Jason Bright: “It Was Excellent To Jump Back Aboard A Kart”
Apr 22, 2008
Britek Motorsport Managing Director and driver of the #25 Fujitsu Racing Ford Falcon V8 Supercar Jason Bright, has jumped aboard a go-kart for the first time in 12 years.
Bright joined V8 Supercar teammate Marcus Marshall (IRWIN Racing) and Britek Motorsport Scholarship holders Adam Graham and Scott McLaughlin for some very fast laps of the Hamilton Karting track ahead of last weekend’s Hamilton 400 in New Zealand.
Aboard the Rotax-powered Arrow karts, the four drivers went full throttle on the challenging Hamilton layout.
The event took place thanks to the assistance of Kartsport NZ and the Hamilton Kart Track which allowed all four drivers on the track at the same time.
“It was excellent to jump back aboard a kart,” said Bright.
“It’s been far too long since I drove one, but I won’t wait that long next time.”
“Karting is excellent for so many reasons. It really teaches you the craft of driving, it gives you experience of understanding the mechanics, and most importantly this is all done in a safe and controlled environment.
“I instigated the Britek Motorsport Scholarship to give something back to motor racing. It has provided me so much and it would be great if one of the guys involved with us does go on to great things in the world of motor sport.
“Scott McLaughlin is doing great things in karting and having the opportunity to drive beside him I can see a very bright future for him.”
It was a homecoming for 14-year-old McLaughlin, who raced extensively at the Hamilton circuit before moving to Australia four years ago.
This year he has been one of the star performers in junior clubman competition across Australia and New Zealand.
“It was a real blast,” said McLaughlin.
“I have been working with Jason for nearly five months, but to actually drive against him was a thrill.
“I dropped back behind him to watch his lines and although he hasn’t driven a kart in a long time I did pick-up some things.
“I have learnt a lot from being involved with the Britek Motorsport Scholarship, but I know there’s still so much I can get out of it.
“Just the fact that I got to share the track with Jason, Marcus and Adam has further inspired me to make the most out of motor sport.”
