09/04/2026
This weekend brings in Round 1 of the Armed Forces Karting Championship. For the first time in 10 years, I haven't been involved in season preperations or planned to attend the race weekend.
After joining the REME Corps Karting Team in 2015 (only 2 years after they formed), my time on the team ended at the close of last season. From humble beginnings to a professional outfit. I'm incredibly proud of what the team has achieved during my time and what I know they'll go on to achieve with the current committed members. The legacy started by a SSgt Alex Gooch will go on to bring so much enjoyment (and development) to current and future Corps members. I've learned motorsport is at the core of REME business: Rapid engineering solutions, under pressure, to win.
The memories of starting on the grid with 40 other karts speeding into turn 1, wheel to wheel battles and hitting speeds of 60mph with my arse 1" from the ground are some of the most enjoyable memories of my career. Consistency, strategy, reliability, and a little bit of luck even pulled in the odd podium and race win now and again. Opportunities I would never have experienced if it were not for 'the offer' and the Army's commitment to sport.
A massive thank you to the REME Charity for their financial backing, the team for their continued commitment, team family members for their support, all competitors (where rivalry always stayed on the track - mostly), the civilian associates who are now friends, all administrators involved with the Armed Forces Karting Championship, my family for racing equipment as Christmas/birthday presents over the years (plus sponsorship ๐) and finally my own little family and kart widow for tolerating my absence for "just 1 Saturday a month for 6 months of the year...." (I probably crossed a line racing on our 10 year anniversary ๐คฆโโ๏ธ - but at least you weren't in labour! ๐๐).
Best of luck with the 2026 season ๐ท๐ด๐
Ric Browning
