Barlow Wins In Austria

The Euro Max Challenge is set to go down to the wire, after Jack Barlow triumphed in yesterday’s (18 July) penultimate round at the appropriately named Speedworld circuit at Bruck, near Vienna. The Strawberry Racing star was in strong form throughout the event and signalled his intent with 3rd place in timed qualifying (out of 47 participants). In the following three heats, he took a brace of wins but was given a contentious time penalty in his second race after he was adjudged to have been a little too robust with a passing manoeuvre and classified in 17th position…

In the intermediate rankings, his combined scores from his heat finishes put him 8th overall, securing a fourth row place on the grid for Sunday’s pre final. In baking conditions, Barlow kept a cool head to deliver a sensible and mature performance. He worked his way up the order and took the chequered flag in 2nd place behind reigning World Champion, Japan’s Ukyo Sasahara and ahead of his team mate, Dutchman Joel Affolter.

Although he had the advantage of being on the front row for the main final, Jack still had to contend with being on the outside line for the first corner. As the 34 strong field charged into it, he couldn’t find a gap in the traffic to come from the left hand side of the circuit to the right and onto the racing line. He lost several places, but avoided being forced off the track. As the race settled and found its rhythm, the Freem UK supported driver deftly picked his way back up the order until he had caught Affolter, with Sasahara just ahead. Together the pair bridged the gap, causing Sasahara to anxiously look over his shoulder. At this point the Strawberry duo attacked and managed to dive down the inside, moving the diminutive Japanese off line and allowing three other karts past.

With Joel leading, Jack followed him for a lap, picked his passing spot and then went for the lead. Once ahead, he began to ease away and seal matters. As the chequered flag was ready, Jack became aware of the mounting excitement amongst the spectators. “The team was going mad and I could hear my mum, dad and sister screaming in the grandstand. Joel’s 2nd place made it a one-two for the team and he was happy to secure some good points. He has to be the favourite to win the title, but if I do well again, well, you never know. However, finishing 2nd or 3rd in my debut year in this class and championship would be great and would take me to the World Final (at Muro Leccese, Southern Italy in November).”

Jack returns to the competitive fray this weekend (24/25 July), in the British Super 1 championship at Larkhall, Scotland. He says, “I’m going to try and do it again. I’m more confident after last weekend’s result and I can’t wait for Larkhall.”