News
PRESS RELEASE: 10th January 2012
Big Boost For Robbie
Lympsham
Karting Ace 14 year old Robbie Gallier has had a major boost as he has
attracted support from the Italian Kart manufacturer CRG.
2011 saw the multiple Honda Cadet Champion and lap record holder move up to the Junior Rotax class, instead of the normal step which is from Cadet to the Rotax Minimax class. Robbie moving straight up to the Junior Rotax class has proved the correct step, especially as he started Karting at 11 years old. Most youngsters start at 8 or even 6.
The first event in 2011 in the class was rewarded with an amazing result, finishing second behind the number three driver in the country. There were many more podium finishes in 2011 during which Robbie went to many different tracks all over the country and abroad, finishing on the podium in all but a few races and winning at a the Fullbeck track, a track he had never raced at before.
Mark Collings of CRG UK spotted Robbie's talent when he first started racing at the Llandow track where he won every race there and broke the lap record in a 16 month period. Mark continued to follow Robbie's progress in 2011 and has offered to support Robbie as a factory supported driver for 2012 and 2013.
It is hoped Robbie can now compete in the British Championship and at least one major race abroad in 2012.
To ensure this can happen he does need additional support as racing at top level is very expensive commented Chris Hutchings who is helping the youngster. "With it being very tough out there, we are hoping that we can attract some additional backing as I believe as Mark Collings does that Robbie has a real future in Motorsport"
Robbie's commented "This is such an amazing help. Working with CRG will be so good and all I hope is I can race in the British Championship. I just can not wait for the season to start"
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Support continues from; Eurocams, Mountney, Bespoke Eng, Photo bloc, Talon, BWOC, Demon Tweeks , Lucas Oil and PIAA.
PRESS RELEASE: 11 June 2011
Robbie's Fastest Laps in The Rain.
The
rain may have delayed the Canadian Grand Prix, but even though it was
every bit as bad in the UK, the Championship Kart race at Clay Pigeon
race track near Dorchester in Dorset went ahead this weekend. The track
is where Jenson Button the eventual winner of the Grand Prix won his first
Kart race.
Eurocams backed Robbie Gallier the 14 year old Junior Rotax driver from Lympsham was driving his first ever wet race on his Tony Kart EVVR and what a race it was. To get to the final Robbie had to first complete three heats each with just 8 laps, and the only concession to the weather as it was a reduction from the normal 10 lap . Starting 6th in the first heat and on the wrong side of the track, there was the predictable tangle at the start pushing Robbie down to 14th. He made great progress to get to 4th and then disaster struck when the chain came off due to the impact at the start tangle and spun him out,
He needed to make the second heat count and that he did in style winning by over 6 seconds. The third and starting from 8th again was difficult due to the lack of visibility. This dropped Robbie down to 12th, but then putting some amazing laps he managed to get back up to finish 4th and again taking the fastest lap.
With the non finish in the first heat Robbie qualified back in 6th place for the 13 lap final. The weather had become so treacherous that some were calling for the race to be cancelled, something Robbie did not want as he was becoming more and more confident in the conditions.
The Kart Express Team set the Kart up beautifully all day and made some more adjustments for the final, and what a final. From 6th and wanting to ensure his race did not end in the first corner he took it very easy and dropped to 8th, making some incredible moves whilst setting yet again the fastest lap got up to 4th. Then the real charge came at one of the most difficult corners Paddock bend where he overtook two in one move to cheers in the crowd, and then took another in the horseshoe to move to 2nd. With just one lap to go Robbie reeled in the leader and challenged and briefly overtook Steven Handford again in paddock bend only for Handford to re take Robbie. As Handford is not registered for the championship, Robbie thought about maximum points and settled for 2nd and a great trawl of points.
Robbie commented:"This was probably the most difficult races I have had and I really enjoyed it. Of course I wanted to win but this really helps my championship. The team did a great job, my set up was perfect."
PRESS RELEASE: 23 May 2011
Stunning Result for Gallier
Lympsham
Karting ace 14 year old, Eurocams backed Robbie Gallier was on stunning
form at Fullbeck in Lincolnshire. It was Gallier's first ever visit to
the track in preparation for next years British Championship.
Still in his first year in the Junior Rotax class, Robbie is impressing many as he is rarely off the podium. It was a true demonstration of his undoubted talent. When he arrived at the Fullbeck track he had to be immediately on the pace, which was the case on Saturday's open practice sessions. Having to practice all day on used tyres, due to budget restraints, when in the last session Robbie opted to scrub in the new set he would use on Sunday and immediately went 9 tenths of a second quicker than any other competitor in the Junior Rotax class.
Sunday's weather was similar to that on Saturday just a little cooler, which meant that all the hard work Robbie and Team Kart Express had put in would not be wasted.
