Sayell shines at Shenington

Super One Minimax champion Jenson Sayell took his new Pantano kart to Shenington in Oxfordshire at the weekend.The Marshland St James driver took an opportunity to test on Saturday and race the kart for the first time on Sunday.It proved very successful with Sayell winning both heats and finishing a close runner-up in the Final.As well as providing an opportunity for Sayell to try the kart in a racing environment, it also provided valuable track experience for Round 2 of the Cadet Kart Championship which takes place there at the end of April.The youngster was drawn 17th on the 23-kart grid for Heat One.He made a good start moving up six places on lap one, moved into eighth on lap two and taking four consecutive fastest laps was into third on lap eight, 1.13 seconds behind the leader.He rapidly closed the gap and passing two karts in one corner Sayell took the lead on lap eleven to take the win a lap later – a stunning drive. Heat Two saw Sayell drawn third on the grid. He took the lead on lap two but was closely followed by fellow TWR teammate Esser. Esser was demoted by Shenington regular Stafford but Sayell stayed ahead to take the flag.Two heat wins put Sayell on the pole for the Final.Sayell took the lead from Stafford and held it for most of the 15 laps with Stafford occasionally moving ahead only to be immediately retaken by Sayell. He was ahead on the final lap but was pushed wide on the final corner, finishing 0.13 seconds behind Stafford at the flag.The Sayell family team are now hoping to run the new Pantano Mini kart, which will be made in Italy for 2025, at Warden Law near Sunderland for Round One of the CKC competition subject to satisfactory testing on Friday and parts availability.Young Sayell was delighted with the new kart’s first racing performance.He thanks TWRacing, Force Motorsport and all his sponsors including local companies JLK Vehicle Solutions, Ark East Anglia Ltd, Sun Lounge Tanning Studio and Hall Clean.