Ireland has a new Kart Racing star – 10-year-old Alex O’Grady from Loughrea, Co Galway, is the new World Champion of the IAME Minime Cadet class at the World Finals at the Le Mans circuit in France – and Tralee-based engineers played a role in his success.
O’Grady started in third place on the grid for the main race, after finishing third in the pre-final behind Britain’s Lewis Wherrel and Zach Knight.
When the final got under way, Wherrel and Knight set the early pace, with the Galway youngster close behind in third position, and this soon became second when Knight tangled with another driver.
One lap later, O’Grady went to the front, and stayed there to the chequered flag despite the efforts of a large group of rivals who were right behind him.
O’Grady finished just one-tenth of a second ahead of Britain’s Alfie Slater, with Wherrel third ahead of another Irish driver, 11-year-old Jack Buckley from Kildare.
“I am delighted with the result and proud that Motorsport Ireland karting has a world champion,” Kieran Coleman, Chairman Motorsport Ireland Kart Commission said. “As well as the achievement it is worth noting this kart is powered by an engine using a Tillotson carburettor manufactured in Tralee.”
Kerry Motorsport News 