THE 750MC is often mentioned in this column as its low cost racing categories attract a good many local competitors.
For a good number of the 750 entrants, motor racing is a leisure pursuit, offering a competitive field of entertainment at a realistic price.
The club now provides a series which could be the first stop for teenagers wanting to progress from the w
orld of karting and, for whom, future involvement could be a serious one.
It is called SaxMax. It is a one-make saloon champ-ionship using identical Citroen Saxo VTR cars, to be driven by competitors aged 14-to-17-years-old.
Alex Lennon, from Stowmarket, made the move in 2008. His karting began in 2005, when he joined Ipswich Indoor Karting Youth Club and, very soon, began to win races.
The following year he embarked on a serious karting programme at Ellough, with Beccles Kart Club driving in the Minimax category. In the Summer Championship, he finished fourth overall, ending with a race win in November.
Having followed this with a sixth in the Winter Championship at Ellough, 2007 saw Alex competing at Red Lodge as well as Ellough. In the Minimax, he was championship winner at Red Lodge, and took third overall at Ellough in both the Summer and Winter Championships.
At 14-years-old, he was able to move on to the full race circuits of the UK for the SaxMax Championship. The season got off to a poor start when the opening round at Snetterton was abandoned. A double-header at Brands resulted in good qualifying positions but they were not carried through and Alex was on the receiving end of some dubious driving standards.
Pembry hosted a two-day event in May, and another good qualifying round was brought to an early end following mechanical failure. However, Sunday set the scene for an impressive run. From 16th on the grid, he finished eighth.
It was back to Wales in June, with another two rounds at Anglesey. His first race started from 16th and finished in 11th. Race two provided another eighth, this time from 13th.
Brands, Donington Park and Silverstone followed, usually with an improvement on qualifying positions. At Oulton Park, he qualified eighth, only to retire with clutch failure. But Snetterton provided the best result, as he secured an end-of-season fifth.
These results saw him secure 14th overall in the championship. Anyone wishing to help Alex in 2009, should telephone Neil Lennon, of the AAB Racing Team, on 01449 676545.
SaxMax could be just what your young driver needs, if so, contact 750MC, Rose Farm, Upper Street, Oakley, Diss, Norfolk IP21 4AX.
DIARY DATES. Short Circuit. Wimbledon, Friday, December 26, 2pm. 1300cc Stock Cars; Rookie Rods; Bangers.
Mildenhall Raceway, Sunday, December 28, 1pm. Ministox; Bangers.
Gt Yarmouth, Sunday, December 28, 2.30pm. Ministox; Bangers.
Wimbledon, Thursday, January 1, 2pm. Winternationals, 2.0 Hot Rods; Lightning Rods; Superstox; Bangers.
Car Trial. Seckford Hall, Woodbridge, Thursday, January 1. Norman Perren Memorial Trial, 10.30am.
COMING SOON. Rallycross, Lydden Hill, January 3. Autosport International Show, NEC, January 8-11.
Here's wishing you all good motorsport during 2009.
