Tasmanian Denzil Sargent made the trip across to the main land to take place in the 40th running of the Junior Sprint Classic.
Sargent has been fast and successful in his hit and run missions so far in season 2022 and was looking for more strong results around the Eastern Lions Kart Club circuit! Sargent had 2 practice sessions on Saturday morning and used this to get back on terms with the circuit before the crucial 6-minute session to determine grid slots.
The Clark Metal Fabrication sponsored entry quickly made his way into the top 10 of the 20-kart field and then into the top 5. Denzil was right in the battle for pole position against his local competitors. Sargent stopped the clock in 4th position overall which had him off the outside of the 2nd row for the opening heats.
Heat 1 was the 1st race of the weekend on Saturday afternoon and Denzil was looking to keep his strong start to the weekend going. The Shear Water Mechanical & Tyres backed entry got a great start settling into 3rd spot after lap 1. Sargent was showing good pace going with the 2 leaders and setting the fastest lap of the race on the way through. Denzil was able to come home in 3rd position in his opening heat, only 6 tenths off the race lead!
Sargent was again out of position 4 for his final heat on Saturday and he was once again looking to move forward. The Forty Seven Kart Tuning powered entry settled into 4th position off the start but was able to make his way into the top 3 on lap 4. Denzil continued to push hard making the move for 2nd spot on lap 5 and was driving the wheels off his Tony Kart. Sargent was able to cross the line in 2nd position overall, which had him off the front row for the 3rd heat.
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Sunday morning came around and Denzil was looking to continue his positive racing going. The Clark Metal Fabrication backed entry was shuffled back to position 3 off the start and was pushing hard to try and go with the 2 drivers leading the race. Sargent was in a battle in the back end of the race to hold down 3rd spot in an intense race. Denzil was able to cross the line for another top 3 result in 3rd position.
Sargent was again off the front row for the final heat but was unfortunately shuffled back starting on the outside to position 4. The Shear Water Mechanical & Tyres sponsored entry was racing hard on the edge of the top 5 and was trying to get back on terms with the top 3. Denzil dropped to position 5 but quickly worked his way back up to position 4 before the chequered flag.
Sargent was out of position 3 for the all-important final. 15 Laps was the journey for the championship final and Denzil was looking to come home on the podium. The Forty Seven Kart Tuning powered entry settled into position 2 out of the opening lap before dropping down to the battle for 3rd position. Sargent was involved in many positional changes across the 15-lap final and was trying everything he could to finish on the podium. After a race long battle, Denzil was able to come home in position 4 overall in a strong result for the interstate driver!
Sargent’s parents spoke post weekend on their young driver’s weekend. “Denzil showed really good pace all weekend and showed he was in the mix for a podium. It was a tough battle in the final and while we were disappointed to not make the podium, we’re happy with the weekend and look forward to the next interstate trip”.
Sargent’s focus will now turn towards his preparation for the Tasmania Kart Championships in November!
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