by Steve Wicks

27 July 08

Leeroy Poulter is the 2008 Rotax Max Euro DD2 kart champion. He clinched the title by taking a superb win on Sunday at round three of the series held at the short but tricky circuit in Sosnova, Czech Republic.

Driving the Ferodo backed Birel he was fifth fastest in qualifying after a few experiments with chassis set-up, but he wasn't too worried and was runner-up in each of his three qualifying heats on Saturday.

He started the pre-final in third place and a sensible drive saw him finish as runner-up and secure a front row starting position for the all important final.

Driving the Ferodo backed Birel he won a hard fought final after taking the lead from Denis Thum on lap 5 and then resisting a strong challenge from the German for the remainder of the 17 lap race. "I had a half second gap on him at the end, but it was a tough race and he tried hard to get back into the lead after I passed him," said an elated Poulter.

It has been a remarkable season for the 27-year old Poulter who won the Bridgestone Production Car championship for Nissan in 2006.

With The Kart Shoppe's Neil Curtis acting as team manager, he won the opening two rounds in France and Germany and wrapped up the championship at Sosnova with a round (Belgium) to spare. Last year he also dominated the series, winning the first two rounds, but missed out on the title when he was unable to contest the final round due to a clashing South African commitment.

"This time there's no-one close enough to overhaul my lead," he said as the reality of the result sunk in.