British Formula 125 Open Superkart title has been retained

NGK-sponsored garage owner Lee Harpham has retained his British Formula 125 Open Superkart title, the third time he has won the coveted trophy.

The 2016 championship went down to the last lap of the last race of the season at Oulton Park with the 34-year-old taking the title after beating Liam Morley by just 0.090 seconds.

Lee, who runs John Smith Auto Repairs in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, with his father Rod, said: “It was a fantastic end to the season, with the championship going right down to the wire. It’s great to retain my title and win it for the third time.”

Lee is sponsored by ignition-specialist NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd, the supplier of original equipment (OE) spark plugs, glow plugs, and NTK Lambda and other engine management sensors, and is a member of NGK’s BoxClever independent garage loyalty scheme.

NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd Marketing Manager Mark Hallam said: “We are delighted to have helped Lee in retaining the championship and adding another landmark in our support of the many individuals and teams that have won titles in the two and four-wheel motorsport competitions.”

Lee is full of praise for NGK’s products and for the sponsorship help he has received from NGK’s local Sales Representative Paul Wheatley.

He said: “NGK’s products are brilliant. I never have any problems with them. Paul has been great too, supplying me with racing plugs and promotional gear. He regularly drops in to see me at the garage to make sure everything is going OK.”

Lee, who lives in Grimsby, has been karting since he was aged seven, having been introduced to the sport by his father, who was a well-known club racer.

He said: “I’ve gone up through the ranks and have competed at European level in the 250 series. I really enjoy the 125 championship and our success shows that you can compete at a top level on a budget. Although the karts only produce around 46bhp they can reach 121-122mph and the cornering speeds are amazing.”

For more information on NGK Spark Plugs (UK) Ltd and its products and services, please visit the website www.ngkntk.co.uk