason to be optimistic one again this weekend. Shenington is Christo’s local track and on his last visit he notched pole position and two final victories while remaining a second faster than his peers. “I imagine that most of the others will know he’ll definitely be the man to beat,” continued Christodoulou. “Nobody in the junior class in this country can drive Shenington like Riki, and this bodes well for the Championship.”

Shenington is based 10 miles northwest of Banbury.

Formula JICA points (provisional):

1. Riki Christodoulou, 390pts
2. Freddie Martin-Dye, 374pts
3. Jason Parrott, 346pts
4. Jon Lancaster, 338pts
5. Daniel Rowbottom, 323pts
6. Viktor Jensen, 313pts

Category: News