13th September 2013

Karting star Joseph Mawson is one step closer to making his dreams of being a world champion come true

Hinchinbrook's Joseph Mawson showed true fighting spirit at the World Karting Championships in English this month. He finished 21st. Source: Supplied

Hinchinbrook’s Joseph Mawson, 17, knows the truth of that statement and has been fighting to make his karting dreams come true since he started his motorsport career eight years ago.

One day he hopes to be a world champion.

He came a step closer to achieving that goal at the opening round of the CIK-FIA World Karting Championships in England this month, where he finished 21st in the opening round.

“It was a crazy weekend,” Joseph said.

“I didn’t qualify too well, rolled in heat two and my engine nearly didn’t start for the pre-final.

“But I got it sorted and managed to come through and qualify for the final.”

Although not the result he was aiming for, the three-time Australian champion remains upbeat.

“During the final, it was pretty tough to move through but I still managed to make up seven spots and finish just outside the top 20,” he said.

“Now it’s time to take what we learnt and focus on the second round of championships in November.”

Joseph moved to Italy at the start of the year and believes he can do anything thanks to his supporters.

“Even as an Australian on the other side of the world, if you have the right opportunity and you make the most of it, anything is possible,” he said.

“I’ve had a huge amount of support from people in Australia so I hope I can repay them for the faith they’ve shown me.”