New teen on racing scene
A speedy teen from Ballincollig is well on track to becoming a future motorsport champion.
Last month, 17 year old Kayleigh Cole headed to the Donington Race Circuit in the UK for the second round of the F1000 UK Championship.
Placing 16th overall, Kayleigh is making fast progress and her improvement has not gone unnoticed with the young Leeside speedster picking up the ‘Best Newcomer’ award for the most progression in a single race weekend.
Kayleigh recently joined the competitive F1000 UK Championship following three years of competitive karting in Ireland.
For the F1000 racing class, Kayleigh drives a single seater car which is powered by a 1000c high performance motorbike engine.
The car has excellent handling characteristics and drivers can find themselves going from zero-60mph in just three seconds, reaching top speeds of over 150mph.
Despite having had limited testing due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, Kayleigh felt well prepared for her latest race and says she can’t wait for the next round.
Speaking before her last race, Kayleigh said: “I’m really excited but also nervous going into the next round of the F1000 championship. We are a lot more prepared for Donington than we were for my first race at Silverstone thanks to a full day’s testing there in February.”
Kayleigh says she has worked closely with her coach Sarah Moore on analysing data and building her confidence.
“It’s a big challenge moving from karting to single seater racing. Nevertheless, we are sure that racing with F1000 UK is the best decision we could have made.
Kayleigh says her main goal at Donington was to start well and stick with the pack while continuing to work on her race craft and lap times.
“There is a great buzz around the paddock with this F1000 Championship - everyone is so friendly and helpful, and the 750 Motor Club do a great job when it comes to the running of their race weekends,” said Kayleigh.
To watch Kayleigh in action, visit the 750 Motor club YouTube channel and for results visit theresultslive.co.uk.