Aston proves potential despite early setback
Date: 21-07-2009Cumbria’s karting sensation Nathan Aston continued to show his star potential as he produced some strong results in the fifth round of the Formula Kart Stars Championship at the PF International circuit in Nottinghamshire.
The Ast Signs karter was going into the competition on a high after an excellent result in the previous round of the championship at his home circuit Rowrah, where he earned the ‘On Fire Award’ for his performance.
But the 11-year-old had a disappointing start to the weekend as a mechanical failure caused him to miss the opening heat. Despite this set-back he showed great mental strength to put those problems behind him as he started day two running on his back-up engine.
The Appleby Grammar School pupil, who is in his first season in the championship, showed early promise posting the fastest time in the morning practice. He then gained six places in his second heat and a staggering 16 places in the third heat, beating other karters with two years’ experience in the competition.
After his engine problems on Saturday, Aston’s excellent results on Sunday were not enough to qualify him directly for the A Final. But yet another storming performance saw him take victory in the B Final to clinch a spot in the A Final.
Starting near the back of the grid, Aston was moving his way through the field in his Tooley Motorsport run kart when he was knocked off the track, eventually finishing in 21st place overall.
Aston’s Ast Signs team mate Matthew Graham had another impressive weekend in the Formula Kart Stars championship. The more experienced karter finished second overall to maintain his title challenge.
Ast Signs karter Nathan Aston said:
“Obviously it was really disappointing to have an engine problem at the start of the weekend because it makes life much harder. But I was pleased with the way I bounced back from that. I’m gaining experience with every race and I am competing with many older, more experienced karters and holding my own. Hopefully in the next round we won’t have any mechanical problems and I can really show what I’m capable of.”
