02/03/2026
So as we enter month 3 of 2026 with one big GX-UK Senior, Prokarts, Junior meeting already under our belts its time to look back at the much coveted of the Year awards for 2025. A strong field this year as we continue to build a fighting force of extraordinary magnitude with our oft hapless but always hopeful presence in the paddocks of AK, Clay Pigeon IKR Prokarts and Mod160. The top ten has seen some movers and shaker this year, as well as some stunning falls from grace.
1. Harley Smith - from a calamitous start of often self destructing karts the boy has come good, he always is first to lend a hand, always looks after others and is super quick.
2. Richard Melton-Baxter - what to say about the man who is always pulled in all directions? He is an ideas man, a mover, a shaker and the one with a plan for the Bhagwhan to deliver the details. Hes also starting to get results now he has embraced the Gaffa way
3. Olie Smith - the battler, never gives up, not worried about old kit, pulls himself up when situations go against him. Still needs more prep and planning but has proven that the confidence that comes with being a card carrying Gaffiste can improve your life in all areas.
4. George Pothas - in under the radar, found serious pace with application and always there at the Bhagwhans side with solutions and support. A trusted confidant and friend to all. Whilst overseeing the development of Michaela who continues to improve every time.
5. Vicky and Dani Claydon (plus Oliver), the SuperMums. Where would we be without these girls? The enthusiasm, the challenges they bring and the support they give Oliver and us. Bloody marvelous to have them on the team, despite their use of profanity and sarcasm.. they bring balance. and cake. Oli meanwhile shocks us every time with the calm way he just rolls out the performance despite the lack of experience. Wider Claydon family always a joy to be with also. If only all our families were this committed (and not actually committed, for trial)
6. Jeffrey Johnson, Prokart Engineering. As our Chief Engineer Jinder has somehow self destructed JJ as always steps in and provides the support that keeps us racing, the amount of work he does for the collective and the paddock is beyond calculation.
7. Ben White - a great transition this year to Prokarts, despite the weird love of 7s, family commitments blunted the challenge, understandably but you need this mate, to balance the pressures. I miss having you there more than your own FOMO but we will manage the situation and always have a place for you, because you are one of the best.
8. Caitlin and Tyler. Well mainly Caitlin.. Hugs, sarcasm, care, the lady is the centre of excellence in the team. Ty has improved a shed load since 24 and continues the upward trend. We know its hard to get all the ducks in a row mate, but you are a different man since we met you and we like that a lot.
9. Tom Angier and Simon Fuller. We cant tell which beardy is which, but both are aces on the track and entertaining off, if a little distracted by events in the Mid East. Now both graduated to Prokarts and doing it the right way, ie listening to the word of the Bhag.
10. Chris Dodd, has come in and stuck to the task, quietly determined, enthusiasm in check but you know its there and ready to enjoy his racing in 26 in the Gaffa style.
10-20* (they need that many places due to understeer and exploding engines). Lee Mitchell and Tony Whitehead, although not strictly Gaffa these Mods are always happy to help and advise, Olies chain guard built from sheet metal at Rowrah being an example. Beer, Cake and sometimes some chips, these two Modified 160 Sprint Championship winners bring all their experience to the camp without asking or wanting thanks. Gentlemen (plus Baz when he can arsed to not be on holiday)
25. Phil Jinder Dewhurst, FFS man have you no dignity? Buck up and fly right please. However on a good day hes still the Man, just want to see him destroying his kart on track again.
251... Keith. Is he actually real or just a made up story we tell around the campfire? Jury is out...
Honourable mention for Luke CM, he occasionally turns up and burns up but we love having a genuine superstar amongst us.
Also Tim Cansiz, thank you for keeping me sane.
Also thanks to Andy Hicks, the Langleys, Russ Worley, Luke the race mechanic, JP, JC, Heff, Sam Giles n Dev, Gary Evans, Rob, Alex, Gary and Ewan and Tyler D, Darren Weaver at Llandow Karting, Nick Williams (dunno where I would be without your support sometimes) and brother Chris, the whole AK support team, Lee Dolby, The Engels family and last of all Lee at Clay Pigeon Raceway. If your names not on here, its my shocking memory but looking forward to another year of glory with Gaffiste old and new.
