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Teen karting ace fails to lift ban
A teen go-karting ace has failed in his High Court bid to overturn a ban from a city racetrack.
Lee Crawford, 17, claims the ban has shattered his championship dreams.
He sued through his father Michael after Manor House Leisure Ltd – trading as Karting North East – banned him from racing at its Warden Law circuit.
Karting North East – supported by Warden Law Kart Club – claimed Lee had been banned from racing after an alleged confrontation with another competitor on October 7.
Both father and son denied the allegations.
Lee's barrister, Charles Pimlott, described the teenager as an outstanding competitor, having won 66 trophies and 100 first places over the past three years of racing.
He had hoped to turn professional, but he believes his hopes have been overshadowed by the circuit ban.
The ban has also barred him from taking part in the Rotax Max finals on November 16 and 18 when the championship will be decided.
On October 18, a judge granted Lee a temporary injunction ordering Karting North East to lift the ban.
But the case returned to London's High Court yesterday as his legal team unsuccessfully urged Judge Hawkesworth to continue the order.
The judge said the young sportsman could still compete in other races around the country, and pursue a civil case for damages.
But he said it was clear Karting North East's ban was not motivated by ill-will towards Lee in seeking to deny him a chance at the title.
Karting North East's barrister, Bruce Gardiner, argued the sole purpose of the ban was to exlude someone who, he claimed, had: "behaved in a way which was contrary to good order and good conduct".
Refusing to extend the injunction, Judge Hawkesworth said: "On the abundant evidence that is before me, the purpose of the ban was to prevent incidents such as the one that occurred on October 7.
"I consider that the application should be dismissed and the injunction discharged," he concluded.
Lee's father was also ordered to pay the costs of the case.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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