Motorsport dream leads Shaun across the country - From the Riverine Herald

The Echuca go-karter claimed his first state title last weekend, winning the Junior National Heavy class at the South Australian Open Karting Championships in Adelaide.

Starting from pole position at Southern KartClub’s Bolivar Raceway, Costello led the 20-strong field into the first corner of the 21-lap final and never looked back, welcomed by the checkered flag eight seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

Pitted against many of the nation’s best drivers in the JNH classification, Costello was delighted once the result sunk in.

‘‘Really happy with result,’’ Costello said.

‘‘We came into the weekend hoping for a top five placing and to come away with the win was amazing.

‘‘A lot of hard work went into the weekend so it was good to come out on top.

‘‘Definitely my best achievement thus far.’’

The win capped of an action packed weekend for the St Joseph’s College student, having also competed in the Junior National Light class.

Costello was pipped at the post by the narrowest of margins (0.045 seconds) by fellow Echuca speedster Reece Sidebottom.

Starting third on the grid, Costello led into the first corner and held front position for 15 of 21 laps, sharing the

the lead with Sidebottom before his cross-town rival made the winning move with under two laps remaining.

‘‘It was a great race, we battled it out from start to finish,’’ Costello said.

‘‘Over the line he won, but it is what it is, I’m happy with the result.’’

The result makes two narrow losses from as many JNL starts, with Costello losing in similar fashion (0.058 seconds) during the Western Australian championships in Esperance on October 6.

Despite his misfortune, Costello remained gallant in defeat and soon switched his focus towards the all-important JNH division, a ‘‘tougher’’ class which he takes in his stride.

‘‘I like driving the heavier kart better,’’ he said.

‘‘The race is more demanding and the competition is better. It makes winning even more pleasing.’’

Costello’s achievement bolsters what has been a superb year on the racetrack.

He has competed in 35 race meetings this season, a calendar which includes five state championships and four rounds of the Golden Power Series, with only the Tasmanian championships and the fifth round of the Victorianbased series left on the agenda.

‘‘It was close the whole way.’’

Sidebottom has recently stepped up a class after competing in junior Rotax at an event in Albury.

‘‘It’s good. It goes a lot faster,’’ he said.

‘‘It is a lot better competition with a lot more people in it.’’

His next event will be the Victorian Closed State Titles, which will be in Portland at the end of the month.