Back in 1979, kart racer Derek Rodgers was revving up for the world 250-international class championship.
Five years earlier Derek, of Elm Tree Close, Stalybridge, had been the captain of the British karting team, but gave up the sport for a time after struggling to find a sponsor.
In recent months, backed by a firm in Stoke-on-Trent, he had made a successful comeback, winning six out of seven races.
Roaring around bone-hard or slippery tracks at speeds of up to 150mph was second nature for the 31-year-old welder for Adamson Containers, North Reddish, who had been spending about three nights a week ensuring his £1,500 kart remained in tip top condition.
Derek described the buzz he got from racing: “It’s a fantastic feeling...I am not frightened even though I do feel as if I am going very, very fast because I am so close to the ground.”
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