2016 CIK-FIA Best-Of: Lightning progress for Kenneally

The young British hopeful, Finlay Kenneally, made a splash this season in CIK-FIA Competition in the OK-Junior category. A thoughtful and very mature boy for his age, Finlay has great learning skills in addition to his natural talent of going fast. He started in OK-Junior in the lead pack from his first race and remained among the best all season despite his height that kept increasing. Winning a European Championship in his first season in Junior is not possible for everyone.

Finlay, can you outline your young career in Karting?

I haven’t been competing very long. 10 years old is already a bit old to make a debut! I quickly found success in the UK with a 3rd place in the Minimax Super One Championship. Then, I started in the international competition in Junior Max and I finished 2nd last year in the Rotax Euro Challenge. I also had the opportunity to race I KF-Junior in 2015, including at the Winter Cup, where I qualified for the finals.

Tell us about your debut in OK-Junior.

The season started well, I found my place without problems in the RFM team where they speak the same language. I was immediately on the pace with the competitive equipment prepared by my team. I even took a first major victory at the Winter Cup on the Lonato circuit in February. I immediately took to OK-Junior and as for the battle on the track, I was not out of place!

How did you win your European Championship?

– To be honest, this championship was a bit complicated. I was not as fast as I wanted to be every time. At Adria (ITA) showers constantly changed the track conditions. Then in Portimao (PRT), I started very early in the weekend with pole position and three race wins. But on Sunday, things suddenly deteriorated without really knowing why. Tyres perhaps? I knew that I had the opportunity to be crowned at Genk (BEL), but I was not focused on the title. Most important in the race is to move forward and get the best result possible. That’s what we managed to do and I’m very happy.

What is your outlook for the future?

– I have the age and size to compete in the top category OK next season, so my path is clear for 2017. Then we will see. Car racing is my aim like most drivers my age, but I’m not impatient, I take things as they come. For now, I like to race at the top level in Karting where I am still learning a lot.

Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP