Exton excels to secure trophy

Marlboroughs William Exton Drives His Way Up To 2nd At This Years Sunbelt Championships

Marlborough drivers had to be content with one podium finish during the 28th Central New Zealand Sunbelt Sprint Championships at the weekend.

Saturday's racing took place in Nelson at the Classic Hits Raceway track and on Sunday shifted to Blenheim's Cresswell Electrical Kart track.

Nine-year-old William Exton, second overall in the cadets class, claimed the Parker Trophy for Sunbelt's best-placed Marlborough driver. Exton recovered well on his home track after having a bad day in Nelson, racking up two second placings and two thirds to push the winner all the way. Best of the rest was Daniel Bugler with a fourth placing in the formula junior class, including a heat win on Sunday.

Competitors from as far afield as Southland and Hawke's Bay produced some intense racing.

A dominating performance in the rotax lights came from Chris Cox, of Christchurch, with Nelson's Brendon Gridley, Jamie Smith, Kevin Barker and Tenell Rasmussen performing well in a field of 21 racers.

In the rotax heavy class of 19, Michael Collins, of Christchurch, won the overall title, with Taylor Forbes, of Blenheim, putting in several strong performances.

In KZ2, Scott Manson, of Christchurch, won the overall title, with Chris Cox and Nelson's Matt Butchart close behind.

In the Formula junior class, Christchurch driver Ryan Yardley took podium honours, with Blenheim's Daniel Bugler and Leighton Stanton producing good performances in a high-quality field.

Junior restricted was the standout class, with high-quality, close, clean racing. Caleb Cross, of Christchurch, claimed the overall title, while Blenheim driver Cooper Forbes, new to this class, put in some solid performances.

In the youngest drivers, the cadets, Josh Bethune, of Dunedin, took top honours, with Exton hot on his heels. Bob Marr and Sam Bugler, both of Blenheim, also putin good performances.

The Brownie Trophy for best driver was awarded to 12-year-old Jarod Fisher, of Nelson, who was third overall in the junior restricted class.

Overall results

Te Pa Wines Cadets: Josh Bethune, Dunedin, 1; William Exton, Blenheim, 2; Kailen Beatie, Dunedin, 3; Josh Bradely, Nelson, 4; Marrisa Ahlfeld, Dunedin, 5; Bob Marr, Blenheim, 6.

Blenheim Engineering Junior Restricted: Caleb Cross, Christchurch, 1; Lewis Ball, Christchurch, 2; Jarod Fisher, Nelson, 3; Jadon Ransley, Christchurch, 4; Reuben Adams, Christchurch, 5; Cooper Forbes, Blenheim, 6.

Auto Marine Formula Junior: Ryan Yardley, Christchurch, 1; Jai Buckely, Christchurch, 2; Marcus Armstrong, Christchurch, 3; Daniel Bugler, Blenheim, 4; Trey Nairn, Hawke's Bay, 5; William Reith, Christchurch, 6.

Gordon Handy KZ2: Scott Manson, Christchurch, 1; Chris Cox, Christchurch, 2; Matt Butchart, Nelson, 3; Jamie Conroy, Invercargill, 4; David Pinkerton, Nelson, 5; Dyson Freeman, Dunedin, 6.

Mainland Karting Rotax Lights: Chris Cox, Christchurch, 1; Matt Staker, Christchurch, 2; Tim Smith, Christchurch, 3; Jamie Smith, Nelson, 4; Dean Sutherland, Christchurch 5; Brendan Gridely, Nelson, 6.

Unleashed Karting Rotax Heavy: Michael Collins, Christchurch, 1; Mathew Pluck, Christchurch, 2; Mitch Wilson, Nelson, 3; Andrew Downs, Christchurch, 4; Hamish Carpenter, Christchurch, 5; Jarred Cleghorn, Christchurch, 6.

Article via Marlborough Express