Ardara youngster Joey Watters books place in international karting final
Ten-year-old Joey Watters has secured a place in an international karting final after an impressive finish to his first full season of competition.
The young Ardara driver has been competing in the Motorsport Ireland IAME Cadet Series this year and produced his best results of the season at the final round in Kiltorcan Raceway, Co Kilkenny, last weekend.
The Tullyclave native went into the sixth and final round sitting seventh in the championship standings, but a series of podium finishes saw him climb the order and secure qualification for the IAME Warrior Final in Viterbo, Italy next month.
The IAME Cadet Series gives young drivers the chance to develop their skills in identical machinery, placing the emphasis on the drivers themselves and providing a route into higher levels of circuit racing.
Motorsport is already a family interest for Joey, whose father John competes in local rallying in his Ford Escort. However, the youngster has chosen the circuit racing route and is now set for an international challenge.
Reflecting on his weekend in Kilkenny, Joey said: "Heading down to Kilkenny last weekend in 7th we were just looking forward to a fun weekend of racing.
"We did a lot of learning this year and had some mechanical issues that spoiled some of our earlier races.
Last weekend everything just clicked for me and we ended up surprising ourselves with a string of podium places and with a trip to Italy!"
He also paid tribute to those who have supported him throughout his debut season.
"I also want to thank dad and John ‘Squeak’ Mc Hugh for all their help this year.”
The IAME Warrior Final takes place in Viterbo from October 19 to 24, giving Joey the chance to test himself against some of the best young kart racers from further afield.