Go-kart Rick, go!

MEAN racing machine: Rick Kent in his homemade go-kart

WHEN it comes to DIY, Rick Kent is in the driving seat.

It took Rick (55) from Abbeyhlls Road, Oldham, just two days to build his own go-kart, a mean machine which has gained him a place in the Screwfix Go-Kart Rally grand final in Scotland.

Rick was inspired to embark on his four-wheeled journey after spending a day at Dalby Forest races in North Yorkshire.

And his home-made kart did him proud when he won his heat in Shropshire, recording one of the fastest times and earning him second place in the adult category.

He is now relishing the challenge of the final at the International Rally Championship in Scotland next month.

Rick, who is part of “Team Black Dog Racing”, said: “After seeing the racing at Dalby Forest I fancied a challenge, so went home and built my own kart. Since then, I have raced the kart four times so was fairly confident it would hold its own at the Screwfix Go-Kart Rally.”

The competition — in association with Peugeot and power tool brand Evolution — required entrants to design and build their own gravity-powered go-karts.

As well as the prestige of taking part in the finals Rick will also get complimentary tickets to watch the IRC rally and £100 worth of Screwfix vouchers.

Rick said: “I’m planning on using my voucher on parts to prep my kart for the final!

“It was a great day at the rally and everyone was so friendly with real team spirit. When my wheel went adrift, another team even offered to lend me a spare.”

Screwfix’s John Mewett said the competition had been a real success so far.

“We have noticed a trend for people wanting to get back to those ‘lads and dads’ days of old, which is why we created the Go-Kart Rally tournament to celebrate just that — families getting their children out in the fresh air, and working together on projects .”

For further details on the Go-Kart Rally or information on entering the Best Designed Go-Kart visit www.screwfix.com