Local pair shine in soapbox titles

Perth drivers Sienna and Tyler Patterson claimed the senior and junior titles respectively at the 57th Australian National Soapbox Championships held at Apex Drive, Mt Clarence, on Sunday.

A total of 19 competitors took part in the annual championships, held later than their regular Easter timeslot due to events on Mt Clarence.

Albany Soapbox Club hosted the championships, which were held over one day, with local drivers Tayissa Condren and Fiona Grixti reaching the top four in the two divisions.

The top four seniors ended in thrilling circumstances as Sienna Patterson and Condren both finished with 11 points.

However, Sienna Patterson was crowned national champion on countback after her three wins put her ahead of Condren.

Condren won the 2017 junior title, with Sienna Patterson in fourth place, but both progressed to the senior division, where they were the pacesetters throughout the day.

Perth duo Mitchell and Lachlan Lawrence finished third and fourth respectively to round out the top-four final in the sen-iors.

Youngster Tyler Patterson won his first junior national title after scoring 13 points in the top four final. Jack Ward (Perth) and Albany’s Grixti tied on 11 points.

Ward won the countback to leave Grixti third overall, while Ashlee Lawrence was fourth.

ASC president Larry Puls praised the competitors for their tight, clean racing.

“It was awesome, one of the better days we’ve had,” Puls said.

“The only incidents we had were after the finish line, there were no re-runs and lots of clean racing.

“It was very close, especially in the seniors.

“The day was well attended by spectators and the presentation night was also well attended.”

Puls said a host of Albany drivers dropped out in the top nine and top six events but the experience would aid their development.