Published January 11, 2012 18:40
One of the older unis in the BUKC field, York have never really ventured in the top 10, but could this be their year?
York Uni first took part in the IUKC (as it was known until 2004) back in 2000 when the championship was run on piddly 4-stroke karts. Since then York uni have attended every single BUKC event but have never managed to break in to the top 10 despite being Rookie Team of the year on a couple of occasions. Could this be the year they finally break into the top 10? Lets have a look at the drivers:
Andrew Gilmore
Andy is the president of the University of York karting club and Vice-Captain of the BUKC team, Andy is a two year veteran and owns his own kart. A notorious ladies man but when it gets down to karting Andy is fully focused on the job at hand. Similar to Damon Hill he is a firm but sporting driver, a true gentleman all round.
Daniel Hawkridge
Dan joined the karting club last year and immediately took to it like a duck to water. He is beginner’s rep this year and after his first BUKC season just can’t get enough. Having his own ‘simulator’ Dan is similar to the great French man Alain Prost in his fastidious approach to BUKC, providing valuable insight to the rest of the team.
Michael O'Neill
A hot-shoe hard man Mike was last year’s president and is a formidable presence on the circuit. Over his 3 year BUKC career Mike has put in some memorable performances. Mike is similar to Mika Hakkinen, like Andy he is a man of few words and his icy cool mask hides the fiery passion swelling up within!
Matthew Taylor
The first of the Taylors Matt joined the club last year, and is this year treasurer. Although renowned for economising this certainly does not translate itself on to the circuit. With his bright white suit, Matt will be easy to spot on the track. Reminiscent to Hamilton, he was immediately on the pace when he joined the club.
James Taylor
The second of the short ginger men, who share the same surname, James is this year’s social secretary. Although he is a chemist by trade, his socials have always been entertaining events. He compares himself to Bruno Senna but is quick and consistent, more similar to the ‘flying Scott’ Paul Di Resta.
Jamie Garside
Jamie was webmaster and a long-time veteran of the karting scene at York. So dedicated to BUKC he decided to do a PhD so he could continue racing. Like a fine wine Jamie has ripened with age and in tricky conditions is a renowned ‘rain-master’, his silky smooth driving style and appearance in Head & Shoulders adverts make him similar to Jenson Button.
Thomas Christensen
Tom has just started his life in York and has already impressed on his debut outings. Coming from Denmark and having a similar name to Tom Kristensen, he has a great deal to live up to. However with his lightning fast pace in the qualifiers, he would make Vettel look slow and looks likely to be a dominant force this year and beyond.
Alex Maunders
A two year veteran of the karting club, after a rigged election Alex cheated his way in to becoming Vice President and BUKC Captain. Alex is a generally grumpy and unproductive member of the club. He is similar to Schumacher in trying to recapture former glories; unfortunately he is to old, fat and past it. Is this the year he can turn it around? Prospects look unlikely.
