Karting ace King takes top ten in World Finals

Andy King 2011 Rotax World Finals. Photo Chris Walker

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A sensational tenth place finish in the Rotax World Finals capped the most successful year of British karter Andy King’s rapidly developing motorsport career.

The 17-year old Littleborough born driver, currently based in Conwy and studying for a National Diploma in Motorsport at Myerscough College in Preston, came to the fore as one of Britain’s brightest talents on the ultra competitive karting scene in his first season as a Senior driver.

A third place finish in the British Super One Senior Rotax Championship meant Andy earned a qualifying place in the prestigious end-of-year Rotax World Finals at Al Ain Raceway in the United Arab Emirates against 71 other drivers from 46 countries.

More impressive was the fact that Andy’s storming drive in the final in his 80mph kart came from 34th and last on the grid.

“I’m happy, I enjoyed it,” said the former Whitworth Community High School pupil. “I’m in the top ten in the world after starting 34th. It was the best experience of my career so far and fingers crossed I’ll be able to go back next year.”

Despite his relative lack of international experience King, who was invited to join leading British outfit Strawberry Racing earlier this year, outpaced many national champions from across the world on the 1400-metre Al Ain circuit, which he only saw for the first time 24 hours before the start of practice.

Second place in one of his heat races helped Andy qualify for the final day of the event in a stunning fourth place as everyone out of the top 34 in points were eliminated.

In the pre-final Andy was on course for a top three finish, which would have given him a prime starting spot for the all-important grand final before a costly spin forced him into retirement and left him starting last.

“It was my only mistake of the weekend,” rued King. “So I went into the final just looking to have some fun. I was annoyed at my mistake but I was still determined to enjoy it.”

Andy crossed the line in 30th place at the end of the first lap and set about picking off drivers one by one, knowing that the 30 degree heat would take its toll on many of those ahead, allowing the super-fit Brit a chance to shine.

“I starting doing what I do best, catching and overtaking people,” added King, who racked up numerous victories as a Junior driver both in the British Super One Championship and the Formula One Management backed Formula Kart Stars series. “It was a long race and I knew it was going to be hard on the drivers and that people would get tired and that’s where I’d come into play.”

Andy started the final lap in 11th place and, with barely half a lap to go, passed Russian champion Alexander Zenkin to snatch tenth, having overtaken 24 drivers in 21 laps.

“Andy drove very well,” attested his mechanic David Gregory. “It was his first time under such big pressure and he drove very well. He didn’t lose his head, kept his calm and his drive in the final was really good.”