Two weekends ago Cowra's Tom Manwaring raced at Grenfell for the State Title shake-down meeting.
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Although the meeting wasn't particularly large, the quality of racing was fantastic with tight bumper to bumper action in just about every class.
After nine weeks out of the seat, Manwaring returned behind the wheel of his Allcott Hire Kosmic machine with a new fresh engine.
At a test day held the week prior, Tom smashed his personal best time by 0.5s.
"One of my goals for the weekend was to beat my personal best again. At this stage of the year results are important so that was another of my aims for the weekend," he said.
Both goals were achieved across Saturday and Sunday with Manwaring lowering his personal best time by 0.2s and scoring four podium finishes.
Qualifying: 3rd
Heat 1: 2nd
Heat 2: 3rd
Heat 3: 3rd
Pre-final: 3rd
Final: DNF
On occasion, Manwaring held the lead but later struggled to hold the pace of the two front runners.
"We went up against two of the best motors in the country, so I was pleased I was even being competitive. It's a great sign for the State Titles coming up in early October as well.
"I knew I needed to find some lap time, and now we have by 0.7s," Manwaring said.
Intense battles took place in all races, before Tom ran into pure bad luck in the final, breaking an exhaust mount and been shown the mechanical black flag.
"There was nothing I could have done to save it. Parts are under some strain in kart racing as there is no suspension.
"We were sitting in third at the time, so it was a real shame and disappointing end to what was a solid weekend," Manwaring said.
"At the same time, it's very pleasing to bounce back from a bit of bad luck throughout August.
"Four podiums is a great result, and I was very happy with our speed. We need to find another 0.2s before the State Championships and I have a few things in mind to help."
"A big thanks to Label Everything, STUDIO 15 in Bathurst for supplying me with a new custom painted ARAI SK5 helmet, Golden Glove Nursery, Cowra Tyre and Brake, Cowra Glass, Spot on Irrigation, Triton Industries, Jon McCorkindale Racing and my major partner Allcott Hire for their support."
