Lines takes the positives from his experience in IWF2024

Finlay Lines showed good pace throughout his latest adventure in his Junior Karting career.

Competing at the IWF 2024 in the X30 Junior class, Finlay was set to race the world’s best of over 100 drivers. Supported by Birelart and the Synergy Factory Team, Finlay was determined to step up to the challenge and showed good pace throughout early practice sessions, providing hope of a positive qualifying.

Finlay looked competitive throughout qualifying and looked set to go high on the timing board following back-to-back purple sectors, but for a small mistake in the final sector, leaving him a very respectable 14th in the group and 41st overall.

The first heat of the weekend saw Finlay build further confidence on the larger chassis, proving his talent can transfer into his new class. Making 4 positions in an ultra-competitive group to finish in the top 10. This would be the best finish gained for the weekend, however, as a lack of fortune would plague the remainder of the weekend.

Heat two saw Finn have a fantastic start rising four places, before an engine fault brought an end to his race on only the second lap, a mountain was left to climb if he was to reach the final. Undeterred, he brushed himself down and put his mind into achieving the best result possible in the third heat of the weekend.

Fog caused delays to the timetable, but when racing resumed, the third heat showed a gritty comeback drive from Finlay. Dropping to 22nd during the opening stages, he battled hard to get a solid p15 finish.

During his final opportunity of the weekend, Finlay lost out on a well-driven 11th place due to a nosecone penalty picked up due to an unusually slow starting procedure. An unfortunate end to a week which will stand him in great shape for the future.

Finlay turned heads as he made his impression in what was a very talented field, showing good pace despite not making it through to the final. Whilst moving classes could have been seen as a risk, Lines acquitted himself well, learning a lot and thoroughly enjoying the experience of being part of such a large event.

Finlay thanks Pedro Hiltbrand and the team at Birelart by Hiltbrand for all their work and support. He sends his thanks to Tommy Weyer, who spannered for him and to Mike Spencer, who was his wingman during IWF2024 and made sure that he had the best setup available.

Finlay congratulates fellow Birelart by Hiltbrand team-mate Edu Domínguez, who claimed the Senior class win in the Final, a fantastic job against a very strong field of drivers from around the globe.

Also, a huge well done to a teammate Noah Wolfe, who took a podium position to round off a great weekend for the Birelart team.

Photo Credit @filipecairraofotografo