AUSTRALIAN LOCHIE HUGHES SECOND IN WSK GOLD CUP

Lochie Hughes with his runner-up trophy in Italy.

Gold Coast youngster Lochie Hughes has secured one of the biggest results of his karting career with a runner-up placing in the WSK Gold Cup in Italy on Sunday.

Driving for the Ricciardo Kart team Hughes qualified seventh fastest before crossing the line seventh, third and second in his three heat races to be the third highest pointscorer entering the pre-final.

After slotting into second place at the start of the pre-final Hughes held that position until the chequered flag to claim an inside second row start for the final. It was a similar affair in the final when he slotted into second place on the opening lap of the 10-lap journey before crossing the line 1.9 seconds behind Italian Dennis Hauger.