words – karting.net.au
Queensland teenager Max Walton has recorded Australia’s best-ever finish in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy.
While he encountered a challenging time at the final round in Italy last weekend, a pair of podium finishes at the opening two rounds ensured that Walton had amassed enough points to second place in the overall standings behind Spaniard Hugo Marti.
Polish driver Wojciech Woda was victorious in the final round ahead of French female driver Lisa Billard and Lithuanian Markas Silkunas.
After starting the final 17th, Walton was the big mover in the opening lap to be placed 7th as the field crossed the line for the first time. He was then engaged with some intense battles all throughout the 21-lap encounter before greeting the chequered flag 12th. A pair of post-race penalties dropped him to 25th in the final standings.
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Walton will now return to Australia where he will be crowned the Australian Champion at the final round of the 2023 Australian Karting Championship in Melbourne on the final weekend in August due to having an unbeatable lead atop of the standings.
The Italian event also doubled as the final round of the European Championship for the OK and OK-Junior categories where Australians Xavier Avramides and Lewis Francis where also competing.
Avramides finished 20th while Francis crossed the line 14th after showing great speed early in the weekend by qualifying third fastest and winning a heat race.
- full results are HERE
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