CAIRNS kart driver Tessa Underwood powered from the back of the pack to claim a ‘‘pink plate’’ at the National Ladies Special Karting event in northern New South Wales on the weekend.
The JCU student was dealt a massive blow when she was taken out in the pre-final and forced to start the decider in last position.
Thanks to a CRG kart loaned by fellow Cairns racer Lydon Dodge she managed to manoeuvre her way to the front of the pack.
‘‘It was a drive (that) had to be seen to believed, as everyone who witnessed it was just in total amazement,’’ father Glen posted on Facebook.
Older sister Lexi added: ‘‘It was an amazing drive, the way she worked her way through the field.’’
The first place earned her a prestigious ‘‘pink plate’’.
‘‘It’s a great honour because it shows that you were a part of this special event and you excelled,’’ she said.
The family’s trip to the National Ladies SpecialKarting event was part of a fundraiser for breast cancer, a disease that claimed their grandmother one year ago.
Lexi raised $700 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and fundraising efforts continue.
On the track, the older Underwood had a difficult weekend.
Engine troubles haunted her, forcing a 6th place in the clubman class and a DNF in the national heavy class.
‘‘It was a great learning experience,’’ she said.
‘‘To see how they drive and how they prepare and I’m sure I’ll come out of it a better driver.’’
Donations can be made gofundme.com /racingforacure.
