The England Deaf Karting League returned to Daytona Tamworth for Round 3 of the 2025 season on 27 September, delivering a full day of competitive racing in hot conditions. A strong crowd of fans, families, and supporters created an excellent atmosphere throughout the event.
A total of 38 drivers took part, reflecting the continued growth and popularity of the championship.
Qualifying was split into two groups, Group A and Group B. Drivers pushed hard in difficult conditions, knowing that only the fastest times would secure places in Final A, while the remainder would go into Final B. The split format created intense pressure, with every lap proving crucial. The day also highlighted the emergence of several talented young drivers, who showed strong pace and confidence against more experienced competitors.
Final A produced a high-level and competitive race from start to finish. Daniel Hopkinson delivered a superb performance to take 1st place, showing both speed and control under pressure. Jasper Fitzgerald-Woolfe secured 2nd place after a strong and determined drive, while Dave Sumner completed the podium in 3rd place. Daniel also set the fastest lap of the race with a time of 1:00.519, confirming his pace advantage on the day.
The Women’s Category featured competitive and exciting racing throughout. Rachael Mallard claimed 1st place with a standout performance and also recorded the fastest lap of 1:01.125, showing excellent pace and consistency. Lena Reading finished in 2nd place after a solid and controlled drive, while Gemma Hunter secured 3rd place to complete the podium.
The Bronze Class delivered one of the standout stories of the day. Leon Potts took 1st place in an impressive performance, making history as the youngest ever winner in the England Deaf Karting Association at any event, at just 14 years old. Leon also set a strong pace throughout the race, recording a fastest lap of 1:01.431, highlighting his potential as an emerging talent within the championship and a possible future driver for the England team.
Final B provided one of the closest races of the event, with the top drivers fighting hard from start to finish. Matthew Parker secured 1st place after a strong and determined drive, with Cameron Phoenix finishing close behind in 2nd place. Samir Gathani completed the podium in 3rd place after an intense battle for positions throughout the race.
The championship standings after Round 3 remain extremely close as the season moves into its final stages, with only a few points separating the top contenders.
In the overall standings, Jasper Fitzgerald-Woolfe leads the championship on 152 points, closely followed by George on 150 points. Just one point behind is Daniel Hopkinson on 149 points, keeping the title fight wide open going into the final round.
In the Women’s Championship, Rachael Mallard leads with 128 points, ahead of Lena Reading on 120 points, while Gemma Hunter sits third on 109 points. With such small gaps between the top drivers, the battle for the Women’s title is also still fully open.
The AGM update was also shared during the event, with Mark Dodson and Reuben Litherland delivering a short speech confirming that everything had run smoothly and successfully. Their update was well received and reflected a well-organised and positive direction for the league moving forward.
With everything still to play for, attention now turns to Round 4 at Daytona Milton Keynes, where the championship will be decided. Fans and drivers alike are eagerly anticipating a dramatic final round, with excitement building over who will be crowned the 2025 England Deaf Karting League champion.
The season finale promises intense racing, high pressure, and a fitting conclusion to an outstanding championship year.