Western Sydney’s Braxton Regan delivered a commanding performance at the opening round of the SP Tools Australian Kart Championship (AKC) at Todd Road in Port Melbourne, overcoming a field of 75 of the nation’s best junior karters to secure victory in the highly competitive KA3 Junior class.
Regan, racing for Tom Williamson Motorsport (TWM) in a Kart Republic machine, entered the event as the recently crowned Victorian State Champion, a title that sees him carry the prestigious blue number plate. Across three days of intense competition, the 13-year-old displayed remarkable consistency and racecraft, culminating in a well-earned triumph in Sunday’s final.
With such a large field, qualifying was a strategic battle as drivers attempted to find clear track space. Despite the added challenge of looming rain and heavy traffic, Regan managed to secure a solid 5th-place starting position, setting the stage for the heat races.
Regan immediately made his presence felt in Heat 1, seizing the lead by the first corner. After a fierce contest with the front-runners, he initially crossed the line in 3rd but was promoted to 1st following post-race penalties for his rivals.
Heat 2 saw Regan again battle at the front, taking the lead early before a Full Course Yellow bunched the field. Despite intense competition after the restart, he finished a strong 2nd.
In Heat 3, Regan delivered another standout performance, moving from 3rd to 2nd off the start before taking control of the race and claiming the win. His consistent results placed him in prime position heading into the final rounds of racing.
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With his heat race performances securing him Pole Position for Heat 4, Regan led for much of the race before a minor error on the last lap saw him cross the line in 4th. However, his overall points tally was enough to lock in Pole Position for the all-important final.
Regan initially controlled the early stages of the final but dropped back slightly as the race unfolded. Demonstrating patience and tactical awareness, he worked with a fellow competitor to close the gap to the race leader, who had built a three-second advantage.
As the race entered its closing laps, the battle at the front intensified. Regan seized his opportunity when the leader left an opening, executing a decisive overtake to reclaim the top spot. With a clear track ahead, he extended his lead and took the checkered flag in style, celebrating a hard-earned and well-deserved victory.
Regan’s win at Todd Road marks a significant statement of intent for the 2024 AKC season. In a field packed with elite junior talent, his composure and consistency across the weekend showcased his potential as a serious championship contender.
With four rounds remaining, the battle for the KA3 Junior title is set to intensify. If his season opener is anything to go by, Braxton Regan is more than ready to take on the challenge.
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