Reigning champ Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) Arabian Cattle ranches protects its crown with a Round One triumph, as experience paid huge dividends for veteran teams.

The second season of the Emirates Schools Karting Championship (ESKC) got underway at the Dubai Kartdrome on Sunday evening (13 November) as 19 teams lined up on the grid for ESKC Senior Round One.

Season One Nomad Cup winner, Ghost Racing Team, set the early speed of the night by taking control of the certifying session with a best lap time of 1:11.106, practically a half 2nd over both JESS Arabian Ranches and Repton School.

Quick drivers can put up great qualifying times, but to win a 60 minute ESKC endurance race, teamwork, precision and strategy are also vital to win flatware. Lessons from the previous season proved important for returning teams.

After the race start JESS Arabian Ranches quickly took the lead and began to put distance on the rest of the field. Repton School and Dubai English Speaking College (DESC) Group 4 gave chase however might not close the gap.

The chequered flag belonged to JESS Arabian Ranches, who crossed the finish line a comfortable 20.541 seconds ahead of Repton School. DESC Group 4 routed in for 3rd place.

The race winners enjoyed with the results but the employee were aware that the competition will get harder as the series progresses. Sam Burtonwood of JESS Arabian Ranches specified, "It feels great to win once again, but we still need to continue and keep one's cool for the next races."

In the Nomad class, with groups composed of motorists of combined schools, Ghost Racing Group is once again the team to beat for those aspiring to the leading step of the podium. Students of Ghost Racing claimed first place medals for the night, just vanquishing P1 Racing for second and VDR Racing in third.

David Bright of Dubai Kartdrome said later, "With the brand-new policy updates, such as including a minimum pit lane period time and an optimum driver stint time, the racing is now very much concentrated on team effort, rather than private efforts."

"With numerous parents and instructors out here to cheer the kids on tonight it was such an excellent atmosphere. We take pride in their assistance along with from the schools, the ATCUAE and the FIA." He added.

ESKC Round 2 will take place on 4 December at Dubai Kartdrome.