Taylor misses out on Industrial Trophy by just two points

In the end, just two points separated Mackenzie Taylor from lifting the Industrial Trophy at Parma, Italy (13/14 October) in the KF3 class.

After winning the opening round (6/7 October) of the two-part meeting, the 14-year old still needed to put in an excellent performance over the 2nd weekend – and he didn’t disappoint.

In Timed Qualifying, Mackenzie clocked the 4th fastest time, just four tenths shy of pole position but was refreshingly honest about his performance: “I just wasn’t quite fast enough”.

In the heats, Mackenzie took a 3rd followed by a win. This put the teenager second on the grid for the Final, alongside the hugely experienced Italian, Matteo Vigano.

“On the rolling-up lap, we were rubbing tyres” Mackenzie grinned afterwards, “It was my way of saying ‘don’t try anything’, just so he didn’t get any funny ideas”.

As the lights went to green, the pair headed the chasing pack of 30 karts into the first corner - with plumes of blue smoke coming off their tyres as they banged wheels and fought for track position. Mackenzie: “The first corner is a right hander which then turns left. I was on the outside of the first corner and trying to come in (onto the racing line). I dropped to 3rd and was fighting for 2nd place which allowed Matteo to get away.”

As Mackenzie became embroiled in a 4 kart dice for 2nd place, Vigano extended his lead. Unfortunately, Taylor didn’t realise that one of the drivers he was battling with - Aaro Vainio - was his main rival for overall honours.

“I would’ve made a big lunge on him (for 2nd place) on the last lap had I known I was racing him for overall victory” Mackenzie said after a fierce 18 laps and finishing in 3rd spot, “I thought I just needed a top 5 finish. Next time, I’ll concentrate on the points better” he smiled.

While his mathematical skills might have been found lacking at least he’ll be able to put his culinary skills into practice: “I won a big trophy for finishing 2nd overall and a presentation plate for last week’s win. They also gave me 20 kilos of pasta. So at least I can cook lunch for everyone now. And I’ve got something to eat it off!”

Next weekend (20/21 October), Mackenzie and the Ricky Flynn Motorsport team will be back in Italy for the Bridgestone Cup at Lonato, South Garda, Italy - “Another hard week” Mackenzie jokes: “I’ve not competed at this meeting before but I do know the circuit because I’ve tested there so I think we’ll be alright. I’m looking forward to it.”

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