A flat tyre denied Josh White a podium finish at last weekends Rotax Grand Finals (1 December), but the Coles Racing driver had already proved he can compete with the best in the world. Having been given a last-minute entry to the prestigious annual eventheld at Portimao on Portugals Algarve coastWhite admitted that the experience of appearing in his first ever Rotax Grand Finals was quite surreal, adding: Beforehand I didnt even think Id be there. I thought I was going to be a spectator at home watching it on TV, so to be sitting in my kart waiting for timed qualifying to begin was something else.
After another competitor had pulled out, Josh had been called up as first reserve and was keen to make his mark - albeit on his debut in what is known as the World Finals due to the global entry list.
After the qualifying sessions had completed, he was 5th overall out of 72 drivers, but started each of his three preliminary heats from 3rd place on the grid due to the large field being put into separate groups.
Third was a great position to start from, as it gave me the vital inside line for the first corner, he explained. I knew I could make good starts, so was really happy with that. I finished 2nd in my first two heats, as thought to myself keep it safe. I could have gone for the lead and therefore the win in the second race, but decided not to risk a coming-together. However, he then threw caution to the wind and won the third heat comfortably to classify 2nd overall in the intermediate rankings and earn himself a front row start for the first of the two finals.
Describing the opening moments of the pre-final, he said: It wasnt my best start. There are painted tramlines on the track, which you have to stay inside as you approach the starting lights, but because I was on the outside row I was picking up marbles (pieces of discarded tyre rubber, small stones and dust) and was slow accelerating out of the last corner onto the start/finish straight.
I managed to come across the track onto the racing line before the first corner, but was hit from behind, ran wide and lost loads of places. I eventually finished 11th but was still optimistic for the Grand Final.
Allocated the corresponding grid slot from where he finish in the pre-final, Joshwho is also a Welcome to Yorkshire ambassador - was buoyed to be starting on the inside line again, but mindful that being nearer to the midfield where crashes frequently occur during starts: I had to watch myself, he said matter-of-factly.
I made a really good start and was up to 6th just after the first corner. I was turning into the second bend when someone caught my rear wheel and ripped the tyre valve out. I felt the puncture straight away, it was instant. Of course, I was disappointed it had happened but carried on. It was getting worse and worse as the race went on and if it hadnt have happened, I could have been challenging for the win. I crossed the finishing line in 26th place. Ive had an amazing time, it wasnt the result I would have liked but Ive proved I can win and compete at this level.
Reflecting further he added: Im reasonably happy. The experience has certainly fired me up for next season and I cant to get back out racing.
