Above: Marcus Armstrong (156) acknowledges a rival after his win in Sweden
Christchurch-born Tony Kart driver Marcus Armstrong has beaten some the world’s best in the final round of the European KF karting champs at Kristianstad, Sweden.
The win is the 14-year old’s most significant to date and follows a recent second place in the Winter Cup in Italy, results that will draw attention from motorsport’s best-known teams.
“This result validates everything I’ve been working toward this year,” said Armstrong, who has been based in Europe since February. “It’s been a very intense learning curve in Europe.
“I’ve raced extensively in the States and Asia but the racing in Europe is easily the most fiercely contested in the world. Familiarising myself with that early in my career stands me in good stead for future opportunities.”
Armstrong bounced back from a spectacular early crash to secure the win, working his way up from 19th to 6th in the pre-final qualifying.
“Some great work has been done by the team to extract speed from the kart and I’ve been working hard with simulator training as well,” he said.
“To get my first win in a European Championship event is a massive achievement. I’m so glad to deliver the result to the supporters that have helped me get here.”
Armstrong will remain at his UK base to prepare for the World Karting championships in September.