MMorgan

Last updated 01:00, Wednesday, 18 July 2007

By Martin Morgan

WORKINGTON racer Andrew Tooley is gearing up to regain his Rowrah lap record on the national stage on Sunday.

The junior ace, who lost his best mark at the last club meeting, will get his big chance in the latest round of the Rotax National Kart Championship.

He goes in to the event in second place in the title race and in fine form following a superb win at the PFI track in Lincolnshire.

“Recent testing has gone very well and he has unofficially taken back the lap record, so he will be looking forward to pitting his wits against some very strong opposition,” a Rowrah spokesman said.

Two fellow West Cumbrians are also bidding for championship glory.

National Open champion in the 177 category, Russell Walsh from Seaton, has had a steady year and is lying well up in this year’s championship at his first attempt.

“With local knowledge and the same team behind him as in his title year, Russell will be expecting to go very well this weekend and go for the win,” the spokesman added. “However, there are some very good and experienced drivers against him and it will be tough.”

Cockermouth’s David Simpson will have a one-off outing in the new DD2 class, which has a two-speed sequential gearbox.

He had intended to do the full series this year, but a work promotion at M-Sport meant he was unable to commit the time required and his racing appearances have been rationed this year. But he is fancied to go well on a track he favours.

Track action starts at 10am on Sunday and admission is £5 per car.