Janev brothers Kristian and Lukas took to the 36th running of the Panduit City of Melbourne kart titles over the weekend. Kristian running in the X30 Light class and Lukas running in the TAG 125 Light were in competitive fields and in for a block buster weekend of racing.
Both drivers were once again running out of the Pro Karting camp and were looking to put their best foot forward.
Kristian was first hit the track in the X30 Light class and was looking to get as far up the grid as possible. Janev did a superb job in qualifying and was able to qualify on the front row of the grid, alongside current Australian champion Bradley Jenner.
Janev continued his consistency across Saturday’s 2 heats with position 2 in both heats, putting him once again on the front row to start Sunday. Kristian was able to win the jump off the start in heat 3 and led the first half of the race. Janev came under pressure from Jenner in the back stages of the race but was able to hold his nerve and take the win in heat 3.
Kristian was starting out of pole position for the final and knew his start was as important of any so far. Janev got the jump and didn’t look back, leading all 17 laps and taking out his maiden City of Melbourne Title and his first major title in the senior ranks!
Lukas was then out in the TAG 125 Light class and was slightly behind the field due to no practice on Friday because of his work commitments.
In a near full field of 36 drivers, Lukas was able to qualify in position 21 but was wanting to move forward across the weekend.
Janev had two brilliant heats on Saturday, moving up 9 positions in heat 1 and moving up a further 6 in heat 2 to be starting out of position 12 for heat 3. Lukas had another consistent finish in heat 3 before getting a great start in the final and making his way inside the top 10 drivers.
Janev raced his heart out in the final race across 17 laps and was looking to come home as far up the field as possible. Lukas came home with his best result of the weekend crossing the line in position 9 for the championship deciding final.
Lukas and Kristian’s father David spoke post weekend on his son’s results. “I’m so proud of both my boys this weekend. We’ve been chasing this title for a while with Kristian. X30 is such a tough class and he put in a champions drive in the final. Lukas job is priority so to turn up here off no practice and race so well and work his way into the top 10 was an awesome fight back and I’m so proud of both my boys. Weekends like this make it all worth it”.
Both Janev brothers will continue their racing throughout the remainder of the 2022 season.