Benjamin Classon made his return to the Eastern Lions Kart club for the August round of the club championship! Classon has been a regular front runner across the championship in the past few seasons and was looking to grab another strong haul of points and results.
Classon hit the track first thing Saturday morning and was once again up against his championship rival and season 2022 rival Grace Riddell. Ben quickly put himself into the top 2 drivers but was chasing the pole lap set by a flying Riddell. Classon continued to improve as the session went on but stopped the clock in 2nd position and was on the outside of the front row for the opening 2 heats.
Heat 1 came around and Ben was looking to get a clean start and challenge Riddell. Classon slotted into 2nd spot on the opening lap and was right on the back of the race leader and the pole sitter in the early stages. Ben was able to set the fastest lap of the race and going into the final lap was in the battle for victory. Classon was able to cross the line in 2nd position only a couple of tenths of race victory!
Classon knew he had the pace to contend so the excitement built into heat 2. Ben slotted into position 2 but was then able to take the lead on the 2nd lap. The racing was thick and fast with both drivers having their time in front and the race was building to an epic finish. Classon was able to hold on in a drag to the line to take victory.
With only 2 hundredths of a second separating the 2 drivers, the final 2 races were crucial. The final heat for the day had Ben once again on the outside of the front row. Classon got an excellent start but wasn’t quite able to go with race leader Riddell in the early stages. Ben and his team and noticed slightly reduced engine performance, which was costing the young driver time. Classon was able to get everything out of his Kosmic kart which allowed him to come home in 2nd position.
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The final was building to an important race for Classon who still had a chance to take the round victory. Ben starting out of position 2 once again he slotted into that position and was keen to chase after Riddell out in front. Classon was putting in his fastest laps of the day trying to go with the race leader out in front. Ben put in another stellar performance and was able to cross the line in 2nd position overall in the final and the round.
Ben’s father Paul spoke post weekend on his sons racing. “Ben had another fantastic weekend of racing with Grace and it was great to grab a race win. We didn’t quite have the kart and power to match in the afternoon but it was another great day at the Eastern Lions Kart Club”.
Classon heads to Numurkah this weekend for their Australasian Titles where he is looking to secure his first red plate!
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