Tickled pink by Tessa’s triumph - From the Cairns Post

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.