Graham Marshall at work on his Formula One go-kart in garage at his home.
140 mph with inches to spare.
By Garry Brannigan. One man who can testify to the concentration and quick reactions needed in the growing sport of go-kart racing is 26 year old Graham Marshall. Since entering karting’s 250 cc international class a little under two years ago, he has built up the experience needed to battle against rivals from Europe and America. It’s a thrilling sport, and far more demanding than you would imagine, particularly in the 250 cc class, the Formula One of go-karting. A motor technician by trade, Graham does all his own maintenance and built his present kart almost on his own, with the cost £1500 coming from his own pocket. Sponsorship, an expanding feature of karting would make him more competitive. Graham has beaten racers with contracts, but they are able to bring spare engines, frames and tyres to meetings, which he can’t. Relatively new to the thrills and spills of karting at top international level, he is enthusiastic about his chances. His aim for this year is to enter the National Grand Prix at Silverstone. The sport has become very sophisticated, but as speeds have increased so have driving skills and deaths and serious accidents are rare. There are around 40 tracks, and provided you are insured and over 12, you can have a go. Drivers usually pay by the hour for the use of a track. When you think you are ready, you can apply for an RAC competitors licence. And you need never have driven a car.