JUST as reigning champions Schumacher and Ferrari have dominated the start of the Formula One season, current title-holders Venson Public Sector won the first round of the 2004 Kwik-Fit Fleet National Karting Challenge.

Venson took the chequered flag at the Thruxton Karting Circuit in Hampshire in the Southern heat, beating a 15-strong field over 126 laps of the 1,100-metre circuit.

Unlike Formula One however, after two hours of racing, the top five teams provided an exciting finish by crossing the line within six seconds of each other.

Venson were followed home by LeasePlan, Alphabet and Hitachi Capital, with Leasedrive in fifth. The first four teams will compete in the final at the Daytona circuit in Milton Keynes in June. A total of six nationwide heats are being held with 12 teams set to qualify for the grand final.

The challenge was first held in 1995 and this is the fourth championship following the last event held in 2002.

Event director and Kwik-Fit Fleet's director of corporate accounts Nigel Davies said: 'The challenge caused huge interest and rivalry when it has been held previously and support for it shows how keen the industry is to battle for honours on the karting circuits.'

Other teams competing at Thruxton were: Arval PHH, Inchcape Fleet Solutions, Hertz Rent a Car, Enterprise Rent a Car, Venson Automotive Solutions, Velo, ALD Automotive, Peugeot Contract Hire, Fleet Support Group and ING Car Lease.

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