In the first of three 10 lap heats Robbie started 10th of the 18 competitors and made good progress through the pack to finish 5th. The second heat in which he started 5th saw Robbie drive a stunning race to finish 2nd with just 100ths of a second behind the winner. In the third he again finished 2nd, qualifying him 2nd for the 15 lap final.
With the wind very strongly and the temperature cooling, Robbie knew he had to get the tyres up to temperature if he was to make a move for the lead and maintain it. He patiently kept behind the pole setter to take the lead on lap 6 and then again set some tremendous times taking fastest lap to achieve his first ever win in the Junior Rotax class.
Onlookers were impressed with his performance and how quickly he mastered the track. Robbie commenting "I really like the track, it was demanding and makes you concentrate 110% to get the fastest lap all day shows what a great job the team did."
Robbie is competing next weekend in France in the KF3 Class at the French GPO championship. The team leaves on Wednesday and Robbie cannot wait. He is the only British driver in KF3 and one of the youngest, so it will be a tough weekend.
Support continues from; Eurocams, Mountney, Demon Tweeks, BWOC, Lucas Oil, WSM Fasteners, Bespoke Mfg and PIAA.
PRESS RELEASE: 29 April 2011
Fine Third for Robbie
Eurocams
backed Robbie Gallier returning to Dunkeswell Kart Circuit in Devon for
the first time since June 2010 and the first time in the new to Robbie
Junior Rotax class kart. The just 14 year old was the youngest in the
class and arrived for the Saturday's open practice buoyed up by two good
days of testing in the KF class kart at PFI the world famous Lincolnshire
track.
The Kart Express team arrived at 2.00am to prepare Robbie's kart for the weekend. Robbie found that he was instantly on the pace, which was surprising considering that his new kart is almost four times more powerful than the Honda cadet class kart he raced and held the lap record in, a year ago. After six practice sessions Robbie was very happy with the set up the Kart Express Team gave him and was looking forward to the Sunday race day.
Sunday's weather as Saturday's was scorching and very good for grip, with lots of rubber being put down on the track. The first of the three heats saw Robbie start 5th and finish 3rd. In the second starting from 9th from a grid of 14 and after a very bad start due to there being a lot of contact he came through to take 6th.
What was encouraging was that Robbie had the fastest lap time in the first and joint fastest in the second heat. The third heat was the most difficult with there being three false starts and the engine getting very hot in the extreme temperature., Once the engine cleared and he avoided the incidents in front of him, he came from 11th to finish 6th. This meant he qualified 5th and the all important right hand side of the track for the 12 lap final.
After a very turbulent start, Robbie emerged 3rd and was challenging in every corner and moving up to second twice, just not having enough experience and straight line speed to hold second. There was no more than 400th's of second between first, second and third places so he was pleased to finish a excellent 3rd on his debut race in Junior Rotax at Dunkeswell and his 4th podium in the class.
Robbie is grateful to receive support from Eurocams, Demon Tweeks, Mountney, Lucas Oil, PIAA and Bespoke Mfg.
PRESS RELEASE: 11 April 2011
Robbie Bounces Back
After a very difficult March, which saw 13 year old Lympsham Karting Ace Robbie Gallier racing in the UK and France, the month was dogged by mechanical problems and accidents, he was determined to get his season back on track.
The Eurocams backed driver was racing at his home circuit, Clay Pigeon near Dorchester in Dorset. It was the first time he had been able to race in dry weather for two days since moving up from the Honda Cadet class to Junior Rotax for 2011.
Saturday's open practice went really well, Robbie enjoying the very warm weather and the extra grip this gave him. The Team Kart Express worked hard to give him the set up that he was happy with and finished the day two tenths of a second quicker than any of the 17 others in the class.
Robbie still lacking the race experience in the new class knew it would be a tough weekend as there were many top drivers competing. With the weather the same glorious sunshine as on Saturday the Sunday races got under way at 10.30am and in the first of the three heats he started 5th. After the second start, it was a very exciting race and saw Robbie finish 2nd. The second heat, starting from 6th, having a very difficult start which saw him drop back to 12th to make a superb comeback to take 4th and in the third heat from 16th he drove with great determination as the engine kept cutting out on slow corners to take 6th.
This qualifying him a fine 3rd and all important right side of the track for the final. Making a great start saw Robbie soon up to 2nd and taking the lead on lap 7 of 15, only to loose it on lap 9. Then the leader concerned about Robbie's pace, slowed and backed the race up on lap 12, momentarily working he dropped back to 6th and then made some amazing moves to regain 2nd which is where he finished.
Robbie commented, " Phil Howarth my mechanic and the team gave me an awesome Kart today and perhaps I could have won. Still it was only my third race in the new class at Clay and 2nd was great for the championship points."
