Benjamin Classon took to the 5th round of the Golden Power Series at the weekend. Classon was having his first look at the Rochester Kart Club circuit and was looking to keep his 2nd position in the championship in reach.
Ben was up against championship leader Grace Riddell, Australasian kart champion Mathew Basso and many other strong competitors in the 20 plus driver KA4 Junior Heavy field.
Classon had his two practice sessions and headed out for qualifying still trying to get his package and knowledge of the Rochester circuit right. Ben was pushing hard and managed to make his way into the top 10 drivers across the session. Classon was pushing hard but was still struggling to get on terms with the top 5 with his limited track time. Ben was able to set the 9th fastest time and was now looking to the heats to move forward.
Classon headed out for heat 1 and was looking to stay out of trouble and move forward across the field. The Kosmic driver got a great start and moved up to position 8 on the opening lap and was looking to make up positions. Ben made the move for position 7 in the opening half of the race and now chased after the 6 drivers ahead. Classon set improved pace and was able to cross the line in position 7 overall!
Heat 2 was on Sunday morning and Ben was once again out of 9th position and was looking to move forward. Classon got a lightening start and after avoiding incidents and making up spots, he was into 2nd position at the end of the opening lap. Ben didn’t have the pace to go with race leader Grace Riddell but was holding down 2nd position. Classon was able to put in an awesome drive to grab position 2 and put himself off the front row for heat 3.
advertisement
Classon was off the front row for heat 3 and was looking to put himself right in the battle for victory. Ben got a clean get away and slotted into 2nd spot and had Basso right behind him in 3rd. Classon wasn’t able to go with Riddell out in front and was in a race long battle with Basso to hold down 2nd spot. Ben held his nerve and despite the attacks from Basso was able to hold on and grab 2nd position overall.
Ben was off the front row again for the final and was looking for his 2nd round win of the series. Classon got a clean start but dropped into 3rd spot behind Riddell and Basso. Ben sat in 3rd spot the majority of the race and was in a battle with Hugo Garraway for the final podium spot. Classon had a dramatic final lap where after some incidents and post-race penalties he emerged with the overall round win and his 2nd for the championship!
Ben’s father Paul spoke post weekend on his son’s dramatic weekend. “We didn’t quite have the pace at the start of the weekend with our limited time on the track. Our aim was to stay out of trouble which we did and that had us on the front row for the final. We didn’t quite have the pace to win but things went our way and we’re wrapped with the result. We’ve had plenty of weekends things haven’t gone our way so to grab this win is a credit to Ben and his positive approach”.
Classon will now look to the Eastern Lions Kart Club championship round followed by the Junior Sprint Classic in October.
advertisement