Tauranga karters filled the podiums at the National School Karting Championships.

“The meeting had everything, rain, sun, rain, sun and more rain, but all the competitors had the same conditions when on the tracks so it came down to those that could adapt the best got to the front,” said Kartsport Bay of Plenty president Daniel Samuelson.

“We had around 15 BoP members in the meeting, which is great for the club and shows our local drivers are up there amongst the top in the country.”

Aquinas College student Charlie Clarke claimed second place overall at the championships.

His mum, Bridget Clarke, said the 11-year-old qualified well and fought hard through the heats, starting on pole for both the pre-final and final.

Charlie Clarke leading the race. Photo / DJ Mills, Shutter Media Group

“He led the 15-lap pre-final from lights to flag, and in the 20-lap final he held the lead until the very last lap when his teammate, Aaron Li from Christchurch, managed to make a pass in the wet.

“They crossed the line just 0.095 seconds apart – a true nail-biter of a finish.”

The event of 23 karters involved a high level of competition, she said, with drivers travelling from all over New Zealand to compete at the Te Puke track.

“It was a proud moment for Charlie to represent Aquinas College Tauranga and to stand on the podium at his home track with so many strong contenders around him,” said Charlie’s mum.

“Of course, there was a bit of heartbreak in missing out on the title by such a small margin, especially given how hard Charlie and our whole family team had worked to prepare – including a last-minute kart swap after damage at the previous round. But second in the country is something we’re still very proud of, and Charlie absolutely loved the experience.”

Van Merrett enjoyed racing at his home track, where he spends a lot of his time practising. Photo / DJ Mills, Shutter Media Group

Mount Maunganui Intermediate’s Van Merrett, 11, came third overall, which Daniel said was “a great result for Van after all the hard work he has been putting in”.

Van said he was very happy with how he raced and is stoked to have come third.

“I was pretty nervous before the races because I didn’t want to crash, but once they were over, I felt really proud of myself as the competition was tough,” he said.

Racing at his home track was a good advantage, he said. “I know the track really well, and I loved being able to race where I practice all the time.”

Van Merrett and Nico Thomasen after a successful race by Van. Photo / DJ Mills, Shutter Media Group

St Mary’s Catholic School student Nico Thomasen was set to start in P1 for the pre-final before he faced a logistical oversight, which meant the 10-year-old was unable to contend for the school title.

“He’s absolutely shattered as it meant a lot to him to get a title at his home track,” said mum, Shannon Thomasen.

“We, however, are very proud of the way Nico held himself together and stayed to support his friends even though his heart was breaking into a thousand pieces.”

Nine-year-old Omanu Primary School student Tanner Samuelson had a couple of great results during the race day and came up short in the final, said his dad, Daniel Samuelson.

Mount Maunganui College student Kahli Samuelson had a few issues during the race day, being spun out a couple of times.

The 14-year-old had an awesome practice day beforehand, which had her in the mix, said Daniel.

Charlie Clarke came second overall after passing the checkered flag just 0.095 seconds after the winner. Photo / DJ Mills, Shutter Media Group

The next big meeting the Kartsport Bay of Plenty club has coming up is the Top Half series.

“The Top Half series is hosted by the top half of the North Island clubs,” said Daniel.

He said the BOP club came home with the club trophy last year.

“This year BOP, Auckland, Hamilton and Rotorua host the rounds across the next few months.”