Racer Jay ‘really proud’ to be crowned Senior Max 177 champ
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HALKIRK racer Jay Mackay took the chequered flag for the North of Scotland Kart Club (NoSKC) when he was crowned its Senior Max 177 champion for the first time.
He added the trophy to the IKR Scottish Open Championship in Banff he won earlier this year in what has proved his most successful season on the track. The 54-year-old fisherman has also won a string of podium places at club meets.
Mackay said it was a real accomplishment to come out on top against a quality field of drivers who chased him all the way.
“This is the first time I have won the title and I’m really proud, he said.
“There was good racing throughout the season and the boys got quicker as the year went on.
“Each race I was involved in was of a good standard and it was challenging for me.
“There were times I had to battle my way through the field to get to the front – they have been a good bunch of boys to race against.”
Mackay got the bug for kart racing four years ago while watching a race and has since learned to develop the skills required to make him a champion racer.
“I went to watch the racing with my son and he decided he wanted to be involved in karting.
“I said to myself if he is going to have a kart, I might as well get one and started racing alongside him as there was no point sitting watching.
“In previous seasons, I was well down the field but it has just been a case of getting more experience and track time to help me win the title.
“Driving a good kart with a good engine also helps.”
Mackay drove a Tony Kart that was powered by an engine from Salter Motorsport in Bathgate.
He is chairman of NoSKC which is based at the Littleferry circuit in Golspie which he said was a fantastic track which is ideal for top quality racing. He added: “Golspie is a fast circuit and it is my favourite as it is the track where I have won most of my races.
“But I enjoy the other circuits as well as they are more technical and provide a different challenge.”
The 2018 season starts in March with the Scottish championship taking place in Banff in August and the Super Series when NoSKC takes on kart clubs across Scotland. Mackay is planning to take part in both and defend his titles.
“I am definitely defending my club title,” he said.
“The boys wouldn’t let me walk away from the club without defending it.”
