MSA Recognises Young Driver Talent

James Peace has been selected as a young potential elite driver by the MSA and joins the MSA Academy. James was selected from the many applications as a driver that shows true talent despite a limited budget. James is currently leading the British Junior TKM Championship by 39 points, but has shown domination throughout the year, and a focused intellectual approach to his racing.

"This is truly a great opportunity and one that I will take with both hands", enthused James.

Look out for James at the final round of the championship at Buckmore Park (2/3 October), the circuit where Lewis Hamilton started his career. James is hoping to take home the trophy that Jenson Button current Formula One World Champion won in 1992 and looking forwards is actively seeking sponsorship for 2011. "I am looking to go into single seater racing next year, but without support I will be having to attempt to win scholarships through various schemes.", said James.

Talking about the recent Super1 round at Clay Pigeon, James reflected, "We had a difficult weekend, thats all. I drove very well and was unlucky in two situations which meant I couldn't close the championship out there. But having driven from 12th to 4th, 21st to 8th and 23rd to 6th in the other races, I was far from off form - probably exactly the reverse! We go to Buckmore with 39 points advantage over our nearest competitor and that will certainly help."

Super1 Round 4 - Larkhall

Its a longhaul destination when you live in the motorsport valley of the UK to the wonderful Larkhall circuit in Scotland. We arrived on Thursday to one of our favourite pit areas of the UK, with the trees blowing in the breeze it is very relaxing. James had set himself a personal target of obtaining pole position for the first final which he did with some style finishing 4th, 4th and 1st in each of the heats. An impressive set of results considering the randomised "front, middle, back" allocation system.

The weather was only to be expected - changeable. The heats were contested on wet tyres but whilst preparing for the first final, the track had dried. Slicks were the choice, but three laps into the 1st final, it started to rain. James was currently in second behind Sophie Lanc, James moved to the front and then put on what several people commented on as a drive of a true champion. James was lapping significanty quicker than anyone else. By the end of the race, he was a staggering 13.36 seconds in the lead. A truely masterclass of kart control and self control!

The second final was a close run race between himself and his teammate Danny Keirle. Danny overtook near the end of the race and took the win. A great result for the team, the second Jade 1-2 in subsequent rounds of the Super1 Championship. James now leads the championship by over 100 points and the prize is in sight. Should James be able to score 225 or more points at any of the final rounds, then he will be the champion.

Picture (c) Chris Walker - Kartpix.net, used with permission

Shenington SuperPrix

Its Fathers day again and for the eighth year in succession James wanted to give his mechanic a present... so no pressure then. Problems with ignition coil connectors on Saturday, resulted in James having a lowly eighth place grid slot for the A final. An excellent start saw James following his team mate Danny Keirle. James hounded Danny all the way to lap 12 before making his move. "After the problems we had in cadets, I had to make the move two laps before the end, just incase of a mixup in lap scoring, but I felt always in complete control and love the new perpetual trophy which has 4 Super1 champions names already engraved upon it." James has scored a maximum 4 wins from 4 starts in the club championship.

Picture (c) Chris Walker - Kartpix.net, used with permission

Super1 Round3 Shenington

James does it again, making it 6 podium finishes from 6 Super1 Finals, however this time he lands top spot in both races! This being James' home circuit, the pressure to deliver was on. Having such a good start to the year the team wanted to push even harder to secure the ever important points for the championship. With a fully lightened kart (unfortunately loosing the distinctive Jade livery) James pressed for top positions in all three heats, qualifying 4th overall. Its never easy at this level and James once again used his circuit knowledge to his advantage. "I would like to thank my dad, Jade Karts and Alex Hawkridge of Iztech seats for all their support this weekend. We have had another superb result, and as usual can't wait for the next round, in Scotland." James leads the championship by 48 points. This round is televised on Motors TV 28 June 2010 at 20:10.

Picture (c) Chris Walker - Kartpix.net, used with permission

Press coverage increase as James proves entertaining!

Both Southern Karting, and the UK's largest Karting publication "Karting Magazine", both feature James heavily. As reported last month here, James had an interesting time during the OPlate, and showed great promise for the future.

