Summarize

Cape Town lad Sebastian Boyd enjoyed a positive weekend in the first round of the European DDS Karting championship at the South Garda circuit in Northern Italy over the weekend, qualifying for the final and then fighting back to finish 16th after being run wide early on.

"That was a great event,” Sebastian explained. “We raced in the Open class and the DDS engine is a huge step up from what I am used to — that kart is just so quick and we were doing some incredible speeds through the double right hander.

“It’s also a huge adjustment — there is no spoon feeding drivers this side — you make a mistake you get punished — if you leave a gap you will get run wide and then you just watch the train come past — it’s as simple as that. “Qualifying was wild too — the top 22 were within 0.35 seconds of each other and I ended up 19th on the grid and we were happy with that.

“The pre-final was hectic for the first few laps but I was delighted to make it into the final where I started 21st in a 34-kart field. “That first lap was insane — I was pushed wide and lost 12 places, but I quickly pulled myself together managed to get into a rhythm and fought my way back to eventually finish 16th overall. 

“I have to admit that I was really thrilled with that result!”

“I would like to thank Ward racing and Etienne Roos — all their support was incredible — and of course I need to thank my dad for his huge contribution to our racing. 

“The next stop in our overseas campaign is in the UK, but first I have to turn the tables on my pal Jason Coetzee in the regional at Killarney next weekend and then it’s the national at home at the end of the month and I need to make amends there after Vereeniging. “Bring it on!"