Kart king Philip zooms in on title

A TEENAGE kart king is closing in on the most prestigious title in Britain.

Worksop’s Philip Rawson’s victory in the penultimate round of the ABkC British Super One Mini Max Championship has put him third in the standings, within striking distance of first place.

The 14-year-old is enjoying the most successful season of his career, and arrived at the PF International circuit in Lincs hot on the heels of victory in the 2012 Rotax Cup at the Three Sisters circuit in Wigan and a thrilling win in the MSA British Kartmasters Grand Prix, also held at PF.

Retford Oaks Academy student Rawson set the fastest time in qualifying to start his two heat races in pole position, and went on to finish first and second in those, giving him pole for the first point-scoring final.

The AIM Motorsport driver said: “Before the race I had a few nerves but I just kept thinking that I had to go for the win as I needed the championship points. It turned into a very eventful race.”

Eventful was an understatement as the top five drivers battled furiously throughout.

Controversy reared its head on the final lap when, heading into the Fullerton Esses Philip defended his lead, unknowingly leading to second place driver Harrison Thomas taking to the grass.

Crossing the finish line for his maiden Super One victory, the Worksop racer’s joy was short-lived when officials handed him a 10second penalty but, when the onboard cameras were reviewed the decision was overturned and he could celebrate victory.

“I felt relieved as it is my first final win in Super One,” he added.

Starting from pole in the second final, as the rain fell, he was denied victory by rival Connor Mills.

“I was devastated with second place as I had been so fast all weekend but on the other hand I’m really pleased as I’ve scored lots of championship points.”

Rawson’s points haul puts him just 18 points behind Mills with one round, and two point scoring finals remaining.

He’s chopeful he can overturn the deficit at the Shenington circuit near Banbury, where he recently won the Super One Shakedown.

“I feel confident ahead of Shenington after my shakedown win.”

“It’s going to be really tough to take the championship so all I can do is go out and win both finals and just see what happens from there.”