Jai George had a break out 2021 season in the Cadet 9 ranks. George won the shortened Golden Power Series, ran third in the shortened Metro Karting Series and ran at the front in many other meetings. Jai due to his age moved up to the Cadet 12 class in the second half of the season and built his experience in the class. George has burst on the scene in 2022 with a win and a podium for his two starts so far this season.
George tackled the opening round of the Victorian Golden Power Series at the Goulburn Valley Kart club over the weekend and looked to start his series well. George used the two practice sessions to get his race craft and set up in place for Saturday afternoon qualifying.
The Barber Master Croydon sponsored entry accelerated out on circuit and immediately was in the fight for pole position. Jai set a very strong lap time in the first half of the session which had the rest of the field chasing his time. In what proved to be an extraordinary lap, George was able to hang on and take pole position for the near capacity field!
George went out for heat one and led the field down to turn one. George led the first half of the race with his Parolin kart working well. The pressure was coming from behind in the form of Riley Harrison and Jack Jenkins ghosting the race leader. Jai while he was battling for the lead was shuffled back two positions into position three. George was able to cross the line in position three overall and now looked to the second heat where he will be back off pole position.
George was back on the front row and was looking to continue his great start to the weekend. Harrison got the jump on the opening lap and led the field with George slotting into second spot. The Bella Building Services backed entry stayed in second spot the first half of the race but was coming into a battle with fellow front runner Jack Jenkins. Jenkins got the moved done on Jai but the young driver slotted straight in behind mirroring Jenkins. George settled for another strong third position and had him off the inside of the second row for the third heat on Sunday morning.
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Sunday morning was upon Jai and the young driver was looking to finish his weekend on a high. George slotted into position three off the start and was stalking Jenkins in front. The Parolin kart was working well and George had improved his pace overnight. The top three all closed up over the final stages with any of the three drivers looking a chance to win. With only three tenths separating the top three, Jai came home in another strong third position and looked forward to the battle in the final.
George had fifteen laps this time round and was able to have more time up his sleeve. The Barber Master Croydon sponsored entry got a great start and jumped into position three. What was seen next was a spirited fifteen laps of racing with either Harrison, Jenkins or George a chance of winning! All three drivers gave it their all and the race went down to the last lap. In a grandstand finish the three were separated by two tenths of a second with George coming home with third spot and on the podium.
Jai’s parents spoke post-race weekend about the highlights of the weekend. “We’re extremely proud of Jai! Putting his Parolin on pole position was a massive highlight. He has now had three podiums from three starts in Cadet 12 this year with a bit more pace to come from his new Parolin”.
George is looking forward to the rest of the Golden Power Series in 2022.
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