From the Gold Coast Bulletin (http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/11/21/442157_gold-coast-sport.html)
Chris Hays in action
GOLD Coast racer Chris Hays has recorded the best finish by an Australian in a prestige international go-kart classic.
Hays, 18, is the Australian CIK Stars of Karting Series champion and he took a gamble by venturing to Las Vegas for the 16th annual SuperNationals at the weekend.
He did not win but he finished a creditable 10th, which was the best finish by an Australian in the elite world KZ2 class (six-speed gearbox).
After a pair of eighth placings and a non-finish in his three qualifying heat races, Hays lined up 15th for the 30-lap main event.
Driving a Buddy Rice Karting machine, Hays had a tough time of it at the start, dropping to 22nd place after some first-turn mayhem.
But the Parkwood apprentice motor mechanic charged through the field to be sitting seventh with 10 laps to go. Unfortunately, a broken reed petal on his engine curtailed his charge and he was forced to limp home in 10th place.
“It was a brilliant weekend, an amazing event,” Hays said, anxious for another crack.
“To see all of the big trucks and factory teams was amazing and now I can’t wait to come back next year.”
