The Annual Hardware Trades Karting Challenge screeched into its 19^th  year on Sunday 2nd June, when 11 teams competed for the coveted Hardware Trades Charity Trophy to raise funds for the Rainy Day Trust.  Raising over £2,000 this year, the event organized by Stax Trade Centres Joint MD, David Hibbert was held at the Speedkarting arena in Warrington, which has the longest indoor track in the UK.  Competitor’s skills were strenuously tested by the ‘Monaco’ style tunnel and terrifying slingshot hairpin bends of the 3-tier circuit.

In a monumental year, the Individual event was won for the first time ever by a lady driver, Trisha Seenan, who although from Stax was representing Akzo Nobel’s Aces on the day. Leaving her competition in the dust, she was closely followed by David Bate of the Leyland Darts and Bobby Mills from CIC. The fastest lap was awarded to David Bate (Leyland Darts) who missed out on the circuit record by just under 3 seconds - and the fastest lady driver, driving for DLF Trifolium’s The Grass Karters was Tasha Redman.

PPG’s team ‘The Leyland Darts’ topped the team leader board, bringing with them their own helmets, gloves and boots, so they may well have been practicing!  The AKW Speedos crossed the line in second place, narrowly beating the Workhouse Marketing team by seconds, who finished the day in third place.

Along with the competition trophies, the prestigious Bent Axle Award was presented to a red faced Colin Burgess of the Leyland Darts, for being given the only black flag of the race meeting. Event organizer and Stax Joint MD, David Hibbert, commented, “With a few less teams than the previous year you might be forgiven for thinking the race would be less competitive, but it was quite the opposite. An event first - with Trisha Seenan winning the individual event - being the first woman ever to do so, and also some incredibly fierce karting battles, resulted in a fantastic day for a fantastic cause close to all our hearts in this industry. Thanks to everyone who took part and a special thanks to all our suppliers who have supported the event.”

The Rainy Day Trust helps all those who have worked in the UK’s home improvement and enhancement industry to provide support through unexpected and unpredictable events, such as ill health and financial uncertainty.  If anyone is interested in taking part in next year’s event, please contact David Hibbert on 0161 728 8000.