Jack Jenkins continued his busy 2022 season over the weekend by taking part in the 36th running of the Panduit City of Melbourne Titles. Jenkins who currently leads the Victorian Golden Power Series and Eastern Lions Kart Club championship has had a break out season 2022 and was looking to add another victory to his resume.
Jack, once again running out of the Pulse Tuning camp utilised Friday practice and was ready to go for Saturday morning qualifying. Jenkins hit the track for qualifying on a dry circuit and he was confident he could put in a strong showing. Jack hovered around the top 15 and then made his way further into the top 10 drivers. When it looked as though no one was improving their laps, Jenkins stunned the field by putting himself up on the front row of the grid alongside New Zealand national champion Zach Tucker.
Jack looked to the opening 2 heats where he was off the front row. The start was going to be a crucial part of the race for Jenkins, who was on the outside of the very tricky turn 1. The Pulse Tuning backed entry dropped to position 4 on the opening lap and was trying to chase after the New Zealand trio at the front of the field. Jack was racing hard in the top 5 with plenty of hard racing and extreme pace being set at the front of the field. Jenkins crossed the line in position 5 in a good start to his racing in the 30 kart field.
Jenkins was once again off the front row of the grid but was pushed off the circuit at the opening corner and was put to the rear of the 30 kart field. Jack had steam pouring out of his helmet and was making a charge back through the field. Jenkins was able to make his way back into the top 25 and then into the top 20 as the race went on. Jack was able to recover for position 18 in a great drive from the rear of the field.
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Position 10 was the starting point for Jack for the third heat and he was looking to try and make up some spots across the race. The Pulse Tuning driver slotted into position 10 at the end of the opening lap and was keen to get on the move. Jenkins was able to move forward across the race and was pushing the back of the top 5 going into the final stages. Jack made up 4 positions across the race and crossed the line in a credible positon 6.
Jack was on the outside of the third row going into the final when once again, his race was turned on its head. Jenkins was ran off at the open corner and once again put to the back of the field. The Pulse Tuning driver never gave up all final making multiple moves and charging his way back up into the 20. Jack was able to cross the line just outside the top 15 in position 16 in a weekend of what could have been.
Jack’s parents spoke post weekend on their young driver’s rough weekend of racing. “Not quite the weekend we had been hoping for. Jack showed great pace and resilience but race incidents in heat 2 and the final meant Jack couldn’t show his full potential. There were definitely some positives from the weekend though”.
Jenkins will contest the rest of the 2022 Karting Victoria season.
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