Ipswich racing driver Rob Welham finished his first full season at British Championship level in style, coming out on top in the final showdown of the year to win the Junior title at the highly competitive ‘Britain’s Finest’ Event at Whilton Mill Kart Club.

Ipswich Star: Ipswich racing driver Rob Welham on his way to winning the �Britain�s Finest� Event at Whilton Mill Kart Club. Photo: ContributedIpswich racing driver Rob Welham on his way to winning the �Britain�s Finest� Event at Whilton Mill Kart Club. Photo: Contributed (Image: Stu Stretton)

This annual event brought together the top drivers from the British Championship for an all-out race to the line.

Winning two out of the three heats, Welham was on pole for the final ahead of the newly crowned British champion and the main protagonists in the 2017 title fight.

The 12 minute final was described as epic by the commentators. Welham led at some point during every lap, but it became a real dog fight and a true test of his mental toughness.

There was some fantastic and brave overtaking moves, especially into the first corner which is aptly named ‘Oblivion!’.

In the end, Welham won the final by 0.10 seconds and took the Junior TKM ‘Britain’s Finest’ 2017 title.

This win puts the finishing touch to fantastic season for the Ipswich driver, who won three out of the seven Super One British Championship rounds to become crowned British rookie champion and taking the coveted Super-prix Plate previously won by two current world champions.

Welham said: “I was more determined than ever to win as this was my last junior race and I wanted to leave on a high.

“Only a few weeks ago the Motor Sports Association made some last minute regulation changes for 2018, including lowering the upper age limit for junior drivers, which means I will now move up to seniors.

“I will racing in the adult category and will be one of the youngest drivers ever to compete in the TKM Extreme class.”

Welham begins his senior karting career in a few weeks at Hunts Kart Club in Kimbolton and even though the step up in class makes the challenge even greater, he says he is going to be pushing even harder for wins and podiums at the British Championships in 2018.

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