Ninovic Wins Australian Championship

The final round of the SP Tools Australian Kart Championship was contested at Newcastle, August 19-20-21.

Going into this event, 15 year old Sydney racer Alex Ninovic was trailing the current KA3 National Champion, Jace Matthews by 3 points. Having a winner takes all attitude, Alex went about his craft setting up his factory PCR Kart for maximum performance, with the help of his dad Sash.

FRIDAY PRACTISE
Having five timed sessions for all 36 competitors, Ninovic Jnr showed why he is the 2021 KA4 Junior National Champion by topping the time sheets in all sessions.

SATURDAY QUALIFYING
Only eight minutes would determine the grid, Alex took pole position, 48.535 over Keegan Frazer 48.624 and Jace Matthews 48.866.

HEAT ONE
Another dominant performance by Alex who led all 12 laps setting the fastest time 48.979 over Keegan Frazer 49.041 and Jace Matthews in third, 49.085, keeping his Championship hope alive.

HEAT TWO
Again, the Hamilton Blackstone Lawyers sponsored driver saw Ninovic take the win and fastest lap over Jai Brown, Benito Montalbano, Keegan Frazer with Jace Matthews rounding out the top five.



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HEAT THREE
The racing was intense with the title going to the wire. Current National Champion Jace Matthews incurred a two grid spot penalty putting him back to fifth leaving Alex first ahead of Keegan Frazer, Benito Montalbano and Jai Brown.

(pic – Pace Images)

FINAL
20 laps would decide who wins the title being crowned the KA3 Senior Champion for 2022. The atmosphere was electric knowing there would be plenty of action. Off pole Ninovic would lead into turn one, with Montalbano pushing, Alex was escorted wide putting him back to fourth. Fighting back, Alex and Matthews had a coming together when Jace left a gap. From there Alex came back from seventh position to follow race winner Benito Montalbano over the line in second, ahead of Joel MacPherson, Jai Brown and Keegan Frazer rounding out the top four.

Following scrutineering to check for Kart legalities, on board footage viewed by officials, all was cleared and 15 year old ‘Alex Ninovic’ was crowned KA3 Senior National Champion and presented with the green Australia 1 plate.

At Sunday nights glitzy presentation dinner, Alex received his trophy, and IAME KA100 Engine, free admission to the 2023 Australian Kart Racing Championship and eligibility to enter the 2022 IAME World Final in France.

On stage Alex acknowledged Karting Australia for putting on the championship, the officials, his family for their support, PCR Australia, Hamilton Blackstone Lawyers and fellow competitors.



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