Press Release
Are the pieces slotting into place at the crucial time for ICA star, Robert Foster-Jones – after finishing second twice, and stealing a march on his title rivals?
Competing in the 7th and 8th rounds of the British Super 1 kart championship at Shenington, the RFM driver took pole after posting the fastest lap in qualifying, before converting his front-row advantage into a superbly taken win in the first heat. In the 2nd race, he was narrowly beaten for the win by Elliot Burton.
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Robert Foster-Jones |
Despite honours being even after the heats, Foster-Jones’s Alonso kart sat on pole position for the third time this season thanks to his superior qualifying performance.
At the start of the first final, Foster-Jones led the way for the opening two laps but Burton pressed hard and on lap 3 found a way past. With clear air in front of him, Burton quickly opened a gap over Foster-Jones. The two leaders matched each other’s pace and for several laps it was stalemate – but as the race neared its conclusion, Robert glanced to his left and spotted his mechanic, Mickey “Moose” Higham signalling with a waved index finger to “Light it, go faster”. The 16-year old duly responded, catching Burton and passing him – however, his lead was all too brief. Burton threw everything he’d got at Foster-Jones and found a way past again. Despite a nervous glance over his shoulder, Elliot was able to hold on for a deserved win. With refreshing candour, Robert said “Fair play to Elliott, he was the better driver and I didn’t have the pace.”
In the second final of the day, Robert gave his dad’s blood pressure a tense work-out. Dropping to 3rd at the start, he managed to claw his way back into 2nd place – but had allowed Burton, to develop a lead of some 8/10 kart lengths. However a string of fast laps in which he set a new lap record of 40.59 seconds saw Foster-Jones reel in Burton and glue his nosecone to the Tony Kart driver’s rear bumper. “Oh my God” said dad Gary, as his boy launched attack after attack for the lead but each passing manoeuvre was firmly but fairly rebuffed.
Both drove superbly but the day was Burton’s. Up-beat and philosophical, Robert said, “Coming into this meeting, I wanted to make up the (points) gap and I’ve done that. But although it was great to have two 2nds and come away with the (championship) lead on dropped scores I didn’t win and that was my ultimate goal“.
Rob and his RFM team are now in France for the European championship qualifying race (in KF2) at Essay (15 July) where a good result will send him to the final in Salbris, France on 5 August.
To follow his progress through the season, visit www.robertfosterjones.com
