The England Deaf Karting Association successfully hosted the English Open Deaf Karting Championship 2026 on Saturday 25th April at Lakeside Karting, delivering a full day of competitive racing, strong spectator support, and a well-organised Annual General Meeting and awards presentation.
The championship returned to a historic venue that first hosted the English Open 21 years ago in 2005. That original event is fondly remembered for its ideal racing conditions, with sunshine, 22°C temperatures, and light winds. The 2026 edition proudly continued that tradition, attracting 39 drivers with only one absence and drawing a large crowd of fans and supporters who filled the spectator areas throughout the day.
From early morning, the atmosphere at Lakeside Karting was vibrant and energetic, with families, friends, and motorsport supporters lining the circuit to watch the action unfold. The strong attendance helped create a fantastic championship environment that carried through the qualifying sessions, sprint races, and finals, with constant support and encouragement echoing around the circuit.
The event format began with 10-minute qualifying sessions split into A and B groups, followed by sprint races and the highly anticipated 30-minute finals on the demanding 900-metre circuit. The long layout, combined with tight and technical sections, made overtaking particularly challenging, placing great emphasis on consistency, precision, and racecraft. Small mistakes were heavily punished, while clean and controlled driving proved essential for success throughout the day.
In the A Mix Final, Jasper Fitzgerald-Woolfe delivered a commanding performance to secure victory after a closely fought and strategic race. Eduardo Favilla finished in second place and produced one of the standout performances of the day, setting the fastest men’s lap of the event with an impressive 43.792, demonstrating strong pace under pressure. Eriks Prozitovskis completed the podium in third after a determined and consistent drive, keeping close to the leaders throughout the final.
The B Mix Final saw Matthew Durant take a well-earned victory following a composed and disciplined drive from start to finish. He managed the race expertly under pressure and maintained control through the key stages of the final. Behind him, Norbert Niedzwiedzki secured second place after a strong and consistent performance. His son, Xavier Niedzwiedzki, completed the podium in third, delivering an impressive drive of his own and marking a memorable family result with both father and son finishing inside the top three.
In the women’s category, Beate Grinspone secured overall victory with a confident and controlled performance, once again demonstrating strong racecraft and consistency across the final. She also set the fastest women’s lap of the day at 44.212, highlighting her competitive pace throughout the event.
Lena Reading finished in second place after a solid and determined drive, while Erika Lever-Hogg completed the podium in third following a competitive race within a tightly matched field.
Following the on-track action, the Annual General Meeting was held and ran smoothly, with speeches delivered by Alan Thompson, Reuben Litherland, Jonathan Taylor, and Dannica Trendell. Lasting approximately 45 minutes, the AGM provided a structured and positive conclusion to the day, offering reflections on the season, progress made within the organisation, and appreciation for the continued support of drivers, volunteers, and officials.
A particularly significant moment during the evening saw Richard Hounslow step down as Treasurer after 11 years of dedicated service to the organisation. His long-standing contribution to managing the association’s finances was warmly recognised by both the executive committee and members. As a token of appreciation, he was presented with gifts, including a Scuderia Ferrari F1 2025 Lewis Hamilton cap, along with sincere thanks for his commitment, reliability, and many years of valued service.
Special recognition was also given to LJN Designs Ltd, whose trophy designs received widespread praise throughout the event for their quality, presentation, and attention to detail. The association extended its gratitude for their continued support and contribution to enhancing the championship experience.
The 2026 English Open Deaf Karting Championship concluded as a highly competitive and well- supported event, combining close racing, a vibrant and enthusiastic crowd atmosphere, and a professionally run AGM. The day once again reinforced Lakeside Karting’s historic place within deaf karting and highlighted the continued growth, strength, and community spirit of the championship.