Andrew Lancaster

It is with immense regret that the death of Andrew Lancaster was notified to me on my return from Monaco. Andrew had been the victim of a building accident in Bradford, when he was buried under a pile of rubble at a construction site after a trench wall collapsed.

Andrew was one of those charming, unassuming characters, who once told me he was quite happy to take a back-seat, and stay out of the limelight, in his bid to help his younger brother, Jon, reach the highest levels within motor-sport. Jon, of course, competed in World Series by Renault in Formula 3.5 this year with Fortec Motorsport, and with his foot in the door of reaching his Formula 1 ambition, both he and his family have been devastated by this accident.

Words can mean so little during moments like this, but our thoughts are with all of the Lancaster family at this sad time.

Monaco 2010

The 14th Monaco Kart Cup got underway this weekend, and my 'room with a view' delivered the above scene when I opened the curtains this morning, after the Star Princess had moored on the jetty just inside the harbour during the early hours.

As far as the racing goes, qualifying and some of the heats were held under a hot, sunny sky, although the clouds that threatened rain after gloomily appearing across the top of the mountains, thankfully failed to produce the anticipated downpour. The evening forecast for the remaining heats and finals on Sunday (tomorrow) though leaves a lot to be desired...

Early indications in all three classes (Endurance/KF3/KZ2) on todays evidence remain too open to predict, although Jack Hawksworth in KZ2 looks very quick, as he bids to overcome a mechanical failure in the first of his heats. It was also pleasing to chat to Oliver Rowland, who is also appearing in KZ2. His dad was due to come to this race to watch Oliver in action and he will be sadly missed.

Dave Rowland

Details remain unclear, but the sad news this weekend would suggest the passing away of Dave Rowland, father of Oliver, the 'rising star' in karting signed by McLaren Mercedes, to follow in the steps of Lewis Hamilton.

Dave was a great bloke, very friendly, and obviously a strong supporter of Oliver's racing career.

We, as a family, used to race against Dave back in the mid-1980's in 100 National, and have followed Oliver's career closely ever since he was a young Cadet kart champion.

Our thoughts go to the family at this sad time.