Undefeated run ends with "nose-cone" defeat (From Barry And District News)

Undefeated run ends with "nose-cone" defeat

BARRY-based ProKart team OSB Motorsport saw their undefeated start to the 2004 season end on Sunday by one tenth of a second in another thrilling final race at the Llandow circuit near St Athan.

Once again, OSB drivers Michael Hamilton and Craig Camilleri were involved in the most exciting race of the day but whereas Hamilton emerged victorious in February and March, on this occasion it was Aberdare-based driver Chris Lipscomb who squeezed home ahead after a move that forced Hamilton into the air.

"We were side by side and he didn't really give me any racing room," said Hamilton, whose one-tenth of a second defeat equated to the length of a Kart nose-cone. "I went across the Kerbs and through some mud, which ruined my chances."

Running five of the twin-engined ProKarts for the first time, Barry's only Senior ProKart team were always in the thick of the action with Camilleri just two tenths of a second behind Lipscomb at the finish in third and Henry Beaudette a close fifth.

"Considering the talent in the field, I think the whole team should be very happy," said Beaudette, who lost out to Welsh ProKart Champion Paul Saunders in a battle for fourth place. "We have great support from companies like Starlight Loft Conversions, Bar Cubanas, Dolphin Books and several more and today the team put on a good show."

The day was also a success for the team's two novice drivers, Tom Davenport and Darryn Cross. Davenport finished a best-ever seventh overall and was awarded the 'Novice of the Day' trophy while Cross, who was making his MSA Karting debut, came home ninth in a field of 14.