Parakart 2002 a success, and even bigger and better in 2003
Updated: 18-Oct-2002
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• Presentation ceremony – Back row from left: João Luz, second place, Helder Martins, Valentim Rosado, João François Escriva and David Player. Front row: Winner Carlo Rutten (left) and Alon Maori, third place
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Among other famous names was Phil Armes (43), a Formula 1 competitor in the World Championships in the late 1980s. Phil drove a privateer GSXR750cc Suzuki, which came in seventh at Vila Real in northern Portugal in 1989. But, according to Phil, his best ride was when he achieved the fastest speed for the 600cc production class during the Isle of Man TT races in 1987, when he set a new lap record.
Since his back injury in 1995, during the Ulster Grand Prix, Phil has run his own PR and sponsorship business, concentrating mainly on motor sport events and is working with the British MotoCross Federation at the moment. “I discovered karting when I came on holiday to Portugal in 2000 and unexpectedly ended up taking part in the first Ayrton Senna Trophy, here at Almancil,” said Phil, one of the first disabled drivers ever to use the hand-controlled karts featured in the event.
John Davis (31), who came all the way from Lake Tahoe in California USA to take part in ParaKart 2002, is a world-class athlete who has won two gold medals in the Winter Paralympic giant slalom and downhill events. This was his first time karting. “I had just been to see a karting event back home in the US and was really impressed and then, amazingly, I received an e-mail about ParaKart 2002. It was such a co-incidence that I just had to give it a go!” he declared. “I was really impressed with the calibre of the people who would be taking part and I could see that this was a serious event, but I didn’t expect such a great atmosphere. The lap times people have been clocking up are very fast and very close. There is a great competitive atmosphere and we’ve all just fed off each other. And not only that, they’ve given me this kick-ass race suit!” Dave says he will certainly be back next year, this time with more of his countrymen. In the meantime, John will be working with ParaKart 2002 organiser David Player to develop off-road wheelchair racing here in the Algarve.
But not all the drivers were seasoned international sportsmen. Taking part were two former British soldiers Darren “Swifty” Swift (36) – Royal Green Jackets, and Alistair Hodgson (31) – Paratroop Regiment. For Darren and Alistair, both experienced free-fall sky divers, this was their first attempt at karting. “It’s quite a thrill,” said Darren. “You get a taste of what Formula 1 must be like because the karts feel like they are going much faster than they are – you get a real sense of speed. It’s hard work though and tough on the fore-arms and the grip. With these machines, you are steering, breaking and accelerating all with the hands and sometimes all at the same time.”
Darren and Alistair intend to be back next year, when they would like to inaugurate the ParaKart 2003 by parachuting onto the track. “There might be some difficulties with that,” said Alistair. “There are quite a lot of hazards around here and it’s a tight target especially with the winds as they are in the Algarve.” Nevertheless, Alistair agrees that karting is “great fun” and is looking forward to his next trip to the region.
Representing Israel was a three man strong team Alon Maori (31), Ilan Jacobi (34) and David Weinreb (47), along with their manager Alon Newman. From Challenge, the Israel outdoor sports and recreation association for disabled people, the karting team was put together specially for ParaKart 2002. Last November, Drivers Maori, Weinreb and Jakobi formed the Israeli team taking part in the Baja 1000 race, in Mexico – one of the most prestigious and difficult off-road races in the world – over 1,000 miles of rough and mixed terrain, with drivers switching every 200-300 miles. Manager Alon said: “We could see that ParaKart 2002 was an important event and could not resist the temptation to come over and race. We’ll be back next year for sure.”
Dutchman Hans van Schaijck (30) and his team of mechanics were crucial to the whole event. Hans who runs his own kart racing team in The Netherlands, besides being a competitor in the event, also developed and fitted the steering wheel mounted controls to the Almancil karts, adapting them to the requirements of the ParaKart drivers. “Without Hans, none of this would have been possible,” said ParaKart organiser David Player.
Among the ParaKart 2002 back-up staff were 30 members of the Quarteira and Almancil Motorcycle Club, who were always on hand to help the drivers strap into and out of their vehicles, along with a medical team, which included a doctor and three ambulances. According to a ParaKart spokesman, the times achieved during the competition were so impressive that the Guinness Book of Records is currently analysing the statistics for inclusion in the next volume. “I’m delighted,” said David Player. “We’re already planning ParaKart 2003 and I know we will have entrants from even more countries. All of this year’s participants are eager to come back next year and most have already got sponsorship organised.”
Overall winner of ParaKart 2002 was Dutchman, Carlo Rutten (31), Portugal’s João Luz was second with Israeli Alon Maori coming third. Italian, Luigi Cedolini won fastest lap.
Englishman, Ben Coles (44) an ex-motor cycle racer, smiled cheerfully despite being forced to withdraw from the race early, on account of difficulties with his hand controls. “This is great. Hopefully I will be doing much more of this and getting a bit fitter for the next races,” he declared as he towelled the perspiration from his face. “Come back and see me next year,” he grinned. “I may well be beating them all!”
ParaKart 2002 Winners (times refer to first place):
1. Carlo Rutten (Holland)
2. João Luz (Portugal) – 4.421 secs
3. Alon Maori (Israel) – 4.457 secs
4. Ilan Jacobi (Israel) – 9.609 secs
5. David Weinreb (Israel) – 10.751 secs
6. Carlos Frazão (Portugal) - 16.422 secs
7. João Viegas (Portugal) - 21.12 secs
8. Phil Armes (England) - 22.435 secs
9. Brenden Healy (Ireland) - 24.807 secs
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