Junior Max star Ed Brand completed a double at Shenington, near Banbury last weekend (26/27 September), by adding the British Open title to his Super 1 championship victory completed earlier in the month. The event, known simply as the ‘O’ Plate - after the number plate bearing the letter O that is awarded to the winner - is one of British karting's most prestigious and therefore hard fought for titles. "It was a dogfight all weekend," said the HRS Motorsport driver. "I really had to work hard for the win, and I did think it would end in tears a few times - but that’s what makes it all the sweeter. To add the British Open to my Super 1 title is just fantastic”.
The weekend had begun well for Ed - who competes on the HRS-designed CRG Dark Knight - chassis when he carved his way from 21st on the grid up to 6th place at the finish, setting the fastest lap of the race. In the following encounter, he finished 2nd but suffered a small reversal of fortune in his next two races, when he crossed the finishing line in 9th and 15th positions. Albeit that he again recorded the quickest lap in the third heat and powered his way up the order from 21st place in his last encounter.
These results were good enough to give Brand fourth place on the grid for the winner-takes-all final.
A steady start saw him maintain his starting place for the first two laps, before he saw a gap and was able to move into 2nd. He trailed the leader for a further tour and briefly assumed the lead before dropping back a place. On lap 8, Ed launched his bid to put the victory beyond doubt.
With a furious scrap for the remaining podium places developing behind him, Brand was able to open a gap over his nearest rival and maintain it for the rest of the race, taking the chequered flag over a second clear of the runner-up.
The victory has further boosted Ed prior to his appearance at the Rotax World Finals at Sharm el-Sheik in December, where he is hoping to add the international season’s biggest victory to his domestic triumphs.
“I came second in the Euro Max championship and by doing so, earned my place at the World Finals. It will be the biggest race of my life so far but with the team I have behind me and the form I’m currently in, I’m going to Egypt with the aim of winning, not to make up the numbers.”
Keep up to speed with Ed’s career and fortunes on the track, visit www.edbrandracing.net |
