Our Race Team

Meet Our Race Team

Earl Panagi – Team Principal & Owner
Providing the vision, leadership and direction behind the programme while overseeing all aspects of team operations.

Stuart Wright – Team Manager
Responsible for managing race weekends, driver development programmes, engine performance and ensuring the team operates at the highest standard.

Luke Hines – Data Engineer & Driver Coach
Delivering detailed performance analysis, driver feedback and coaching support to maximise on-track performance.

Reece Lomax – Data Engineer & Driver Coach
Working closely with drivers and engineers to analyse data, refine race craft and unlock performance gains.

Grant Munro – Head In-House Engineer
Leading technical development, chassis corrections and in-house engineering across the team.

James Bean – In-House Operations
Managing day-to-day team logistics, preparation and operational support.

Jim Paffett – Parts & Servicing
Providing technical support, servicing expertise and ensuring equipment is maintained to the highest standard.

About the Team

Since returning to the UK karting scene in 2019, Zip Kart Young Guns has re-established itself as one of the most respected and competitive driver development programmes in British karting.

The team's roots stretch back decades through its involvement with both the Racing Steps Foundation and Zip Young Guns programmes, organisations that have helped shape the careers of some of the most recognised names in British motorsport.

Throughout its history, the programme has worked with an exceptional list of drivers, including Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, Formula One race winner David Coulthard, DTM Champion Gary Paffett, BTCC Champion Jason Plato, Formula E World Champion Jake Dennis and current leading world champion Oliver Rowland, alongside internationally recognised racers Oliver Turvey, Ben Barnicoat, Anthony Davison, Luke Hines and current British karting star and Formula 4 phenom Mercedes Junior Driver Kenzo Craigie.

Built on a foundation of professionalism, technical excellence and driver development, the programme continues to provide ambitious young drivers with the tools, knowledge and environment needed to perform at the highest level.

Today, Zip Kart Young Guns competes across multiple classes throughout the UK, running both Rotax and Honda-powered machinery. The team is active at club, national and championship level, supporting drivers through every stage of their karting journey, from their first competitive races through to the highest levels of domestic competition.

The team's philosophy is simple: create a professional environment where drivers can learn, develop and maximise their potential. Every aspect of performance is carefully managed, from data analysis and race engineering through to driver coaching, chassis setup and racecraft development.

At Zip Kart Young Guns, success is built on preparation, teamwork and continuous improvement. Every test session, every race weekend and every lap on track is approached with the same objective — helping drivers become faster, smarter and more complete racers.

With a proud history, a proven development pathway and an experienced support structure, Zip Kart Young Guns continues to play a significant role in developing the next generation of British motorsport talent.