Whangarei
karter Thomas McLean won
the day for himself and his team mate Joe Ganley when he crossed the
finish line an entire half a lap before the next driver at the
Kartsport Auckland Enduro Day on Sunday.
Taking over from his Auckland team mate near the halfway point of the
race, 14 year old McLean moved into the lead holding onto the position
until the end of 140 laps taking the Formula Junior class win at the
popular event.
"Joe got a good start settled into third and ran at a consistent pace
keeping the front two within his sights. We got him in for chain lube,
tyre pressure check, fuel and driver change and were by far the fastest
pit crew which must have been from all the Nascar racing Dad watches!"
said McLean.
Mclean came to grips with the KF3 kart quickly when after a shortened
first practice session he had only one full session before qualifying.
Surprisingly he set the second fastest time in his session which when
combined with his team mate's fifth fastest lap in his own session put
the pair onto grid position three for the start of the race.
Ganley ran the first half exceptionally well by keeping close to the
front two drivers and setting McLean up for an opportunity to pass the
two of them with an early and speedy pitstop.
"We were the first to pit and do a driver change and I managed to pull
time on the front two so when they did their own stops I was able to
take the lead and managed to hold it lapping other karts in the
process." said McLean.
Testament to the pace of McLean and his 12 year old team mate Ganley
was the number of laps completed. A total of 140 which is a record for
the annual endurance race. The pair also finished 15 seconds ahead of
the second placed driver and over three laps ahead of third and fourth.
The young up and coming drivers competed using a KF3 World Formula kart
with a 125cc water cooled engine.
Next event for McLean is the Christmas meeting at his home club of
Kartsport Whangarei, Austin Rd Maunu this Sunday the 4th December which
is a fun day for karters and their family with public also welcome to
watch the excitement. |
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