THE Jamaica Karting Association (JKA) lauded its champions and the country’s finest young racers at an awards ceremony held at Eden Garden’s Wellness Resort & Spa, St Andrew on Tuesday night.

Leading the way was Thomas Issa, winning his second and back-to-back Abe Ziadie Championship trophy, the sport’s highest honour, given to the driver that has collected the most points over the season. Issa also captured his class, Rotax Seniors.

“I’m happy that he’s won it,” Christopher Issa, his father, told Auto.

Thomas was unable to attend, having left for school overseas the day before the proceedings. His father also admitted that his time in the sport is up in the air.

“It’s a combination of things. He’s grown so tall he’s worried about fitting into the karts and his current environment has shifted his focus to swimming,” he explained.

This means that his younger sister Mattea is the only other Issa in the sport.

Second in the championship was Justin Sirgany, followed by Ryan Chisholm. Sirgany also collected overall Minimax class honours while Chisholm took home the Comer 80 title. Ryan Lue was Comer 50 champion. Rotax Juniors went to Justin Sirgany, with Mark Minott winning Rotax Seniors.

— Rory Daley