Jack Beeton returned to the Newcastle Kart Club over the weekend for the 5th and final round of the SP Tools Australian Kart Championship. Beeton had excellent pace at the recent Newcastle City Cup shakedown meeting and was looking to carry his form into the weekend.
With over 30 drivers competing in the final round of the championship, Jack was ready to push hard and race for victory! Beeton used Friday practice to try and improve his speed around the track and setup in his package.
Jack hit the track for qualifying and was looking to get as far up the grid as possible. Beeton jumped into the top half of the field and was pushing hard on the back of the top 10 drivers. Jack was doing everything he could to try and set faster laps and get further up the grid. Beeton landed in position 12 overall after qualifying and was looking to the heats to move forward.
Heat 1 was the opening race of the weekend and Jack was looking to move forward. Beeton was able to move into position 11 on the opening lap but was in a battle on the edge of the top 10 with positions changing as the race went on. Jack was able to race hard and finish the race just outside the top 10 in position 12 overall.
Heat 2 was a much better start for Jack where he was able to move up 5 positions on the opening lap and into position 7! Beeton tried his heart out to go with the top 5 drivers but didn’t quite have the pace or the set up to go with them. Jack drove the best he could dropping a couple of spots as the race went on, crossing the line in position 10 overall.
Position 11 was the starting point for the 3rd heat and Jack was looking at getting as far up the grid as possible. Beeton got another excellent start slotting into position 7 on lap 1 and then jumping into position 6 on lap 2. Jack was able to continue his progress forward where he moved into the top 5 drivers and was racing well. Beeton crossed the line in 5th position in a great performance and was starting the final heat from position 7.
Heat 4 was the last race before the final and Jack was looking to get another clean start. Beeton moved into the top 5 on the opening lap in an excellent start and was pushing hard on the top 4. Jack made his way into the top 3 in the middle stages of the race and was showing exceptional pace. Beeton dropped a spot in the hectic front battled and crossed the line in 4th position going into the final race.
Position 6 was the starting point for the all-important final and that’s where Jack settled at the end of the opening lap. Beeton wasn’t able to make his way into the top 5 in the early stages being in a battle for position 6,7 and 8. Jack was able to dig deep and with a few things going his way make his way back into the top 5. Beeton crossed the line in 5th position overall just off the podium places.
Beeton spoke post weekend and while coming home in 5th spot had high expectations coming into the weekend and was disappointed not to challenge for victory. “We went to Newcastle to win, but unfortunately, we just didn’t have the pace we needed to challenge for the position we desired. Congratulations to Kobe for the win and Paddy for taking out the championship”.
Beeton was excited to announce that he will be taking a huge step in his motorsport journey after being invited to the Ferrari Junior Driver Academy Camp in Malaysia next month.
“I’m Extremely grateful for the opportunity to grow as a driver at the upcoming Ferrari Junior Driver Academy Camp in Malaysia. I’m really excited as I see this opportunity as the next step from karting to reaching my end goal of Formula 1. This wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for my coach, Richie McLeod. Richie is a great coach and mentor. I’d also like to thank my mum and dad for their ongoing support”.
Beeton will be a driver to watch in the remainder of season 2022 and beyond.