Bristol duo race their way to titles

Two kart racers from Bristol are celebrating clinching championship titles before the end of their respective seasons.

Sam Morgan, 12, from Bradley Stoke, and 15-year-old Conor Hardiman, from Coalpit Heath, both race in Team Traxxion-supported Alonso race karts. Morgan won the Rissington Kart Club Championship, held in Oxfordshire, in the minimax class and Hardiman secured the Juniormax title in the Dunkeswell Kart Club Championship, in Devon.

Both were crowned champions before the final races of the season. And there could yet be further honours in store as the pair compete in events at Clay Pigeon Raceway, near Dorchester, and Shenington, near Banbury.

The boys race in karts built in Italy and endorsed by former Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso.

They are powered by Steve Ogden-built race engines that are capable of speeds up to 80 miles per hour.

Chief team mechanic Daryl Burgess said: "Whilst most people immediately think of fun karts or indoor corporate karts, the Alonso karts travel at almost three times the speed of those reached by indoor karts."

Conor's father, James, said: "If we can add the Clay Championship next month then this will have been a massive year for us."

Sam's dad, Chris, is also looking on this season as an excellent foundation for next year. He said: "Sam's commitment to the 2009 season is second to none and he is driving at the top of his game at the moment. The Alonso kart suits his smooth driving style and works really well in all track conditions.

"With one title already won and Sam currently lying second in two others, we have high hopes for the remaining part of the season."

The duo will next be in action at Clay Pigeon Raceway, on November 8 and December 13, and at Shenington, on November 15 and December 6.