18th February 2014

Watson puts pedal to the metal in thriller kart final - From the Townsville Bulletin

IF he was going to go out, Marshall Watson figured he might as well do it on top.

Mackay’s Watson on Saturday returned to the Townsville Kart Club’s Sun City Raceway – the scene of his 2009 National Championship – to surge to victory in a thrilling Sportsman Heavy final. It marked his final race in the short term as he prepares for a move to Brisbane for work.

Marshall was made to work hard in the final. In a 13- strong field, the biggest of any class in Round 2 of the season, he tangled with current Queensland champion Luke right to the line.

Townsville Kart club spokesman Glen Stewart, who finished fifth in the category, said it was an outstanding contest.

“It was some very fast, very aggressive racing – it was unbelievable to watch,” Stewart said.

“I had one of the best seats in the house, watching it unfold. Marshall and Luke were right on each other, swapping the lead and doing extremely fast times.”

The TAG 100 class was equally ex-citing. George Poltorasky might be the favourite for the category’s crown this season, but he was kept on his toes when Peter Birch came from behind to clinch the round’s victory on Saturday.

Poltorasky had been fastest across the day’s racing and jumped out to an early lead. But Birch edged closer lapby- lap and – clearly relishing the cooler conditions by the time the final was held – hit the front late and won by the barest of margins, 0.047 of a second.