PRESS RELEASE: 14 February 2011
First Podium of 2011 For Robbie
Karting
ace Robbie Gallier starts the 2011 season with a spectacular result in
his first race in the Clay Pigeon championship. The 13 year old of Lympsham,
Somerset was in only his second race in the new to him Junior Rotax class.at
the demanding Clay Pigeon circuit which is just east of Yeovil. This is
the circuit where Jenson Button raced regularly and it was a championship
he coveted. Robbie was racing in a new more powerful class. Deciding to
move up two classes was always going to be a challenging start to the
year.
With all the open practice on the Saturday being in the dry, it was no preparation for what was to face him on Sunday when the heavens opened all day. Undaunted by the weather, in fact revelling in the difficult conditions, he started 5th in the first of the three heats, and after the second lap he took the lead and drove away from the significant opposition to take a comfortable lead to go on and win.
The other two heats where both subject to big accidents. Robbie did well to stay on the track after starting 11th, but he got caught up in the accident dropping him to last. He pushed hard and was the only driver to make up significant places to finish an amazing 3rd, winning praise from his new Team Manager Mike Kellard of CKRT who commented "that was a most outstanding drive, what a comeback, many drivers would have just settled to finish, to get back to third was nothing other than fantastic". In the third heat, there was another big accident. Starting 5th he then went back to 7th in the mayhem, with the first three managing to get away he was only going to be able to claw his way back to 4th.
These superb heat results netted Robbie 2nd for the final, which was not ideal as he was starting on the dirty side of the track. Starting the race and needing to finish the final to gain maximum championship points, he was able to challenge for the lead and decided he needed to not take any risks as the conditions were now more treacherous than ever. Visibility being the main handicap, he finished a superb 2nd, doing so beating the 2010 Clay Junior Rotax Champion and showing all he his a real championship challenger.
Robbie and the team where delighted with the result, Robbie commenting, " I am so pleased to get a good result and so pleased for my new team, Mike and Phil my mechanic just put a great Kart under me, they deserve a big thank you".
Support continues from Eurocams, Mountney, Demon Tweeks, Talon, Bespoke
and PIAA.
All images are copyright free, please credit Tel T Photography
PRESS RELEASE: 6 December 2010
Debut Podium For Gallier
Eurocams
backed Robbie Gallier of Lympsham stunned the Karting world when he raced
for the first time in the powerful Rotax Junior Max class at the Clay
Pigeon Kart Track just east of Yeovil. The 13 year old who has dominated
the Honda Cadet class since he started Karting just two years ago was
racing for the first time in the class. Robbie is now one of the youngest
and having to carry 16 kilos of ballast.
The weekend did not start well as his new Kart, that had just arrived from Italy and he used for the very valuable open practice sessions on the Saturday, was found to have a fault in the steering. Race team boss Mike Kellard made the decision to switch Karts for the Sunday's race day. This presented an even bigger challenge for young Gallier as he was to race on a Kart he had never driven before. With the temperature just above freezing and the start being delayed due to black ice, Robbie on exiting the pits for the 3 lap practice had a chain snap. The team quickly fixed this to enable him to complete the mandatory 3 laps practice.
In the first of two heats each of 15 laps there was a collison at the start. Robbie starting 3rd on wet tyres managed to steer around the problem and he came back up through the pack to settle into and finish a fine 3rd. Not having driven the Kart before, this was an amazing result and boosted his confidence for the second heat in which he started 6th and made up two places to finish 4th.
This was enough to qualify Robbie 3rd for the final, and with the track drying and most choosing an intermediate tyre Robbie and the team made the brave choice going for dry slick tyres. Having never driven the Kart on slicks, it meant he was going to have to watch the lines carefully and stay on the dry line. Robbie made a superb start and got into 2nd before the third corner and keeping in touch with number 10 in the country Levi Coombes the leader. Then on lap five of the twenty lap race Robbie went for a move in the hairpin and span out on a damp patch. This dropped him to 6th, but the never give up attitude he has always displayed showed as he made up the places to finish an amazing 2nd in his first ever Junior Rotax race. It could even be a win as the winner's clutch is under investigation for technical infringements, and the result of the tests will be known in 10 days.
Race team boss, Mike Kellard was so impressed with Robbie, saying "Robbie has an amazing talent and I and the whole Clay Kart Shop team are so impressed with him. The transition from Honda to this class is enormous and Robbie has demonstrated his amazing talent and impressed all at the circuit"
Support continues from; Eurocams, Mountney, Demon Tweeks, BWOC, WSM Fasteners,
Bespoke Mfg, Lucas Oil and PIAA.
PRESS RELEASE: 27 Novermber 2010
Stunning Win For Robbie
Robbie
Gallier was at his local circuit, Clay Pigeon, just east of Yeovil. This
is where the Eurocams backed driver's short Karting career started, and
the 13 year old from Lympsham wanted to finish his time in the Honda Cadet
class in style. Next year will see Robbie move up to Junior Rotax class.
