Fittipaldi visits celebrated GYG
TWO-TIME Formula One world title holder Emerson Fittipaldi was a special guest at a motorsport event in the area which grooms young champions of the future.
Brazilian Fittipaldi, World Drivers Championship winner in 1972 and 1974, visited GYG Karting, a family run racing circuit in Cerrigydrudion.
The much-celebrated facility is now home to the largest karting championships in the world.
Last month saw GYG host the final two rounds of Formula Kart Stars 2015.
The series is supported by British business magnate and chief executive of the Formula One group Bernie Ecclestone. It is the only karting championship backed by Formula One teams and F1 Management.
Britain’s Lewis Hamilton, the 2008 and 2014 Formula One world champion, has often said he would not have reached the heights he has in his sport without the influence of the Kart Stars events.
Eddie Davies, GYG circuit owner and his family were pleased to welcome the legendary Fittipaldi to North Wales.
Eddie completed his son’s racing license onsite to be able to compete in the Formula Kart Stars Series.
“It’s fantastic to see F1 Drivers supporting the ground roots of motorsport and lovely to have them staying onsite,” said Eddie.
Fittipaldi was filmed completing nine racing laps on the circuit in a kart and presented trophies to the young winners.
Eddie’s daughter Gemma added: “We are extremely proud to host Formula Kart Stars. The series supports young individuals wishing to start a career in racing.”
Also at the circuit was presenter Nikki Shields from Sky Sports F1, who televised the event.
GYG Karting was built by Eddie Davies back in September 1999. The circuit is family run and since opening it has extended to 1100m, becoming one of the largest in the UK.
The circuit is open to the general public as well as offering a large facility to companies for corporate days. For more information visit: www.gygkarting.com
In 2016 GYG Karting will be available for hospitality race days. Owner Davies is looking to extend the circuit into one of the largest MSA karting tracks in the world.
Emersonmerson Fittipaldi competed in F1 between 1970 and 1980.
He participated in 149 races, recorded 14 wins, made the podium 35 times and achieved six pole positions.
Fittipaldi joined British legend Graham Hill in the Lotus team in 1970.
In that same year he became the youngest ever grand prix winner.
The Brazilian went on to be crowned the youngest world champion in 1972.
He transported this overwhelming ability to McLaren in 1973 and then gave the team its first world title a year later.
Fittipaldi later competed in CART, winning the 1989 IndyCar title and celebrated two Indianapolis 500 wins.