For the past four months, Year 2 student Jakub has been creating a unique artefact for his Extended Project Qualification.
Jakub, who studies A-level Graphic Communication, Economics, and Business, has worked hard to restore a retired Championship go kart.
Jakub said “The go kart originally raced in the 2004 Super 1 National Kart Championship. This championship is the basis of most British Formula One drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, David Coulthard and many others. The championship has been active since 1983 an contains a variety of classes. This go kart raced in the top category, potentially proving itself against current Formula One drivers.
After being re-entered into the 2005 Super 1 Championship, the kart was retired and stored in a garden shed by current race car driver and Daytona 24- hour winner, Matthew Bell. Since then, the go kart has passed hands once back in 2006 and was left untouched until the rolling chassis was listed on eBay.
Since then, I have completely stripped down the equipment, and after nearly 20 years, attempted to restore what was once a deadly machine. Hitting up to 80mph, the kart weighs approximately 100kg, with almost it’s full performance returned after all those years. In an attempt to retain it’s original look and features, some of the cosmetic features were left untouched, and a minimal approach to part exchange and modernisation was taken. The kart has been returned to what is perceived to be it’s very original specification, making the project as authentic as possible.”
Nikki Webster, Jakub’s EPQ tutor, said “Jakub has put a lot of thought and effort into creating this amazing artefact showing a really mature and independent work ethic for his EPQ project that he has managed alongside his three A-levels. Great work, Jakub!”
For more information on this story, please contact chloe.suter@cirencester.ac.uk
