Ipswich teenage karting star Robert Welham secured the title of Top Rookie in his debut season at The Super One British Karting Championships.
The 15-year-old Claydon High School pupil secured a terrific victory in the final round at the PFI International circuit in Lincolnshire – and he now has the British title in his sights next season.
On one of the largest and most challenging tracks in the UK, Welham put in some fine performances taking a heat victory and a second place in tricky conditions as heavy rainfall mid-race saw the youngster put all of his kart skills, learned after taking up the sport in 2013, to good effect.
“I have learned a lot in my first year at Super One, it’s a massive step up from club meetings and I also put a lot of pressure on myself,” Welham admitted.
“I am lucky to have some great people who have helped and guided me through the hard times earlier in the year and it only made me more determined.
“To win three rounds out of seven, finish fifth in the British Championship and Top Rookie is a great feeling which I will carry through to next year with my sole aim being to finish No.1 and British Champion.”
Welham started what was the pre-final where he led until three laps from home, eventually finishing fifth after a racing incident on the last lap.
The final saw him move through the pack from his fifth-placed start to chase down the leaders.
He made some fine overtakes and caught the leader on the final lap to pass and take the chequered flag.
This performance sealed an impressive fifth place overall in the Junior TKM Class and will mean he will carry a highly sought-after seeded plate on his kart for 2018.
This was Welham’s fourth podium in the seven-round series and his third final win, more than any other driver in the class.
He will pick up his Top Rookie award and seeded plate at the National Auto Sport Show, to be held at Birmingham NEC in the New Year.
Welham finishes what has been an excellent season at ‘Britain’s Finest’ meeting at Whilton Mill, in Northampton, in October.
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