29th November 2012

PIERCE LEHANE CONTINUES TO LEAD THE WAY IN PORTUGAL

Pierce Lehane on his way to victory on the Portimao circuit (Pic: Babel Photos)

Sydney driver Pierce Lehane continues to lead the way for the Australian drivers at the 2012 Rotax Max Chalenge Grand Finals in Portimao, Portgual today.

After setting the fastest time in the Senior Max category during yesterday’s qualifying session, Lehane celebrated his 17th birthday in a winning way by claiming two dominant wins in his 11-lap heat races today.

“I could have asked for a better result, after qualifying on pole I’ve had two heat wins so I’ve put myself in a good position come finals time, which is all that I’m worrying about at the moment,” said Lehane.

“I’ve got a fair bit of confidence going into the next couple of days now, knowing that I can win races. I know that everyone will be coming for me but I’ve just got to keep my head down and keep going.”

Joseph Mawson continues to overcome a poor qualifying performance and claw his way back up the order while Daniel Richford managed to steer clear of trouble in his second heat race to secure a 13th place finish.

All three junior drivers, James Golding, Joseph Burton-Harris and Thomas Randle, showed some good speed throughout their two heat races today with a pair of top ten finishes by Golding having him the best placed of the trio. Randle led the way during his second race before a last lap incident dropped him to 28th.

It was a mixed day for Australia’s drivers in the DD2 category with Kyle Ensbey running at the front of the field while Troy Woolston and Jason Pringle attempted to make up for poor qualifying performances. Pringle enjoyed two strong charges through the field while Woolston was caught up in mid-pack incidents.

Victorian Hamish Leighton ran strongly throughout the two DD2 Masters heat races, even leading the way in his second 11-lap encounter. Brent Coghlan and Jose Ruiz finished in the middle of the field during both their heats.

Tomorrow’s action will consist of one final heat race ahead of the last chance qualifier races.

To view the official website for the event, which includes links to live video (direct link: http://rgf-2012.kart-data.com/) and live timing (direct link: http://lt2012.kart-data.com/RGF/) throughout the event, please click here.

The Australian Karting Association’s Facebook page (facebook.com/AustralianKartingAssociation) and Twitter Feed (twitter.com/karting_net_au) will be regularly updated throughout the week.

The local time in Portugal is -11 AEDT.

AUSSIE RESULTS: Thursday Heats

Junior Max 
#118 – Joseph Burton-Harris
Heat 1 (A vs B) Started 15th – Finished 8th
Heat 2 (A vs C) Started 15th – Finished 17th

#157 – Thomas Randle
Heat 1 (A vs B) Started 8th – Finished 10th
Heat 2 (B vs D) Started 12th – Finished 28th (relegated to 30th for a 3 sec post race penalty)

#133 – James Golding
Heat 1 (C vs D) Started 12th – Finished 9th
Heat 2 (B vs D) Started 12th – Finished 7th (elevated to 6th following a post race penalty)

Senior Max 
#241 – Pierce Lehane
Heat 1 (A vs B) Started 1st – Finished 1st
Heat 2 (A vs C) Started 1st – Finished 1st

#246 – Joseph Mawson
Heat 1 (A vs B) Started 16th – Finished 14th (Elevated to 13th following a post race penalty)
Heat 2 (B vs D) Started 15th – Finished 9th

#258 – Daniel Rochford
Heat 1 (A vs B) Started 28th – Finished 27th (Elevated to 26th following post race penalties)
Heat 2 (B vs D) Started 27th – Finished 13th

DD2 Masters 
#434 – Hamish Leighton
Heat 1 (A vs B) Started 3rd – Finished 5th
Heat 2 (A vs C) Started 3rd – Finished 8th

#418 – Brent Coghlan
Heat 1 (C vs D) Started 13th – Finished 13th
Heat 2 (A vs C) Started 14th – Finished 16th

#449 – Jose Ruiz
Heat 1 (C vs D) Started 13th – Finished 15th
Heat 2 (B vs D) Started 18th – Finished 17th

DD2
#323 – Kyle Ensbey
Heat 1 (C vs D) Started 8th – Finished 8th
Heat 2 (B vs D) Started 8th – Finished 5th (Relegated to 11th due to a six second post race penalty)

#345 – Jason Pringle
Heat 1 (C vs D) Started 32nd – Finished 20th
Heat 2 (B vs D) Started 32nd – Finished 15th

#368 – Troy Woolston
Heat 1 (A vs B) Started 26th – Finished 19th
Heat 2 (B vs D) Started 25th – Finished 31st

2012 Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals
Event Timetable