Opting to use the open practice sessions on the Saturday, which were more important than usual as Robbie's father had to assemble a kart from all the spares and using the spare chassis that had seen action in more than 40 plus race weekends. The engine was the courtesy of UFO as the multiple champions best equipment has been sold to help fund his new Kart for 2011 season. In the practice sessions Robbie was quick and Julien worked hard on the set up, but with it being dry all that work was to prove a little irrelevant as the heavens opened on the Sunday morning. Robbie was undaunted by the conditions and the competition, as there were many 2010-2011 British Championship contenders at the meeting.
Sunday's racing consisted of three 8 lap heats and a 10 lap final, with the gird position for the final decided by the heat results. In the first of the three heats Robbie showed supremely how he has won eleven Championships in just two years, starting from 16th he was half way through the pack after the 3rd lap and took the lead at the end of the 5th to go on and take a convincing lead. With the rain now pouring down, conditions Robbie excels in, and with his confidence buoyed by the first heat performance he was just amazing in the 2nd and 3rd heats winning each by half a lap and qualifying him pole for the final.
As the track was drying slightly for the final the tyre pressures were going to be key. Robbie using up a set of old wets, with his father they made a perfect call and Robbie was simply in a different league as he was never challenged and went on to win by 5 seconds which is a massive margin in Karting terms. Not only did he win every heat and the final, he also took fastest laps in all three heats and the final.
Robbie commented "I have loved my time in Hondas and my Dad did such a good job to get the Kart ready as I wanted to end my time in Hondas on a high. I can't wait to get into the next much faster class, and must say thanks to Eurocams, Mountney and BWOC who helped make it all happen".
Support continues from; Talon, PIAA, WSM Fasteners and Bespoke Mfg.
PRESS RELEASE: 11th October 2010
Gallier Wins in Style
Robbie
Gallier was in stunning form as he visited his home track. After finishing
4th in the UK in the 2010 Honda Cadet Championship and winning the Rookie
Cup, the 13 year old from Lympsham, backed by Eurocams, was wanting to
do well at his home track where it all started for him just two years
ago.
He had not decided until Friday to put an entry in,so this meant he had to start from the back of the 13 strong grid in all three heats. What a demonstration it proved to be of the youngster's talent. In the first heat he came through the pack to finish 3rd, and in the second heat he came from last to take the lead in just two laps and take the win. The third heat again saw Gallier take the lead, this time on the fourth lap and to win by over a second. This was even more impressive as the heats were only consisting of eight laps.
Qualifying pole for the ten lap final, Gallier did not have the best of starts. He took a tight line into the first left hander allowing Kyle Preticca to take the lead by taking the outside line. He used the next four laps to challenge Preticca and to pull a lead out on the chasing pack. On lap five Robbie went into the lead never to be challenged again and to convincingly win the final.
Everyone was impressed to see how the youngster dominated the day and considering he had started from last in every heat it made the win even more impressive. He is next in action at Buckmore Park next weekend for the coveted "O" plate, probably the toughest Honda race in the country.
Support continues from; Eurocams, Mountney, BWOC, WSM Fasteners , Bespoke Mfg, Lucas Oil, Southwest Karting & PIAA.
PRESS RELEASE: 4th October 2010
Robbie British Honda Cadet Rookie Champion
The
Eurocams backed Karting ace 13 year old Robbie Gallier of Lympsham turned
what could have been a nightmare into a dream climax at final round of
the British Honda Cadet Championship competing against 22 of the best
Honda Cadet drivers and 16 Rookies in the country.
Racing in atrocious conditions at the Buckmore Circuit in Kent where Lewis Hamilton was discovered, he and the team knew it was going to be a challenging weekend as his arch rival for the Rookie cup, Jack Evans, was racing at his home track plus the weather, which was some of the worst the young Karter had ever raced in.
The free practice sessions on the Friday went well with Robbie and the Prokart Engineering team working hard to perfect the set up. With dry and warm weather in the morning and wet and windy in the afternoon it meant they were able to perfect a good set up for the conditions that they would encounter.
Robbie did have a tough first heat on the Saturday as he had to scrub a new of wet tyres in on the first heat, as the rules only allow you to use them in the actual races. Despite being one of slowest out of 22 due to the tyres, he came from 13th to finish 9th. With Evans finishing in front, Robbie knew he had it all to do on the Sunday. For the first of Sunday's heats the track was damp and drying. Robbie and Prokart's Jeff Johnson made a brave call to go on to slicks. Starting 15th Robbie drove a superb 2nd heat to finish a great 5th, with many of the others on wets, it was a great demonstration of his driving talent.
