Coltin’s Corner: On the podium at Goodwood ECKC!

Schools out for the summer and the racing season is in full swing. Having just returned home from the second round of the ECKC, I’m excited to deliver the third edition of Coltin’s Corner. The turnout was excellent with 173 drivers in attendance, 29 of which were in the Sr. Max category. This was my second appearance at Goodwood Kartways since attending the 2013 Canadian Nationals as a Junior Rotax driver. Once again the Di Leo family had the facility in tiptop shape for this years event. The circuit is one of the oldest operating kart tracks in North America and the track features a long sweeping straightaway that causes most engines to hit the rev limiter. For some drivers, the huge wall at the end of front straight is intimidating because the slightest mistake can spell disaster.

“During the pre-final I was comfortably in second place when disaster struck…. I dropped a chain! I’ve never dropped a chain before…”

After having solid results in Mosport with SH Racing, it was without a doubt the right choice to partner with them again. Showing up at the team tent and seeing all the familiar faces, got my adrenaline pumping and I couldn’t wait to get on the track. I made it clear to myself and to anyone that would listen, that I was here to get the job done. With support from Alex Vincent and Sacha Gagnon, my confidence level was high and so were my personal goals for the weekend. I knew that the entire SH Racing Team was behind me.

My first practice sessions were strong, and I knew it wouldn’t take long to get up to speed. I wanted to make sure that each practice session was an improvement over the previous time out. Being a driver from Alberta, I was definitely not use to the high humidity and temperatures that we experienced during the event. I found it very difficult to stay cool and hydrated. I wondered if the local drivers were struggling as much as I was, or were they accustom to this environment? Either way, I had to deal with it.

Sporting my new Freem CKN/Cold Stone Creamery race suit (Photo by: Cody Schindel/CKN)

As the event unfolded, I was pleased with my performance. Throughout the practice sessions, I managed to run within the top five, but I knew that I could do better. Alex and I continued to review the data and make changes accordingly. I felt that we were close on the set-up, but I needed to adjust my driving to improve lap times. Qualifying went very well with a second place result, but I had to reduce the gap between the leader and myself. During the pre-final I was comfortably in second place when disaster struck…. I dropped a chain! I’ve never dropped a chain before, so this came as a shock. With only two laps remaining, I was furious to say the least. As a result, I was going to start in 28th position for the feature race. As disappointed as I was, I stayed positive and looked at this as an opportunity to showcase my driving abilities in traffic. I knew in my head that I had to be aggressive, yet cautiously make my way through the opening lap. To my surprise I managed to pass 14 karts after just one lap. As I got into my rhythm I picked karts off one at a time, until I ran out of laps and finished in fourth place (just 4/100’s off the fast lap). As I rolled up to the scales, I was completely exhausted but what a feeling!

“Finally…my first podium at the ECKC.”

As Super Sunday was upon us, I was determined to improve on Saturday’s results. In warm-up, I managed to post fast lap followed by another second place finish in qualifying. My FA chassis and AV Performance engine felt extremely strong and I was confident that I would succeed in the afternoon. I finished second in the pre-final, which put me on the front row for the final race. Unfortunately when the green flag dropped, I was shuffled back four positions by the time I hit turn two. I couldn’t believe what had just happened, but I knew that I couldn’t let the lead pack get away. I jumped on any passing opportunities early, and fought my way back to a second place finish. Finally…my first podium at the ECKC.

Finally! On the podium at the ECKC. (Photo by: Cody Schindel/CKN)

My results could not have been achieved without the assistance and support of my Dad, Alex Vincent, Sacha Gagnon and the entire SH Racing Team. I’d also like to thanks CKN, Cold Stone Creamery, Bell Racing Helmets, Polen Design and Freem Racing. Without their continued support, my attendance would not have been possible at this event. I can’t wait to return to Trois-Rivières, Quebec for Rounds 5 & 6.

See ya there!
-Coltin McCaughan

Twitter @coltinmccaughan
IG @coltin_mccaughan