Rain Can't Dampen Junior Showdown

from Marcus Jones

The rain fell for almost the entire weekend, but the Junior Showdown has once again been a great success. While it was mostly showers, a few heavy falls, and even hail, saw the track covered in water at times and the officials quickly creating some new drainage channels.

Over 80 drivers lined up for the weekend's racing and provided some great action for those spectators who braved the wet.

Above: at times, the track was completely awash, but that didnt stop the kids from turning on some great racing
pic - Marcus Jones

In Junior National Pro Todd Hazelwood was looking good and started the pre-final from pole. Aaron Johnstone pushed him all the way through to the final but had to settle for 2nd place as Todd took the honors. Simon Hodge grabbed 3rd in the final but the overall points went the way of Todd Hazelwood, Aaron Johnstone and Matt McRae.

With all points going towards the Australian Rotax MAX championships, it was on in Junior MAX. After an incident that left him on the side of the track in heat 1, Joshua De’Maio made it a clean sweep of the rest of the weekend. Consistency proved to be the key as Rhys Newman took out 2nd overall, with a 2nd in the final giving Karl Barvich 3rd.

Above: Joshua De Maio made a clean sweep of Junior Rotax
pic - Marcus Jones

Plenty of drivers for Junior National Heavy, and it was Aaron Johnstone's turn this time as a good run over the weekend and 2nd in the final gave him the points for 1st overall. Andrew Rae held of Aaron for the race win but had to settle for 2nd, and tied with Josh Manning.

Jnr National Light saw some drivers not getting much of a rest as Brad Jenner made it a win in the final and 1st outright. Cameron Waters and Todd Hazelwood put on a show throughout the weekend and while Cameron took 2nd ahead of Todd in the final, it was Todd with the points for 2nd overall, and Cameron 3rd.

Junior National Heavy C&P saw Declan Sherwell just miss out on a clean sweep for the weekend and Ryan Lovekin beat him across the line in the final. But the run of firsts gave Declan the points for 1st outright. Ryan took 2nd overall, with 3rd place both in the final and outright standings went to Matthew McRae.

Above: Declan Sherwell turns the wet-mirror track surface into spray on the way to winning Heavy C&P
pic - Marcus Jones

The Junior Clubmans were quick, even in the wet. Andrew Rae led the way and never looked back and he took 1st in the final and overall. Cameron Waters grabbed 2nd in the final and shared an equal 2nd with Alex Baker overall

19 Midgets hit the track and while there was plenty of action behind him, Danny Carroll made it his weekend with 1st in every race. He was however closely followed by the locals as Sam Baker finished 2nd in the final and shared equal 2nd with Ryan Broome overall.

Above: Danny Carroll, 1st Midgets
pic - Marcus Jones

And in the Rookies Jacob Witherow took the win on his home track as he finished the day with first in the final and overall. Mitchell Broome put in a great effort all weekend and grabbed 2nd in the final and overall with 3rd going to Mitchell Sires.

Although wet, the weekend was a great success and a big thank you to all of those involved as either a driver or volunteer.

And a bigger thank you to all of the Mount Gambier Karting Club members who not only made the weekend happen, but put on an event that makes everyone want to come back again.

Above: Brianna Stillwell makes a serious splash
pic - Marcus Jones

Above: Todd Hazelwood adds another victory to his asphalt resume, winning Jnr National Pro
pic - Marcus Jones

Above: Sam Baker (23) and Ryan Broome (15), Midgets
pic - Marcus Jones

Above: Aaron Johnstone, 1st JNH, jacks a wheel
pic - Marcus Jones

Above: Mitchell Broome (25) gives chase
pic - Marcus Jones

Above: Junior Clubman winner Andrew Rae
pic - Marcus Jones

Above: Brad Jenner JNL winner
pic - Marcus Jones

Above: Jay Baxter, JC
pic - Marcus Jones

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