Podium finish for Charlie at Bishopscourt

SATURDAY marked the third round of the Northern Ireland Karting Championship which was held at the Temple of Speed, Bishopscourt Race Circuit.

There were no allocated practice days at Bishopscourt, so everyone had to be sharp with their setups.

A five-minute practice session was provided for all classes before racing commenced.

Young rookie karter, Charlie Condy, from Ballygawley, and his team were there competing in the highly competitive junior class.

First up was qualifying, where Charlie finished fourth fastest- just a full second off the pace.

After making a few adjustments for the first heat, Charlie was on target, moving into second place at the first corner.

The race at the front involved four karts battling throughout, with positions changing every lap. All four drivers had their opportunity to lead at some point.

Charlie crossed the line in fourth place - all four karts could have been covered with a blanket, as they finished so closely.

It was a spectacular display of kart racing for the spectators.

The second heat followed a similar pattern, with the top four battling throughout, and Charlie again finishing in fourth place.

In the final, it was no different from the first two heats - a fierce battle throughout. Charlie put his kart on the podium, finishing third.

After the race, Charlie said: "I thought I was in for a couple of wins at different points today, but it was so tight and close - the win was up for grabs.

"I had my kart in the wrong position going into the last laps all day."

It was a great day's racing. Charlie had loads of fun with his friends both on and off the track.

His next race in this Championship is at the Northwest Paddock on August 3. That track is the opposite of Bishopscourt; short, fast, with no time to rest.

A spokesperson for his team said: "We can't be disappointed with the results. It was the closest racing we've been involved in, with four karts running so close.

"It was spectacular all day from the top four. Charlie drove strongly and again demonstrated his talent at running at the front, even as the youngest by two years.

"A big thank you to all of Charlie's sponsors."