Marcus Hudson uses EBC’s Green kart pads as he competes in the British Championship class
Kart racer Marcus Hudson is once again campaigning in the Northern Karting Federation Super 4 British Championship for the 2026 season. Hudson relies on EBC Brakes’ Green kart pads for his fiery ABKC 250cc National kart.
Following another positive weekend at Fulbeck, Hudson was back out at Kimbolton most recently, where he secured more solid results throughout.
Read on for Hudson’s account of the weekend in his own words…
Heat 1 (Grid: 8th)
“We got off to a good start, gaining two positions through Dan Wheldon corner on the opening lap. However, we soon found ourselves stuck behind the kart running in fifth, which was slightly slower but proving difficult to pass.
“While looking for an opportunity to make a move, we also had to defend from the karts behind, making it difficult to commit fully to an overtake. Midway through the race, a couple of karts managed to get past us while we were trying to attack the kart ahead.
“Rather than let the opportunity go, we tried to use the momentum of the karts that had overtaken us to find a way past the slower kart. Unfortunately, the move didn’t come off, and we had to continue looking for another opportunity.
“A few laps later, we finally found our chance going through Stow, managing to get underneath the kart ahead and make the pass to move up into seventh.
“The race wasn’t over yet, though! On the final lap, the first two karts battling for the lead collided going into Dan Wheldon. This promoted us another two positions, allowing us to cross the line in P5.”
Heat 2 (Grid: 6th)
“Starting sixth on the grid, we made another excellent start and immediately gained two places, moving up to fourth by the time we reached Turn 1. We continued to make progress through the opening lap and finished it running in third place.
“On lap two, the reigning champion made a move on us into Kestrel and took the position. We continued fighting hard and remained in the battle towards the front of the field.
“Mid-way through the race, we were running in sixth when a missed gear on the start/finish straight proved costly. This left us vulnerable into Turn 1, where two karts managed to get past.
“It was a frustrating moment after such a strong start, as we lost valuable positions through a small mistake. Despite continuing to push, we were unable to recover those places and eventually finished the heat in P8.”
Heat 3 (Grid: 16th)
“Starting from 16th on the grid, we knew we had plenty of work to do in Heat 3. The opening lap was always going to be busy, and we took full advantage of the action through the Stow and Willows complex, managing to pass five karts in the hustle and bustle to make significant progress through the field.
“A retirement on lap two promoted us another position, and we continued to look for opportunities to move forwards.
“A lap later, we got a fantastic run out of Willows and carried the momentum onto the back straight. This gave us the opportunity to make a move on kart 30, and we completed the overtake going into Dan Wheldon to move up into ninth place.
“From there, we found ourselves in the middle of a closely packed train of karts, with positions six through to twelve all battling hard as the race progressed.
“With everyone fighting for position, it was a case of staying in the battle and capitalising on any opportunities that came our way. Towards the end of the race, two karts ahead of us retired on separate laps, promoting us further up the order.
“After starting 16th and working our way through the field, we crossed the chequered flag in P7. It was a strong recovery drive and another example of how important it is to keep pushing right to the end.”
Final
“Our strong performances in the heats earned us sixth place on the grid for the final, putting us in a good position to challenge for a strong result.
“Once again, we made a brilliant start. Getting away cleanly, we climbed from sixth to third by the time we reached Turn 1, putting ourselves straight into the battle towards the front of the field.
“We settled into third place and managed to hold the position for the first quarter of the race, showing good pace and keeping ourselves in contention.
“Eventually, we were passed into Turn 1 and dropped back a position. We continued to push hard and defend our position, but on lap ten, another kart managed to get past, leaving us fighting to hold on to fifth place.
“As the race entered its closing stages, we began to struggle with corner entry into Turn 1. With just two laps remaining, we were finding it increasingly difficult to get the kart turned in as we wanted, which made defending our position even harder.
“Unfortunately, on the final lap, we lost fifth place at Turn 1 and dropped back to sixth.
“Although it was disappointing to lose another position so late in the race, we kept pushing to the finish and crossed the line in P6, four seconds clear of seventh place.”
Summary
“It was a weekend with plenty of positives, including some excellent starts, determined overtaking and a strong recovery from 16th to seventh in Heat 3.
“We showed that we had the pace to run towards the front, holding third place for a quarter of the final after another fantastic getaway. While a missed gear in Heat 2 and difficulties with corner entry in the final cost us valuable positions. Strong results in all three heats and good pace throughout the day. Was our strongest round of the season
“Before the dropped round we were placed 5th out of 23 in the standings for the 2026 British Championship. Looking forward to the presentation Awards in November at Silverstone Wing.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support through this season and previous seasons as it is much appreciated and helps a lot.”
