Shepparton's very own Aston Rodriguez secured a first Compact Speedcars Australia title.
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Compact Speedcars Australia
Shepparton’s own Aston Rodriguez raced to a maiden Compact Speedcars Australia title, claiming the chequered flag at Autobarn Carina International Speedway aged just 17.
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The Goulburn Valley teenager announced himself on the motor-racing scene in emphatic style, while smashing the track record several times during a memorable weekend in Bundaberg.
A blistering 16.688 lap from the prodigy earned him a spot in the history books at the track, breaking the previous best time which had stood for 11 years.
This wasn’t the first time that he had smashed a lap record in recent times either, with Rodriguez having set a new standard just two months prior at the Victorian Titles.
Representing Victoria with distinction at the famous Queensland venue, he saw off competition from eventual runner-up and defending champion Justin Paull to seal a historic triumph.
Rodriguez’s achievement is made more impressive considering the man who had to settle for second place had won the title on consecutive occasion’s coming into this year’s edition.
In a classy touch following the contest at Bundy, Millgrove’s Paull later hailed his fellow Victorian’s sterling efforts out on the track.
“Win and lose with pride and respect. And give respect when it’s due. Well done, young fella,” he said.
Coming in third was Queensland’s Dion Wilson, who earned himself a podium finish in front of a home crowd.
Aston Rodriguez saw off defending champion Justin Paull to emerge as victor, as Dion Wilson completed the podium.
Having only stepped onto the seniors scene over the past two years, Rodriguez continues to show all the right signs of a being a major talent for the future in compact speedcar racing.
In an exclusive interview with the News, proud mum Ann Clarke spoke of her delight after her son reigned supreme as a national champion in Bundaberg.
“I’m very proud, it’s pretty unexpected for somebody of his age to win an Australian title,” she said of the boy wonder, who won three state titles in the past year too.
“Some people can be racing for years and never win one so it’s pretty good.”
Remarking upon the humility demonstrated by championship runner-up Paull, the Shepparton prospect’s parent expressed her gratitude towards the Ringwood Mazda figure.
“[Aston’s] had a lot of support from everyone, especially from Justin, who has been the Australian champion for the past two years,” Ann said.
“So they have a really good relationship on and off the track and they’re always so competitive.”
In terms of what is next in his burgeoning career on the track, Rodriguez is also balancing his compact speedcar commitments on the speedcar scene - which involves racing cars with larger engines.
He will head to Toowoomba Speedway for a 50-lap meeting on the weekend starting May 9, before heading to Sydney on compact duty, with a speedcar title event in Gladstone, Queensland also in the offing.
In December, the Shepparton starlet will head to the United States - the spiritual home of the speedway - where he will appear at the Chili Bowl Speedway in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“He’s been wanting to do America since he was seven-years-old so it’s going to be a dream come true,” Ann said.
“Speedway in America is a lot bigger than in Australia and the competition is harder - which will teach him a lot.”
There is no doubt that when it comes to adding further success to his track record, the Goulburn Valley teenager is in the driving seat.
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