A BUNBURY teenager has taken home second place in the Bunbury Coastal Classic on Saturday, May 15.
Out of almost 140 drivers, 18-year-old Sebastian Fiorenza took home silver in the 'dead man' final after a qualifying round and three subsequent heats.
Fiorenza has been a member of the Bunbury City Kart Club since 2017 and told the Mail it was his parents being into racing that sparked his passion.
"We travel all over Western Australia for different competitions, but this is the first year I've raced in the Coastal Classic," Fiorenza said.
A racer in the one to five restricted light class, Fiorenza said the Rotax engine in his kart can reach almost 110 kilometres per hour.
With the event concluding around 10pm, the Coastal Classic final race was held at night, which Fiorenza said made everything feel a lot faster.
"It's such a good race track for Bunbury. Go karting is the grass roots of the racing industry, if you want to start in motor sports, start karting."
Bunbury City Kart Club Secretary Renee Davies said the Coastal Classic was the only open, annual karting event in Bunbury but that the club held monthly club runs that included 'have a go' days.
"The have-a-go days are a great opportunity for people to get involved. Karting is great for Bunbury, we'd love to get more people involved. There's a real community feel to our club," Ms Davies said.
"It takes a village to raise a child and we're all so proud of Sebastian. He just loves to drive and is very talented."
Now with a large handful of trophy's behind him, Fiorenza's next race will be at the Goldstar Final at the Midwest Kart Club in July.
Fiorenza said his favourite thing about karting was not only the racing, but the family aspect of the sport.
"I love going on road trips to the different races with my parents and my younger brother Josh. I've also met so many friends racing. Karting just brings a great atmosphere."
The Bunbury City Kart Club will celebrate its 40th anniversary in June.