The first race meeting in the Barbados Karting Association Inc.'s 2007 Frutee Kart Championship saw a record 23 karts come under starter's orders.

Sponsored by long-time supporter, Automotive Art, the day saw some of the most exciting racing to date with many first-time karters getting their first outing in this exciting sport.

The Championship class saw a battle between current Champion Driver Dane Skeete and his closest rival recently, Conor Roach. The two traded wins all day and each emerged with two wins, tieing for overall honours on the day – the first such tie for top honours in a long time. Perhaps the most thrilling race was the second event in this class when both Conor and Dane started from the rear of the 12-strong field and fought their way to first and second place with Conor taking the win.

Jesse Kelly secured a steady third place in the Championship class and fourth place was a surprise finish for first-timer, Allan Kinch. Good drives were also recorded by Chris Hinds and David Evelyn. Former Champion Driver Orry Hunte suffered a blown engine in the second race after qualifying third fastest and was sidelined in the Championship Class for the rest of the day.

The return of the very quick 125cc gearbox class saw three drivers, Stuart Maloney, Brett Judd and Orry Hunte each win a race. The last race decided who would emerge as class winner and Stuart Maloney put his stamp on the proceedings by securing the win. In the class he finished ahead of Brett Judd, his brother Mark, Orry Hunte, Paul Bourne and first-time shifter driver Jean-Marc Cozier.

The junior classes, now split into an entry-level class and a ‘more experienced' class, was the proving ground for four young newcomers to the sport. Making their debuts were Alexander and Samantha Gill, son and daughter of motorsport legend Mike Gill and Jacob Kelly, newest driver of the three Kelly siblings. These three made up the entry-level class and all drove well - boding well for the future of motorsport in Barbados.

In the ‘more-experienced' junior class, newcomer Mark Kinch, with his dad also trying a kart for the first time in the Championship Class, was unable to match the pace of Joshua Kelly who had the benefit of a year under his belt in the class.

At the end of the day the BKAI was well pleased with the turnout of karters – especially the high number of debutants – and the standard of driving displayed. The BKAI would, once again, like to thank its sponsors, Frutee and Automotive Art for their continued support and all drivers expressed their eagerness for action on Race Day 2 - carded for March 18th.

Visit www.barbadoskarting.com for more information.