The 2007 GlazeKart event was judged a huge success by those teams taking part.  With a background of changeable weather, 17 teams took to the grid at the 1.3km Daytona circuit at Milton Keynes.  30 minutes of practice showed that, whilst there was a wide range of abilities (and weights!), the competition was going to be tough all the way down the grid.

And so it proved to be.  Starting from pole position the 'Three Amigos', a mixed team from Mila, Laird and BM Trada soon pulled out a commanding 2 lap lead.  Behind them, Whiteline Goldline, Patterson & Rothwell, Wegoma, Profile 22, Whiteline N&C and Whiteline Teamframes all battled for the next 6 places.

The rain started early and all the drivers prepared to don waterproof overalls.  However, the shower was light and short and the track had soon dried again.  Although the clouds were threatening the rain held off for the rest of the race and the finish was actually in bright sunshine!

The Amigos were running longer stints than their main rivals during the first 90 minutes but, as all teams must make 7 pit stops, the competition was going to gain some of the ground back later in the 3 hour race.  It eventually proved to be much closer than anyone could imagine.

By the half way stage Whiteline Goldline had firmly established themselves in second place, Patterson & Rothwell dropping down the field after some mechanical kart trouble and a few rule infringements leading to a black flag!  In the mid-field Synseal B, Business Micros and Emplas were keeping the front runners honest and keeping up the pressure.

Also in the mix at various times through the race were Team RCI, Synseal A, Glassex and Winkhaus.  There was certainly alot of place changing going on with teams in the top 10 dropping down the field and those at the back overtaking those ahead as the pit stops took place and different drivers took over.

Things became very exciting in the final 30 minutes as the leaders made their final compulsory stops bringing the Amigos and Whiteline Goldline back on to the same lap.  The battle was intense but it was eventually the Amigos that crossed the line first just 40 seconds ahead of Whiteline Goldline in second place.  But the battle for the final podium place also took a dramatic turn in the final 5 minutes.  Wegoma had to complete their final compulsory stop which brought them back into the clutches of a recovering Patterson & Rothwell.  The stop fortunately was made without incident and Wegoma rejoined the race to complete their final lap with just a few seconds to spare!

Behind them there was just 2 laps between the next four teams with Profile 22 securing 4th place ahead of two more Whiteline teams.  Synseal B and Business Micros had had their own battle for much of the race and finished just 1 lap apart, Team BM taking the honours.

Stoneleigh, Glassex, Sapa (under the guise of the Blustone Bombers), Winkhaus and Synseal A (who set the 5th fastest lap in the closing stages) were also close behind.  Bee3 Communications (The A Team) and Team RCI who both had just 3 drivers in the team in a very tiring race, finshed in 16th and 17th respectively.

There was a hugely positive reaction from all the teams and drivers taking part.  The prime objective of the event (to have some serious fun!) had seemingly been achieved and with many of the key people in the industry present it was also an ideal opportunity for a bit of networking in very unusual surroundings!

There were several cries of 'we'll be back next year - and more competitive' heard from the teams as they gathered for the podium presentations, expertly carried out by ex Tottenham and England footballer, Gary Stevens.  GlazeKart is certainly making it's mark on the industry calendar and it is hoped that it can generate even more interest next year!  For those companies who didn't take part (and most of the big names had a representation in one form or another) you missed another great event!