Jess Golding Motorsport’s KA3 Senior Light driver Luca Belardo has won the 2024 Victorian Kart Championship, claiming JGM’s first ever State Championship.
Held over three days at the iconic Melbourne Todd Road circuit, Luca secured one of two blue plates for the Australian-made brand and Victorian Manufactured (Arrow) at the first State Championship event of the season.
The KA3 Senior light field reached a capacity at 36 drivers and featured the nation’s top talent from across the country. Belardo secured a front row start during qualifying – a mere half a tenth off the pole to take P2.
“To secure a front-row start at what is arguably the biggest State Championship event of the season, in one of the most competitive categories is a huge achievement” Jess said.
“Starting from the outside row at this track is no easy feat and Luca certainly held his own throughout the heat races.”
Belardo started the final from pole position, lead every lap, set the fastest lap of the final and took victory with an impressive 2.7-second lead over P2. On the final lap the Griffith youngster was in obvious disbelief as he looked over his shoulder at the gap to the rest of the field.
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“As I drove that final lap, I looked over my shoulder to check the gap and just thought to myself I am going to win this. I am actually going to win this! Coming into that final corner down the hill to meet the chequered flag first was the best feeling in the world. I have been so close for many years and together with JGM we have done it!” Luca said.
The triumph holds particular significance for the Queensland based team. Headed up by former Australian Karting Champion Jess Golding who has experienced success as a driver, and now as a team owner, this win solidifies their position as a serious team and contender.
“I was overwhelmed with emotion from the start to the finish of that final” Jess said.
“Tears of joy were streaming down my face. People around me must have thought I was crazy but in that moment, I knew we had achieved something monumental. Every ounce of hard work has paid off. The Belardo family have entrusted me to look after their son and deliver a result and we certainly did that!
“This victory lifts a tremendous weight off our shoulders as a team and for Luca as a driver. Now, with the blue plate in hand, we’re primed for success for the rest of the season. It’s an extraordinary achievement.”
As the newly crowned champion, Belardo will proudly wear the prestigious blue plate for the next 12 months. The journey continues for JGM with the upcoming second round of the Australian Kart Championships at Puckapunyal, where Belardo currently holds a strong position in P2.
- all pics – Tim Francis
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