Riley Harrison took place in his second state title in two weeks, this time in his home state of South Australia.
Riley was hot off his 2nd state championship triumph of season 2022 and was looking to try and add a 3rd to his tally. Harrison was once again competing in the ultra-competitive Cadet 12 class and was ready to do battle across the 2 days of racing!
Harrison utilised all of his practice to get the best out of his driving and package before hitting the track for the all-important qualifying session. A field of near 20 drivers hit the track and Riley quickly worked his way into the top 10 and then was pushing hard for the top 5. The Xpert Electrical & Air backed entry was pushing hard and made his way into 5th spot by the chequered flag!
Riley was off the inside of the 3rd row of the grid for the opening heat and was looking to try make up spots. The J & A Kart Tuning powered driver got an excellent start moving into 4th position on the opening lap and then into the top 3 on lap 3. Harrison moved into 2nd spot in the back half of the race and set the fastest lap of the race in the process. Riley crossed the line in an excellent 2nd position to start his racing weekend!
Harrison was excited for heat 2 knowing he had the pace to challenge for victory. The Kartclass driver got another excellent start slotting into 2nd position and was right on terms with the race leader. Riley made his way into the lead and the midway point, but Maxim Kirwan and him swapped position multiple times in the back half of the race. In an excellent battle, Harrison came away with 2nd position and was only 8 hundredths of a second off the race victory!
Heat 3 had Riley off the front row of the grid and the young driver was looking to take victory. Harrison was able to slot into 2nd spot off the start and was pushing hard in the battle pack at the front of the field. Riley was shuffled back to position 4 in the middle stages of the race but got his head down and wanted to move back up spots. Harrison’s Parolin kart was working well and he was able to work his way back up to 2nd spot by the chequered flag.
The nerves were in the air going into the championship decide, with Riley being off the front row of the grid and chasing his 3rd blue plate title in 2022. Harrison took the lead off the start and led the early laps of the title race. The Xpert Electrical & Air backed entry had many lead changes and was again in front in the back stages of the race. In an exciting and thrilling finish, Harrison crossed the line in 2nd position in a great result for the young driver.
Riley’s father Scott post weekend on his young sons racing. “It’s been a couple of great weekends for Riley with a win and 2nd spot. We had amazing pace this weekend but this state championships are super hard to win and congratulations to Maxim on his win”.
Harrison will have a busy end to season 2022 including some overseas racing for the dual state champion.