Round 2 Super1

Rowrah, a circuit James has only driven in a Cadet kart was the location of the second round of the TKM Super1 championship. James quickly learnt the track and was certainly within the top 3 fastest drivers. As usual, using mind over heart, James navigated his way safely through the heats and secured 6th place for the First final. He efficiently made his way forwards securing 3rd at the flag. This enabled James to start 3rd for the Second Final, and had a great battle with Will Van Es and Dan Burton eventually finishing second. "The kart felt great, and I knew that points would be a better result than coming off the track with a late move, so i settled for second! But I know that the kart was good enough to win. I can't wait to go to Shenington, my home track in a couple of weeks time."

James is the only driver to secure podium positions in all the finals this year, and leads the championship by 21 points over Oliver Basey-Fisher.

SKRC Winter Champion

Securing pole position for the O Plate and the Shenington Club finals really signalled an intent to take both results home. Unfortunately an unusual moment during the O Plate ended with James retiring from the race having had Luke Cooper ride over the top of James' kart. Shortly after the medical team had cleared James as fit to race, James indicated that he would start the club race and intended to win. A superb display of control gave James his third victory in a row and secured the Winter Championship in fine style with maximum points.

Great results from Super 1

Having shown early form this year, the first round of the Super1 championship could not come quick enough for James. Glan y Gors, a track which James had never driven before was the scene for some amazingly close Junior TKM action. From the start of the competition, James looked controlled and capable. In the first heat James started from pole and knew he had to deliver to get his campaign off to a good start. He didn't disappoint and took the overnight lead of the British Championship.

Day 2 came and having to start the second heat from last on the grid (26th) we knew this was going to be a challenge against the fast competition. Again a drive from the head rather than the heart enabled James to finish 7th. The third heat from mid pack was also a good solid result (5th). With these results James had secured Pole position for the First Final. A quite astounding show of driving from all the front runners entertained the crowd and James finished 3rd with a slight engine malfunction. On to the second final, James dropped to 6th from the start, carefully waited his time, and worked with James Raven to catch the leaders. Into the final lap, James was 3rd. By the last corner he was second and across the line 1st! What an amazing last lap and commited overtaking right when it mattered.

James leads the ABkC British Junior TKM Championship by seven points. Television coverage of the race will be on Motors TV 19th April at 20:10hrs. Watch and you won't be disappointed.

Six wins from six starts

Having finished all 3 races last month in top spot, little did we know that we would be able to repeat this feat at round 2 of the Shenington Club Championship 2010. James mananged to secure pole position for the second month running in fine style setting fastest laps in both heats. "Just goes to show that the new 2010 Dominator is fast in the wet and the dry" comented James. A "lights to flag" victory followed with a 3.5 second gap to second place by the finish.

Grant aid secured

James has managed to acquire some financial support for his entry fees to the Junior TKM Super1 events this year. This additional financial support will ease some of the burden from the requirement to pay for the last three rounds "up front". James would like to thank the West Oxfordshire District Council for selecting him to be one of the recipients of the Sports Higher Achievement Award and is looking forward to the presentation evening.

...and the winner is...

JAMES PEACE, most Promising Junior Driver 2009

James finally receives recognition of his achievements from his home club by being awarded the 2009 "Most Promising Junior Driver" award at the 2009 Shenington Club Annual awards night. "I was completely shocked, having been nominated almost every year for one of these accolades and not winning, I was sure it would go to one of the other nominations. It was also an honour receiving the trophy from Colin Hilton, Chief Executive of the MSA."

New Dominator for 2010

for 2010 James will be driving the new Jade Dominator Chassis which is the product of significant winter testing. "I am totally in love with this kart, it just does exactly what you ask of it and is a joy to drive..."

Registration for the ABkC Super1 Junior TKM Championship has been sent. "I can't wait, seems so far off, but i am looking forward to starting off the year at my home club, Shenington. We'll take it from there, with the support of Jade I am sure we will have a good year!"

Seeded 7th in Super 1 British Championship (Junior TKM)

Congratulations to James for finishing the British Championship in 7th place in his rookie year. James' determination was really put to the test in the last round when he had to cope with three chassis changes during the weekend but he put it behind him and finished an excellent 6th in the final, another good solid score securing 7th position in the Championship.

Back to back winner of Ace of Clubs - Junior TKM

Congratulations to James for winning the Ace of Clubs title in Junior TKM for a second year in succession. Congratulations also to Shenington Club, for whom James drove, for winning the overall King of Clubs title.

2007 Ace of Clubs

2008 Ace of Clubs

2008 King of Clubs winning driver (Shenington)