For the 3rd heat the heavens opened, and the organisers were forced to use a pump to get the water of the track. Starting from 3rd Robbie came through and managed to avoid the many accidents to finish a solid 5th.
For the first final the heats qualified him 5th so he knew he had to finish in the top four to help him secure the Rookie Cup. The weather was now very bad and the time he had spent on the new tyres meant they were coming to him. He drove a great tactical race just staying out of trouble in the first corner, with Evans having a brush with another competitor and going off the track only to get back on four places behind Gallier. He knew he had to just finish in front and, already being assured of 4th in Championship, he decided not to challenge for 2nd or 3rd as he knew it would not change the championship position. It could jeopardise the Rookie Cup if he came off or dropped behind Evans, so settled for a tactical 3rd.
Robbie started the final in 3rd knowing he had to finish in the top 5 to be assured of winning the Rookie Cup. With the weather now easing and visibility a little better Robbie made a good start and at one point got into the lead, but not wanting to risk going off he maintained his focus on the Rookie Cup and slipped back to third always keeping in touch with the first two. On the last lap he went back to 4th, with a 15 kart length gap from his 4th place to 5th Robbie went over the line to become the 2010 British Honda Rookie Cup winner also becoming the 4th seeded driver in the country in the Honda Cadet class, a super drive under immense pressure all weekend with Robbie yet again delivering. Tthis brings his 2010 Championship titles to four.
Robbie commented; "It was the hardest weekend racing I have had, its fantastic to win the Rookie and be seeded 4th in the country. I just love Karting and can not wait to move up to the bigger class next year".
"A big thanks to Dad, Chris & Jeff, Eurocams, Mountney , BWOC,
WSM Fasteners, Lucas Oil, PIAA, Talon, Demon Tweeks and Bespoke Mfg ,
they have all helped to make it happen."
13th September 2010
Clean Sweep for Gallier
13
year old Robbie Gallier of Lympsham wanted to show what he could do at
his local track with a Kart and engine100% unlike his last visit there
for the British Championship round and when plagued with problems. Robbie
and father Julien arrived at the Clay Pigeon track on Saturday afternoon.
Taking part in just four of the open practice sessions they worked hard
on perfecting the set up and were comfortably quickest in the Honda Cadet
class.
Robbie and four other top cadet drivers were asked to try the new Super Cadet class Kart by BRM importer Rob Dodds. He revelled in the extra power and was the quickest driver on the kart all day, all of which boosted his confidence for Sunday's race day.
Comprising of three heats and a final. Robbie was keen to start the day well and that he did in style. From 5th in the first heat he took the lead second of the first lap of 10, from pole in the second heat he was never challenged to take the win, and in the third heat from 8th he went to fourth in the first lap and took the lead in lap 3 to again go on to win. Qualifying pole all looked set for a predictable win for Gallier. However, all was going well until the top three headed by Gallier got tangled up with a back marker. Gallier was now second and two kart lengths behind leader Thompson. On the last lap, making a superb move to regain the lead one corner before the chequred flag he went on to win by a 10th of a second.
Robbie was justifiably proud of winning all three heats and the final. With his confidence boosted he now heads to Buckmore Park in Kent next weekend to compete in the club meeting as practice for the final round of the British Championship to be held there the 2nd and 3rd of October.
Support continues from; Eurocams, Mountney, Demon Tweeks, Talon, Bespoke Mfg, Lucas Oil, WSM Fasteners , BWOC, Prokart Eng, South West Karting and PIAA.
PRESS RELEASE: 30th August 2010
Record Win for Robbie
Karting
ace 13 year old Eurocams backed Robbie Gallier of Lympsham was competing
in the NKRA Grand Final at the Llandow circuit in South Wales. He was
defending his Honda Cadet title, the title he first won in 2009 in his
first full season of Karting.
After some disappointment and mechanical problems he suffered the weekend before in his home round of the British Championship, he was determined to put that behind him. He qualified and won the Southern Region element of the NKRA Championship so he was keen to maintain his form.
Arriving at the circuit on Friday, Robbie spent the day running in a new engine, so it was not until free practice on the Saturday that he had a chance to measure his pace against his fellow competitors. Not happy that the new engine was fully run in he opted to run the spare.
In the afternoon it was straight in to the heats of which there were three on the Saturday. With the Southern Honda Cadet Champion and friend George Thompson also competing, he knew that he had to be on top form.This he undoubtedly proved by winning all three heats convincingly.
Going into Sunday, after the Kart was completely rebuilt by Jeff Johnson of Prokart to ensure everything was perfect for the Sunday pre final and final, the team realized Robbie could be looking at a record win. Their hunch was correct as Robbie starting from the back of the grid for the pre final took the lead on the 4th of 10 laps and went on to win stamping his authority on proceedings.
