Schoolboy defies lack of experience to clinch Max Seniors race victory

Dubai: Schoolboy Piers Pakenham-Walsh defied his lack of senior-level experience to storm to victory in the final of the Max Seniors race during the fifth round of the 2011/12 DAMC Karting Championship at Dubai Kartdrome on Friday.

Technically, the 15-year-old should have been racing in the Max Juniors category, but a special ATCUAE dispensation allowed Pakenham-Walsh into the seniors class.

And he produced one of his best displays ever at the Kartdrome when he shrugged off a problem-plagued first two races of the day to claim victory despite starting from the back of the grid.

Pakenham-Walsh said afterwards: "After the troubles we had in the races leading up to the final and starting from way back, it is particularly satisfying to win. I have won heats in this class, but have had some frustrations since I moved up into this category from the juniors. But with this win all the effort is worth it and I look forward to doing it again."

In the DD2 class, Maurits Knopjes scored a hat-trick by winning the heat, pre-final and final. Mohammad Al Daheri was second in the final.

Walid Al Qasimi was unbeatable all day in the Max Masters, starting the day by claiming pole position and following this up with a hat-trick of dominant wins, including victory in the all-important final. Behind him Andrew Fuller took second and Paul Walsh third.

Ameer Hassan won a hugely competitive Max Juniors class final, just edging out Abdullah Al Rawahi, Cyrus Engineer and Pasqual Pook. Zachary Robertson snatched victory in the Cadets class final. Rami Azzam, Mohammad Al Mutawa and Paul Chatenay all recorded wins in the SWS races.