Thomas Rathbone made it a maximum point scoring round on Saturday (4 February) in the 4th round of the Total Karting Zero Bambino Championship.

Two race wins and the fastest lap didn’t just make it a perfect weekend but also meant that he takes over the lead of the championship with just one round remaining.

It was a success that he had to work hard for though, Thomas took pole position in qualifying with his main rival Ethan alongside him in 2nd.

Going into turn 1 Thomas defended the inside line which allowed the prowling Ethan the opportunity to perform the undercut and take the lead in the first corners, it was now for Thomas to fight for the lead back and with a quick Joshua in 3rd the three drivers were bumper to bumper for several laps until a small mistake by Joshua meant it was down to just Thomas and Ethan.

Thomas made several attempts at a pass as he carried the extra pace but Ethan wouldn’t make it easy and held his nerve and the lead until the closing laps where Thomas found the smallest gap to make the move and take the lead to the chequered flag.

In the final race it was Groundhog Day in the opening corners as Ethan performed the same move to take the lead, Thomas however didn’t have to wait quite as long this time to create an opening on the main straight and regain the lead which he held to the end, taking the fastest lap as well have him the maximum points available from the day.

It means a 6 point gap for Thomas going into the final race at Rowrah circuit in Cumbria on the 18 March. Should Thomas be able to finish ahead of his championship rival he will claim back to back titles in what will be his final race in the Bambino class before moving up to the cadet class for the summer championship.

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