Starting from pole for the final, and with Gallier and Thompson both able to take the overall Championship with 14 laps each taking just over 51 seconds, it was going to be a very tense seven plus minutes. Gallier started well and with there being a strong wind the pack settled behind Gallier for the first 5 laps. Then Gallier and Japanese driver Yukinori Ishii broke away from the pack. On lap 9 Ishii went for the lead and Gallier tucked up behind and waited until the last lap to make his move. This he did to take the win by just a tenth of a second in a really nail biting finish and a well deserved win for Gallier.
This fantastic result has put young Gallier in the NKRA record books
as he is the only driver to win the Honda Cadet Championship consecutively
by winning every heat and the final.
PRESS RELEASE 23rd AUGUST 2010
Mixed Fortunes for Robbie
Hopes
were high for a good weekend racing in the British Championship for 13
year old Robbie Gallier of Lympsham, as the British Honda Cadet Championship
was visiting his home track of Clay Pigeon which is just outside Yeovil
in Somerset.
The free practice sessions on Friday were difficult as the circuit was swamped in low cloud and rain all day, but the Prokart team and Robbie adapted well to the conditions. Known for his pace in the wet Robbie was soon on the pace and swapping times with the top three in the championship. It was just as well a good set up was found as only two of the six practice sessions were held on the Saturday with the others cancelled and the first heat postponed until Sunday due to the visibility problems.
Sunday saw totally different conditions with the track drying and the sun starting to breakthrough. Out for the first of the three heats each had their dramas at the starts as there was a large grid of 22. Each heat saw Robbie fight back through the pack to finish in the top 5 in every heat and qualifying a fine 3rd for the first final. The start went badly when the pole man just didn’t get away which meant Robbie was dropped down to 7th. Again making a great comeback he clawed his way back up, with the first two being able to break free from the pack Robbie was never going to be able to finish higher than a fine 3rd.
All looked good for the final qualifying 3rd again, as the result of final one determines the starting position in the second final. This time saw Robbie not make the best of starts and again he had to fight back through the pack and there were many changes until the eighth lap when he made a move in the chicane. Even the commentator said what an excellent move and that he had the inside line, however the clerk of the course was not happy about the move and at the end of the race added 7 seconds to Robbie’s times dropping him down to 10th from 3rd. This did seem rough justice. Robbie typically mature about the penalty, commented “I did not agree with the decision, but there has to be rules and I have to just take the penalty and move on. It was still a great weekend and great to see all my sponsors and friends at the track”. Robbie is still in the top 5 and all to race for in the last round at Buckmore Park in October.
PRESS RELEASE: 26th July 2010
Convincing
Win for Robbie
Robbie Gallier was back in action at the Dunkeswell Kart track Mansell Raceway for the first time since his major accident there a year ago which left young Gallier with a broken collar bone and wrist.
The 13 year old was on scintillating form. Having not raced there since the accident and not been available for the open practice sessions on Saturday, he had just the three compulsory practice laps on Sunday morning to familiarize himself with the track. It was at Dunkeswell that Robbie had his first ever Honda Cadet win, and he soon proved that he had remembered the best lines around the superb track. In the first of three heats his confidence was boosted with a terrific win in the Honda Cadet clas. This was to be repeated in the two subsequent heats and taking fastest lap in all three heats it was dream return for Robbie.
This put him on pole in the Honda Cadet class of 18 for the final. With the temperature increasing, tyre pressures were going to be crucial; with the Prokart team that normally runs Robbie on holiday it was up to Dad Julien to get the set up spot on. Robbie made an excellent start, but then there was a tangle in the fourth corner which put Robbie back to 7th. He had his work cut out and got back to the front and take the lead, only for the race to end prematurely when the red flag went out due to an accident. Thankfully no one was hurt and Robbie could go on to celebrate his superb days racing, winning all three heats and the final in the Honda Cadet class also taking fastest lap in all four races.
Robbie commented; “I only decided to race late on Saturday, so a big thanks to my Dad who set my Kart up brilliantly. It was great to be back at Dunkeswell and now I can remember winning there again and not the accident”
Support continues from; Eurocams, Mountney, Demon Tweeks, Lucas Oil, BWOC, WSM Fasteners, Prokart Eng, Talon and PIAA.
PRESS RELEASE: 12th July 2010
Robbie’s Home Win
Racing
in the last qualifying round of the NKRA Southern Championship, 13 year
old Gallier, Eurocams backed driver of Lympsham was at his local track
Clay Pigeon situated between Yeovil and Dorchester. There was the added
competition of the two front runner’s, Billy Monger and Dave Wooder
in the British Championship racing there to gain experience of the track
for when the British Championship visits in August. Robbie is currently
4th and 1st Rookie in that Championship.
