Focus on Russel in karting championships

Close racing will be the order of the day at Jebel Ali Kart track today as the Dubai Kart Club hosts the sixth round of the UAE kart Championship. With the racing coming to an end for four months over the summer period, this weekend will be their last chance for the drivers to strengthen their championship positions before the season resumes again in September.

In the National class Sperry's James Russel is the clear leader having already accumulated 38 points. Having won the last three meetings and running his new CRG chassis, last year's champion Al Naboodah's James Lyford and teammate Tom Lever will need to push hard in order to loosen Russel's grip on the championship. In contrast the Cadet Class couldn't be closer as leader Thibaut Legat, Sarah Yates, and brother Nicholas are all within two Championship points of each other. Sarah Yates, now sponsored by Pirelli, despite being the only

female in the class, has proved to be a feisty little racer, giving the boys a real run for their money. This arrive and drive class for eight- to 12-year olds remains ever popular as more and more youngsters are attracted to this type of affordable racing. The programme will also include the International and Senior class where Graham Heath winner of recent International open round, will be looking to improve his championship position over Rahul Love as Glyn Parry sets his sights on deposing Graeme Mortimer from the Senior Class winners podium.