FIM MINIGP FUTURE STARS

FIM MiniGP future stars Levi Russo and Judd Plaisted have secured the 190cc and 160cc FIM Mini GP Australia titles respectively, with both delivering strong performances in the series’ penultimate round at Monarto Go Kart Track near Adelaide over 24-25 August. 

After four rounds an ecstatic Plaisted remains undefeated in the 160cc class, clinching the championship to book his ticket to the World Series Grand Finale in Valencia. 

“Hopefully I can go well in Spain and do Australia proud,” said a beaming Judd Plaisted, who had just donned his new gold helmet. After qualifying on pole, Plaisted (Headsox) blitzed the start in the opener and scorched the field to win by 11.335sec with Chaz Williams (VP Race Fuels) and Isaac Ayaad (Abseilers Crew) fighting it out to complete the 160cc podium. 

With a shower of rain before the second race, riders emerged with wet tyres. In the low-grip conditions Plaisted again made a strong start. Isaac Ayad was the big mover, making up six places on the opening lap to put real pressure on Plaisted and led most of the encounter. After a tense battle, the race came down to the final turn where Plaisted pulled off a confident move around the outside to take the flag by a bike length. 

“That was the closest race I’ve had all year, I had to work for that one,” an elated Plaisted said afterwards. “I knew I had the pace, I just had to save it for the right time.” 

Completing the podium and missing out on second place by just three tenths of a second was Austin Attard (Hammertime Kitchens). 

The opening 190cc race was all heartbreak for Bodie Paige (Livson Racing), missing the start with mechanical problems. Hunter Corney (Evolution Sports Group) was off to a flier however, breaking the pack and establishing a solid gap of almost two seconds by mid-race distance. Behind him, the battle was on between Jake Paige (Livson Racing) and Levi Russo (Russo Performance), with Russo overcoming a two-second deficit to overhaul Paige and grab second in the final stages with a daring inside move. 

“That move was just engine braking – I sent it!” Russo said. Paige was third with Archie Schmidt a close fourth. Out front, Corney took the flag for a breakthrough win by 4sec. 

“I haven’t won a race since last year in the 160cc class,” he said. “I’ve been training on the bike a lot, we’ve made the bike a lot better.” 

Corney had to fight for the second race, however, edging out Russo by 0.195sec with Jake Paige third. Russo’s second placing guarantees him the 190cc championship and with it a trip to the season-ending MotoGP round in Valencia where the GP feeder series will play a supporting role to the premier class. 

The Australian series concludes at Port Melbourne over 12-13 October.