Robbie run by the Prokart team, decided after his grueling schedule of five consecutive race weekends that they would miss the free practice on the Saturday, but with just 3 laps practice on the Sunday race day Robbie was soon able to give the feedback that gave him an optimum set up. With the largest grid for Honda Cadets this year, 29 of the top drivers in the country Robbie was going need the best possible set up, especially as he was to start 17th in the first of three heats which he finished 7th after getting tangled up in an accident which happened in front of him. In heat two starting 2nd Robbie had a tremendous battle with Wooder who started 3rd. Wooder came out on top to take the win. With a few tweaks to the set up to help cope with the blistering heat, in heat three and from 8th Robbie had a battle again with Wooder and this time came out on top to take the win.
This placed Robbie 4th on the grid for the final. This was an incredible four way battle, starting on the dirty side of the track, Robbie had to get across to get the line into the first corner. This he did only for the race to be stopped, so he had to do it all again and he did. He got to 3rd as Wooder and Monger battled Robbie then took the lead on the second lap. Knowing he had to preserve his tyres he dropped back to 2nd and then made a great move on lap 10 of 12 took the lead again and defended well and pulled a small distance away from Wooder and Monger, he also took the win and joint fastest lap with Wooder. A great result that showed he can mix it with and beat the best in the country. Robbie now has a well deserved break until the 21st and 22nd of August when he will compete at Clay again in the British Championship.
Support continues from; Eurocams, Mountney, BWOC, Lucas Oil, Demon Tweeks, Bespoke Mfg, WSM Fasteners and PIAA.
PRESS RELEASE: 5th July 2010
Podium for Robbie
After
a grueling 8 hour trip to Larkhall near Glasgow, Eurocams backed Lympsham
Karting ace Robbie Gallier was determined to make good use of his only
other previous visit to the track some weeks ago, when he finished on
the podium.
The 13 year old is in his first year in the prestigious British Championship of which the Larkhall race is round four. He initially found it difficult to get the ideal set up in Friday’s free practice sessions, but then by late afternoon he and the team got the set up to his liking and Robbie surprised the regulars by being on the pace. With the weather being hot and sunny on both Friday and Saturday, there was just one heat on the Saturday in which Robbie was to finish a fine 4th. The weather forecast was for very high winds and rain for Sunday’s and with two heats and two finals there was no time to test a wet set up, as the Prokart team had not raced at the track in the wet, but with Robbie’s tremendous form in the wet at other tracks and Prokart teams help and experience they were confident Robbie would be on the pace. They were proved right as Robbie starting 17th in heat two, drove a brilliant 12 lap race in appalling wind and rain and finished 4th. In heat three from 13th now with a drying track and with great tyre pressure choice by the Prokart team, Robbie drove a stunning race to get to 3rd only to be nudged wide in the second from last corner to finish still a fine 7th.
These excellent results meant that Robbie would start from 4th in the first of two finals. Again with set up adjustments and Robbie’s determination to achieve his first British Championship podium, after a thrilling 18 lap race with the lead changing five times Robbie came through to take the win. This meant Robbie would start the final on pole, but on the start there was an accident which was a shame as Robbie got away from the pack. On the restart he again took the lead only to be hit on the off side corner which spun him out and dropped him to 21st and last. Then in the most thrilling race of his year and half career against the best Honda Cadet drivers in the country, he stormed through making up places to be challenging on the last lap for third, when the same driver pushed him wide yet again. This time Gallier came through to take fourth and the coveted fastest lap, with the offending driver going off in the run off area. Everybody commented on Robbie’s drive as the drive of the weekend. His never give up attitude paid dividends as he leads the Rookie class and is now only 8 points off third in the championship.
PRESS RELEASE: 22nd June 2010
Outright Wins for Robbie
Racing
his Eurocams supported Kart, thirteen year old Robbie Gallier of Lympsham
was on scintillating form at the Llandow circuit, just west Cardiff, in
the fourth round of the NKRA (national kart racing association) Championship.
He was up against the other top Honda Cadet championship contenders in the southern qualifier for the National Final which is to be held at Llandow on August bank holiday weekend. After his fantastic results so far and from his races at Llandow he has already secured a place in the final with one round still to be held.
In Saturday's open practice the Prokart Engineering team opted to try engines and set up, and after a few changes Robbie was satisfied he had the pace to finish on the podium. He was proved right as in the first of the three heats and in the final that took place on the Sunday he proved to be on unbeatable form. Starting from 6th in only the second lap of 10, he took the lead to go on and win with a comfortable margin of 3 seconds. In the second heat starting from pole, a position the youngster has not been comfortable starting from of late, this time he proved that he good handle the pressure to take the lead and never to be challenged as again he won. The toughest heat was to be his third of the day, when starting from 11th not fazing him at all, he went into the lead on the second lap to again take the win.
