A 12-year-old aspiring racing driver from Nottingham has won his first race of the year, just weeks after being injured in a karting accident.
Jacob Jukes, who is currently in year 7 at Toothill School in Bingham, is a driver for Team X-Kart, which was formed last year.
On Sunday May 16th he raced in his local club championship at Stretton in the Junior Rotax category. This was his first race since an accident at Whilton Mill in April. Jacob had won heat 1 and was leading heat 2 when he was pushed off the track and into a wall resulting in concussion and whiplash.
At Stretton, a mechanical problem with the engine in his kart meant he had to start the final in last place. By lap 6 he had taken the lead, which he managed to hold until the chequered flag, taking P1. Jacob then gave his trophy to his younger brother Toby, a fellow karter who recently broke his arm.
Jacob said: “This was my first race back after the accident at Whilton Mill and luckily my neck felt fine. It was a really tough day in all kinds of conditions, and I was pushed by Jacob Vickers all the way. I’ve raced Jacob for years and he’s a great driver.
“I’m really happy to get the win under my belt and get the season back on track’.
Jacob competes again at Lydd in Kent on 5th June.