Kelly Wood - Double Champion!
Kelly Wood
After claiming her first club championship a week ago at Toronto Kart Club, Huntsville's Kelly Wood now has her second just one week later! The club contested its final race weekend of the season Saturday at Goodwood Kartways and the Rotax Senior title fight came down to the final race of the calendar where Wood once again emerged Champion.
It was a tense race day that began with the Goodwood/Intrepid driver fastest in free practice but slowest in the first of two qualifying heat races after a switch to new rubber. Growing very informed when it comes to chassis setup, Wood knew exactly what she needed for heat two and after directing some work in the pit she shaved 1.2 seconds and promptly finished P2 in the second heat, which became first after a TDQ for the heat winner. The two race combination was low total, and Wood was on pole for the main event. Pole is not the optimum position when running long track reverse at Goodwood and after slotting into second through the hairpin, Kelly took the lead at turn four before running an error-free race and sealing her second club championship.
One day earlier the emerging racer was at Mosport International Raceway to test a F1200 car after receiving the honour from TKC. Beginning the day under sunny skies, she took to the track for her first taste of open wheel racing - and tremendously enjoyed the thrill. The smile on the face of the young racer matched the one from her Barrie GP pole, and that perhaps said it all. The second session was very wet after a heavy downpour, but Wood enjoyed it nonetheless and then gained even more speed in her third session. Her season long strength and fitness training was definitely an asset as she showed no signs of fatigue after completing another full 25 minute run on the track. The skies then turned very dark and brought heavy rain, prompting the decision to call it a day. Kelly impressed all who were watching at the track and was awarded her novice licence at the end of the day. She would like to thank TKC for a fantastic opportunity to test the F1200, and all from Bill Vallis Motorsports for their help, encouragement and patience.
Heading into the off-season Wood is now looking to step up her program and turn even more heads when 2008 kicks off. She would like to thank all who helped make her season a successful one, her family, and especially Garry, an amazing mechanic who rode all the bumps (there were lots of them!) and bruises with her yet became a double-champion just the same!