This put 13 year old Gallier on pole for the final. The race started and he went into the lead immediately only for the race to be red flagged due to a serious accident. On the restart Robbie again raced from pole and maintained the lead to the flag, winning by 5 seconds and making a clean sweep by winning all three heats and the final. He also took fastest lap in all. Robbie said to his father at the end of the final "Happy Fathers day" and Julien Robbie’s father commenting, “this is the best fathers day present ever”
Robbie is now looking forward to repeating this form at Larkhall in Scotland in two weeks time when he will be competing in the next round of the British Championship.
Support continues from; Eurocams, Mountney, Demon Tweeks, BWOC, Lucas Oil, Talon, South West Karting, Bespoke Mfg and PIAA.
PRESS RELEASE: 17th June 2010
Robbie in the Points
Racing
his Eurocams supported Honda Cadet Kart in round three of the prestigious
British Championships which was held at the Shennington circuit located
in the Cotswold’s, 13 year old Robbie Gallier of Lympsham was determined
to gain as many points as possible to ensure he increased his lead in
the Rookie class and moved up the leader board in the overall championship.
Still only in his second year of Karting Robbie having only visited the
circuit once before, the team opted for the open practice sessions on
the Friday, and these proved invaluable.
During the Friday sessions Robbie was consistently amongst the quickest. This really encouraged young Gallier as at the previous round at Rowrah the team struggled with power and set up.
In the first of three heats held on the Saturday, with the two other heats plus pre final and final held on the Sunday, Robbie drove a superb race from 8th to finish 2nd. Heat two again saw Robbie on the pace of the best in the country with another fine 2nd from 8th. The drive of the weekend was in the third heat when from 19th he came through pack in only 10 laps to finish a superb 3rd.
These fine qualifying heats meant that Robbie had achieved a superb points tally. It also put Robbie on pole for the pre final, however with the temperature suddenly increasing the team were a little concerned about the tyre pressures,and this proved to be a genuine worry as the 15 lap race went on Robbie slipped back to finish a still credible 5th. He and the team were still not sure what the problem was and changed a few things for the final which left Robbie and the team finish very frustrated as he knew that he could match the pace of the front runners if he had the right set up. He finished 6th from 5th as the frustrations induced a few unusual mistakes by the young Karter. The team came away knowing they now have the pace and just have to perfect the set up to enable Robbie’s full potential to be allowed to shine. It was an excellent weekend for points as the superb showing in the heats now means Robbie has established a 20 point lead in the Rookie class and moved up to 4th overall.
The next outing sees Robbie back at Llandow for the 4th round of the NKRA championship which he is currently leading in the Honda Cadet class.
Support continues from; Eurocams, Mountney, Talon, BWOC, Lucas Oil, PIAA, Prokart Eng and Bespoke Mfg.
PRESS RELEASE: 24th May 2010
Robbie Wins Welsh Championship
Eurocams
backed Lympsham Karter 13 year old Robbie Gallier was on blistering form
at the two day Welsh Championships at the Llandow Circuit, situated just
west of Cardiff.
Last year, despite winning the Llandow club championship, Robbie missed out on the Welsh Championship title after his chain came off just 2 laps from the finish line whilst leading, after winning all the heats and breaking the lap record which still stands.
So this year the team was bolstered with the support of Jeff Johnson of Prokart Engineering who was to run Robbie during the weekend as he does in the British Championship. In Saturday’s free practice sessions, of which there were three, he stamped his authority by being quickest in all three, no mean feat as there were fellow British Championship competitors taking part as well as other Honda drivers from all over the country.
In the pre qualifying Robbie qualified pole for the first heat, he made it back to first after a poor start to take a comfortable win, then disaster struck, when there was found to be a mistake on the paperwork and the wrong chassis number had been entered on the form. Robbie was disqualified from the heat and the lack of heat points this meant Robbie would start at the back of the grid for the pre final, no matter where he finished in the other two heats, all of which he won and had the fastest lap time. Going into the pre final and 22nd on the grid, Robbie drove superbly, making some amazing overtaking moves in apart of the circuit called the dell to take the win. This great result put him on pole for the 12 lap final, being on Sunday afternoon and with it being the hottest day of the year, tyre pressures were going to be critical and with what happened the previous year, Jeff Johnson checked everything. Robbie made a superb start and led from the start never to be challenged, winning the 12 lap final by 3 seconds an amazing margin in Karting. The winning of the Welsh Championships means Robbie can now display the letter C instead of numbers identifying his kart for the next 12 months.
Robbie commented “Its great to win, after last year I was not confident until I saw the chequred flag and went over the finish line. Jeff and my Dad were brilliant and my kart was perfect all weekend.”
Photo: Robbie and proud father Julien
Support continues from; Eurocams, Mountney, Demon Tweeks, Talon, Lucas Oil, Bespoke Mfg, PIAA and BWOC