Aussie Makes Top Ten On American Debut

AKA press release

Australian Mitchell Griffin has recorded a top ten finish during his debut in the Snap-on Stars of Karting Series presented by the IndyCar Series in Salt Lake City, Utah over the weekend.

Griffin, who was competing in the Cadets class for drivers aged between 10 and 12 years old, raced inside the top ten throughout the entire weekend at the Miller Motorsport Park before finishing eighth the final race held today.

The Gold Coast driver qualified ninth fastest before recording an eighth, fifth and 13th place finish in each of the three heat races to be ninth in the points standings entering the pair of finals in the afternoon.

After starting from the fifth row on the grid aboard his Tony Kart USA entry for the first final, a position that would have been higher if it wasn’t for a mechanical issue in the final heat, Griffin was involved in a first corner incident which dropped him to the rear of the 16-kart field. Throughout the race the 11-year-old clawed his way back to finish just outside the top ten.

Griffin made a good start in the second 12-lap final and was battling with a handful of other drivers for a spot within the top five for the majority of the race. With one lap remaining he was in sixth place which became fifth following a passing manoeuvre with only a few corners remaining.

Unfortunately, an incident where he was contacted from behind led to Griffin running wide on the final corner and as a result he lost three positions and crossed the line in eighth place.

“The racing over the weekend was just awesome,” said Griffin. “Over the weekend I’ve learnt a lot, especially about drafting because this track was all about slipstreaming. For most of the races the top ten karts were bumper to bumper for the entire time, it was awesome. I’m really looking forward to coming back to race in the next round in New Castle - I can’t wait.”

Mitchell was accompanied on his American trip by his parents, Paul and Lindsey, who were very proud of their youngster’s achievements over the weekend. “We couldn't be prouder of the way Mitchell handled himself over the weekend, he has done a great job – both on and off the track. The most important thing is that he has had a good time and learnt a lot in the process,” said Paul Griffin.

“The Tony Kart team were very happy with him and we’ll be doing a bit more testing before the next round to make sure there are more ups than downs in New Castle. Overall, it has been a great experience for all of us.”

Griffin will return home on Wednesday before competing in the Annual Young Guns Titles presented by KAOS Karting, one of the largest events for junior karters in Australia, at Lismore this weekend.

The next round in the Snap-on Stars of Karting Series will be held in New Castle, Indiana on May 30 – June 1.

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