Leading Australian kart racer David Sera has continued his winning ways with a victory in the Formula Kart Weekend at the Ocala Gran Prix circuit in Florida, USA over the weekend.
The 20-year-old Australian overcame a number of engine issues during practice and qualifying to charge through the field in Saturday’s final from his 17th starting position to claim the win aboard his Australian-made Arrow kart.
“After seizing a number of engines during practice and qualifying, I didn’t finish the pre-final forcing me to start from 17th in the final. I knew it was going to be tough from that deep in the pack but I simply pushed hard and found my way to the front,” said Sera.
“I hit the lead with about eight laps to go before holding on for the win.”
During the weekend’s final day of action Sera was once again the pace setter in his Leopard-powered entry and took the win in both the pre-final and final.
“Following the dramas we had early in the weekend it was great to have such a smooth run on the final day which resulted in a win in both the pre-final and final,” said Sera.
“I had an issue with my exhaust pipe late in the final, which was costing me a heap of horsepower and time, however I was lucky that I had built up enough of a buffer and crossed the line about 10 kart-lengths clear of second place.”
Sera will return to Australia later this week to begin his preparations for the 47th National Sprint Kart Championships sponsored by Yamaha to be held in Townsville over Easter (April 8-10).
At the Event will be competing in both the Clubman and Leopard Light categories at the Nationals. With seven National crowns already to his name Sera is one of the best credentialed karters in Australia.
Sera has competed in Townsville on one occasion previously, at the 2006 Queensland State Championships, where he qualified on pole position before crashing out in the Final.
“I’ve competed at Townsville once before when the Queensland State Titles were held there back in 2006 and really enjoyed racing there,” said Sera.
“Last year I didn’t have a good run at the Nationals in Tasmania which has made me more determined to go out and win a green plate in Townsville.”
Entries for the 47th National Sprint Kart Championships sponsored by Yamaha closed on Friday and a full entry list will be distributed over the coming days.