KARTER Thomas Issa barely missed a podium finish when he placed fifth overall in the MRP Motorsport Rotax Senior class of the Florida Winter Tour (FWT), which recently concluded in Orlando, Florida, last Sunday.

Issa sealed his fifth-placed points, out of the 47 drivers registered in his class, when he took third, missing out on second position by 0.018 of a second to UK racer Luke Varley, in an exciting season race finale.

Varley is 2009 Senior MAX World Karting Champion.

“It was a tough race. Towards the end I had to defend third place from the other competitors while trying to attack ahead,” said Issa.

Issa has only recently moved into the Rotax Senior class, which has a wider age range than Rotax Junior. The movement sees Issa racing with more seasoned drivers some of whom have factory backing.

“It’s a dream come true and an amazing feat in his first-ever FWT season in the class,” said Peter Rae, Issa’s driving coach.

Issa said the experience has increased his ability to manage his racing.

“At the end of the race it’s the person who has made the best decisions, knowing when to pass or be passive who wins,” he added.