Brace of 2nd place finishes and new lap record
gives ICA star edge over rivals

Are the pieces slotting into place at the crucial time for 100cc PR’s ICA star, Robert Foster-Jones - after finishing second twice?

Competing in the 7th and 8th rounds of the British Super 1 kart championship at Shenington, Oxfordshire Robert took pole after posting the fastest lap in qualifying. He then converted 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. 

Despite honours being even between Burton and Foster-Jones after the heats, it was Rob’s Alonso kart that sat on pole position - for the third time this season – thanks to his superior qualifying performance.

Robert led opening two laps of the first final but Burton pressed hard and on lap 3 found a way past. With clear air in front of him, the Tony kart driver quickly opened a gap over Foster-Jones. With matching race-pace it was stalemate - but as the race neared its conclusion, Robert glanced to his left and saw 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 - sadly, his lead was all too brief. Burton threw everything he’d got at the Southend lad and eventually found a way past. 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 Elliot, 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 leader’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”.

Super 1 rules dictate that a driver must drop their lowest two points scores from their overall tally. Robert is now officially 4th in the title chase - but leads, if dropped scores are taken into account. With four rounds left, it’s too close to call just yet though.