Coby makes the podium for the first time this season

By Stephen Leonard

ALYX Coby, from Clondalkin, recorded up her first podium finish of the season at the seventh round of this year’s Motorsport Ireland Karting Championship in Athboy.

The 12-year-old competitor began the day with fifth place finishes in both of the qualifying heats. A sixth place finish in the first final left her in sixth spot on the grid for the main final.

Following a great start to the race Coby climbed three places to third after the first corner before dropping back one half way through the contest to cross the line in fourth place and record her best finish of the year.

A post-race two-position pen-alty for another driver following a last lap collision promoted Coby to third and saw her collect her first trophy of the season.

Now in her fourth year racing, Coby has moved up to the larger, faster IAME X30 Junior class following three years in the Cadet field.

The X30 Junior section caters for drivers aged from 12 to 16 with the karts reaching speeds of up to 100km/h and, at just 12-years-old, Coby is the youngest driver on the grid and also the only girl.

The Championship moves on to Watergrasshill, Co. Cork on September 10/11 where the Munster Karting Club are hosting Round Eight of the Championship along with their annual “O Plate” meeting.

This is Coby’s favourite track, having previously won three races there and she will be looking to improve on her current sixth place standing in the series by the time the season draws to a close in Galway at the end of September.