A majority of Formula 1 drivers will attribute their success to the lessons they learnt on GoKart, and Ayrton Senna was no different in this regard.
In fact, Senna owes much of his talent to the GoKart. Contrary to popular belief, Senna too had his reservations about driving in the rain. However, his will was stronger than his competitors’ and it has been suggested that he would often wait it out for the rains at the local karting tracks. While everyone would rush to shelter, Senna would strap on his lid and belt out hot lap after hot lap in pelting rain. One such kart which was raced by Ayrton Senna was purchased by American businessman and erstwhile karting champion Zak Brown for a sum of $63,000 (Rs 42 lakh approximately) at the Bonhams Auction last year.
The kart was originally designed for World Kart Champion Terry Fullerton in Italy but this particular unit was built exclusively for Senna by DAP and has been restored over the past six months. The kart can be found at its new home – the Lydd circuit in England. And quite appropriately too, Fullerton was present at the Lydd when the Kart was run for the first time.
Commenting on rebuild, Richard Dean, Co-owner and MD, United Autosports said, “We did some restoration work on the kart as it hadn’t been run for quite a time. The engine was stripped and all the brakes serviced etc. We kept the original working parts and only replaced things like seals and bearings. This really is a piece of history and it sits proudly in the reception of United Autosports’ race shop in Leeds. Zak insists all of the cars in his historic collection are in working order and can run on track at any time. All of our vehicles are in exact period condition and the Senna kart is no different.”
Images:- Bonhams Auctions
