McLaughlin On Podium At Nationals

press release

Britek Motorsport Scholarship driver Scott McLaughlin has finished third in the final of the Junior Clubman category at the Yamaha AKA Sprint Nationals at Archerville outside Launceston (Tasmania).

14-year-old McLaughlin crossed the finish line just two karts lengths behind winner James Kovacic and second place finisher Ben Lincoln in a gripping final. McLaughlin was shuffled back to eighth off the start, but battled back to be right with the leaders at the end of the final. Although he went into the event with his eyes firmly set on winning the national title, the Gold Coast racer was more than happy with the result.

"In the end I was just a couple of metres from winning the Australian title," said McLaughlin. "I was pleased to fight through to third and be right on their hammer at the end. I had the best seat in the house if either James or Ben made a mistake, but to their credit they drove an outstanding race.

"Coming into the weekend I knew the challenge was ahead of me. The standard of the competition was extremely high and that was evident in qualifying where thousands of a second separated the leading drivers. During the heats and then into the pre-final I felt that I had improved and we got the kart really to my liking. I finished fourth in the pre-final, so to finish one spot further up in the final and right with the leaders is very pleasing.

"This was the first event where we had the full Britek Motorsport Scholarship racesuit to go with our colours on the kart. I felt very proud to be representing the programme at the National Titles. I still have a lot to learn in karting, but against competition like I had this weekend, I'm sure I can improve ahead of next year's nationals."

Britek Motorsport Formula Ford racer Adam Graham; who jointly prepares McLaughlin's kart with Robbie Morton, was impressed with McLaughlin's performance. "Scott drove extremely well in what is a very competitive category of karting," said Graham. "The most pleasing thing was that he improved over the course of the weekend and was right on the pace for the final. Once he caught Kovacic and Lincoln, he put plenty of pressure on them, but didn't try anything silly.

"In motor sport you are not always happy unless you win. However this third place trophy should take pride of place in his collection. As a group we learnt a lot this weekend and we will be better off next time we go racing. I have to say the Britek Motorsport Scholarship really turned heads this weekend. Our performance on the track was matched with our presentation, with the Britek colours really grabbing a lot of attention."

Britek Motorsport Scholarship Formula Ford driver Ben Walter raced independently at the Nationals this weekend. Unfortunately his challenge in the Leopard Heavy class was ended midway through the final when he was knocked-off the course.

Above: Ben Walter

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