McLaughlin Gains Valuable Experience At World Karting Challenge

press release

Britek Motorsport Scholarship karter Scott McLaughlin has finished the World Final of the Junior Rotax Max Challenge at the La Conca circuit in Muro Leccese in Italy in 19th position after being caught-up in an accident on the opening lap of the final.

pic - BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG)

34 of the best junior karters from around the world made it through to the final with the Gold Coast racer starting from sixth position after strong performances during the qualifying heats.

Racing for his native country, New Zealand, McLaughlin placed ninth, seventh and sixth in the qualifying heats and set fastest lap times in the process. He placed sixth in the pre-final and had every right to feel a podium was achievable in the final.

However, his dream of a top result ended on just the third corner when he was hit from behind and even had another kart topple over his head.

The 15-year-old Gold Coast racer re-joined at the rear and made his way to 15th before again being hit and he had to settle for 19th at the finish.

McLaughlin came to the event with his eyes wide-open, with a total of 215 entries competing across juniors as well as two senior classes.

“I’m disappointed with how the final turned out, but I have gained so much from competing against the best junior karters from across the globe,” said McLaughlin.

“The whole event was just mind blowing. It was good to get here early in the week and take it in. I was then able to concentrate on doing my best on the track.

“The competition was fierce in every aspect. There were plenty of guys who drive on the limit, but some also go over that limit!

“Learning a totally new track, focussing on the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses, plus working with international officials all made for a weekend I will never forget.

“Overall it has made my hunger for success in motor sports even stronger.”

All drivers competed in the same model Zanardi kart with the 125cc Rotax motor. Kart tuner Robbie Morton was impressed with McLaughlin’s efforts over the weekend.

“Scott did a really good job,” said Morton.

“This event really sorts the boys from the men and although the final result might not show it, Scott was one of the leading drivers.

“He really knuckled down during the week to improve the kart and himself. It was a shame that we couldn’t bring a trophy home, but the experience has far greater value.

“As an event I was very impressed. The people from Rotax really do a great job and they were extremely helpful, especially when we had a technical issue ahead of the final.”

V8 Supercar driver and mentor to Scott McLaughlin, Jason Bright had plenty of advice for the young racer.

“Scott was on the phone every night to me here in Australia,” said Bright.

“I was impressed with the information he was providing on the kart, the circuit and the opposition. He did everything right heading into the final – sometimes things just don’t go your way.

“Experience is everything in motor racing. To have competed at such a huge event so early in Scott’s development will prove invaluable as he climbs the motor sports ladder.”

McLaughlin, along with his sister Samantha and parents Wayne and Dianne, will return to Australia later in the week to watch Bright and the Fujitsu Racing Team compete at the final round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at Sydney’s Oran Park.

Home