Lewis shows class in Rotax karting opener

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Up-and-coming, Bahrain-based motor racing star Lewis Smith came milliseconds shy of claiming an impressive victory in the opening round of the 2022/2023 Bahrain Rotax MAX Challenge (BRMC), but remained gracious in defeat and vowed to come back stronger.

Sponsored by pest management and disinfection experts VermineX, the 17-year-old Briton finished 0.071 seconds behind Senior MAX class winner and Birel ART Bahrain teammate Najashi Rashdan in their 15-lap Final at Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC) over the weekend.

The pair maintained their positions throughout the race with Lewis pressing Najashi all the way until the chequered flag, showcasing the highly competitive nature of the national karting championship.

It was a narrow miss for Lewis but still a strong finish to the weekend’s events.

He had earlier taken third place in the Pre-Final and was previously classified a solid sixth in Qualifying.

“It was a challenging weekend with some really tight racing and Najashi got the better of me in the end—great job by him and he deserves all the credit,” said an upbeat Lewis.

“Coming close to a victory and not sealing it only adds fuel to my fire and I am more determined to do better when we get back on track.

“For now, I need to speak with my coach and we must analyse where I can make some improvements, work on those and be ready for round two.

“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy contending for the championship and I never want it to be that way.

I enjoy stepping up to the challenge and giving my very best for the best possible outcome.”

Lewis was riding a three-race winning streak heading into the BRMC opener, having clinched first place in all three rounds of the Sakhir Rotax MAX Challenge—the prelude to the BRMC.

With that run now snapped, the British School of Bahrain student will be looking to get back to winning ways next month when the championship returns for rounds two and three on back-to-back days at BIKC set for 9 and 10 December.

“It will be an early Christmas present for my supporters to win the next two meetings; I’ll be totally focused on achieving just that,” Lewis said.

“I’d like to thank VermineX Director David Nubel and General Manager Anthony Manabat for the valuable sponsorship they have given me.

“I also thank my family and friends for always inspiring me to be my best and providing everything I need to perform at the highest level.”

Lewis has been honing his skills in Bahrain since he was younger.

He is now a regular in national, regional and international championships and continues to excel at all levels.

Lewis is continuously looking for support from Bahrain companies for sponsorship opportunities, which would offer exposure all across Europe and within the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Those interested in backing such a rising talent in the motorsport sector can contact Lewis’s parent Tony Smith on mobile +973-32200420.