20th November 2013

Lismore family dominates Tasmanian Karting Championships - From the Northern Star

(http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/fast-family/2089481/)

BIG WIN: Natasha Herne on her way to winning the Tasmanian State Championship in the junior national heavy division.

THE Herne family dominated proceedings at the Tasmanian State Karting Championships at the weekend.

Josh Herne, 21 won the clubman super heavy division for the second consecutive year while 14-year-old Natasha Herne won her maiden state title in the junior national heavy division.

Seven-time Australian V8 Dirt Modified champion and Lismore Speedway legend Stuart Herne is the father of Natasha; her younger brother Nathan and older sister Bianca also race.

Josh Herne is the nephew of Stuart with the family racing under The Herne Racing Team banner.

Bianca hasn’t raced in many events this year because of work commitments.

Nathan was the hard luck story of the weekend after he was taken out at the start before clawing his way back to an eighth-placed finish.

Natasha received plenty of praise racing in a big division and predominantly against male drivers.

“I don’t think the boys like getting beat by girls,” Josh said.

“Her race was the best of the weekend for sure.”

She entered the final race as the underdog behind South Australian champion Shaun Costello.

Natasha passed with two corners remaining to set up the win.

Josh was thrilled to be back on track after not attending as many race meetings this year.

“Tasmania is a really big event and the conditions really suit me,” he said.

“I’ve had work commitments and I’ve been helping Natasha and Nathan with their racing.

“We try to do all the major events and we seem to do well in Darwin.

“Nathan won a state title there last year and Natasha finished third.”

The family will next race at the Victorian Championships in March.