Keen to return to the top of the charts after a frustrating opening round of the Australian Kart Championships, Mat Basso and team set out to reclaim their past state championship glory as they competed at the 2024 Victorian State Titles, hosted in the heart of Port Melbourne. Temperatures and tensions were at a high, but could Basso go back-to-back having won this very event the year prior?
The #18 machine looked to have speed aboard soon as it hit the track, notching a P2 result in timed practice behind fierce rival and state champion in his own right, Sam March. The team were confident as they strolled into Saturday morning, however, a set up error saw Mat qualify in a frustrating P5. As usual, Basso wasn’t keen on lying down for the count, fighting back through the heats that saw him take 2nd in the opening race, before sensationally dazzling the field with a victory in heat two.
Super Sunday was upon us, and Basso certainly looked to be the looming threat in KA3 Junior Heavy. Starting off pole, the team were confident that Basso would be able to capitalise on an excellent starting position.
Racing got underway and Mat took the lead, amassing a lead of 1 second before disaster struck… a mechanical gremlin once again rearing its head, Basso plunging down the order at times almost 1 second a lap slower! Mat crossed the line 5th, before a penalty further relegated him to 7th.
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In scorching temperatures of 38°, the field was set for a 12-minute showdown under the intense heat Melbourne had to offer, Basso starting out of P3. The flag dropped and we were racing, Mat with an excellent move down the inside saw him elevate into P2, with a one-on-one showdown with March to come. As the laps wound down, it became apparent the #18 didn’t have the same kart speed as earlier in the heats. Basso fought admirably, crossing the line 3rd in the 26-kart field to land a podium finish!
Whilst somewhat dejected by not taking the win, Mathew was in positive spirits post-race, commenting “It was a hot weekend both on and off the track. We kind of struggled with kart set up and engine gremlins all weekend, so to walk away with a 3rd overall was a good result but not what we are here to do. I felt like I was driving really well, but it just wasn’t to be. We are now focusing all our attention on Round 2 of the Australian Karting Championship”.
As always, the team would love to thank Mathew’s sponsors: Marco Motorsport, Castrol Racing, Morris Finance, UNIT Clothing, NGK Spark Plugs, Raceline Motorsports Racewear and OMP, Atlas Neck Braces, Oakley Australia, Platinum Potions, Ethika, PREPD Hydration, Albek Luggage, Alkaline World, 808 Dude, New Balance and MotiV8 Training for all their support.
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