North gives his best in Portugal

NORTHCLIFF - Local kart racer shares his experience of his second round in an international competition.

July 6, 2016

1 minute read

Ralf Schumacher made an appearance at the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy event where Jordan North met the former race car driver. Photo supplied.

After his very promising performance in France, local racing star and South Africa’s 2016 CIK-FIA Karting Academy candidate, Jordan North, did his best in Portugal for the second round of the CIK-FIA Academy Trophy at Portimao.

North made up eleven places to end up 16th overall as questionable tactics by certain rivals in the pre-final saw him start the races in the 27th position.

“I am very happy with my drive in the final,” North explained. “It was probably the best I’ve ever driven and I am proud to be the driver who made up the most positions in the final. Still it’s a pity that I ended up so far down in 16th, but I think I did the best I could considering I had to start 27th on the grid.”

North was among the top six in his group for most of the practice sessions, but things became more difficult as the weekend of 25 to 27 June progressed into the pre-final. “There was quite a bit of ‘argy-bargy’ in the middle of the pack and we realised it was going to be tough,” North explained.

“I got through (to the final) in 21st (position) after a good 11th in the third heat, but the pre-final was a nightmare. I was taken out three times and eventually retired. The offenders were penalised and the officials apologised, but that did not help me starting the final in 27th instead of a probable 10th, so I was very happy to be able to race like I did in the final,” said North.

“Thanks again to my dad, MSA and the CIK-FIA Academy for this incredible experience. We are learning so much with every race and now I can’t wait for the next round. Bring on Sweden,” North exclaimed.

North will be jet setting off to Sweden for the third round of the competition in September.