New South Wales had a strong representation at the Shamick Racing Enduro over the weekend, with former and current state champion Reece Cohen and Jackson Souslin Harlow pairing together for the big event.
Both drivers were looking for their maiden victory in the event and were looking to take it to the local Victorian drivers!
Cohen and Souslin Harlow both utilised the strong practice sessions on Saturday to get up to speed with their package and be ready to go for Sunday morning qualifying. Souslin Harlow hit the track for the first lot qualifying, with Cohen going next and both drivers doing strong laps to put them in 9th place overall for the top 10 shootout.
Souslin Harlow hit the track for the top 10 shootout and put in a strong lap that put the team up to 5th place overall for the start of the race!
Souslin Harlow started the race strongly and was showing excellent speed. The state champion made his way as high as the top 3 and was battling in the lead group at stages of his opening stint. Souslin Harlow made his way to the lead of the race, before pulling in for the opening pit stop after and excellent stint with Cohen ready to jump aboard.
The team completed their stop but an issue on the grid with the spark plug caused the team to lose substantial time and go multiple laps down. Cohen and Souslin Harlow then spent then next 2-3 hours making up time across the pit stops and putting in excellent pace out on circuit.
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Cohen was pushing hard in his final stint and the New South Welshman had made his way back into the top 5 battle and in contention.
The rain then started to fall with Cohen unfortunately 7 minutes away from finishing his driver time so having to circulate out on slick tyres. Reece pulled into the pits with wet tyres going on and Souslin Harlow hopping back aboard the kart.
Souslin Harlow now out on wet tyres was putting in hard laps and trying to make up as many positions as possible. Jackson was in the top 10 and trying his hardest to push the team up towards the top 5 drivers. The clock stopped after 4 hours and 30 minutes of racing and Souslin Harlow and Cohen were able to cross the line in 7th position overall in a brilliant showing.
Reece Cohen’s father Darren spoke post-race and spoke of the boy’s tough day. “The day started very well with qualifying going well and Jackson putting the boys right in the hunt for the lead. The first pit stop was costly and Reece and Jackson were then chasing the field all day.
“The rain didn’t come at an ideal time but to come home with a top finish was a great result and I’m extremely happy with the guy’s race”.
Both boys will be back in season 2023 and will be one of the drivers to beat in their respective classes.
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