Robert Bedwell (far right on the front row), has been in touch to inform me of the passing away of 'Chunky' (Graham), who is second from the left on the front row. This photograph was taken two years ago at the prestigious Wembley 24 hour race, when we raced the Daytona Rotax Max karts just before Xmas 2008. 'Chunky' was a quick guy and his passing will be felt deeply by his team-mates and friends.
As part of the Allstars team, when James and myself were part of the team led by Rick Parfitt (Jnr), we raced against the enduro experienced OEKC outfit, so can speak with first hand knowledge of just how quick they are. Led by Russell Willcox from Box Technology (blue race suit back row), who both sponsors and organises the OEKC series, Robertn told me that without Russell's generosity and passion, it would be a very different series without his support.
'Chunky' received his final chequered flag on Saturday 9 October 2010, but in his memory, a memorial race is going to be held at Whilton Mill on 6 February 2011, when a copy of the photograph above will be on display. It is an event that will be an open endurance race, mainly for Rotax Max karts, although the Series regularly have Pro-karts and Bilands on the entry list, with each category receiving an 'equaliser' by way of a number of laps credit. Robert informs me that this makes for a very interesting and exciting end to their endurance racing, as the different fuel strategies and reliability finally play out.
It sounds to me like a fitting way to remember a well-respected team-mate and friend, who will be sadly missed by all the OEKC competitors, and our thoughts are with his family.
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