Celebrations are in order for a 2022 Season that Wadeley Racing can be incredibly proud of.
Overall silverware for both boys’ Regional Championships along with, at times, incredible performances on the National stage, are most certainly reasons to celebrate for Wadeley Racing.
Still, a relatively new outfit in karting, Wadeley Racing’s Matthew and Jordon Wadeley drove their socks off from February until the Regional finale at Killarney a few weeks back.
Matthew Wadeley – Rotax Senior Max – 2022 WP Regional Champion
Matthew went into the final round of the WP Regional Championships needing to keep a cool head in order to secure his maiden WP Regional title. Cool is what he was as he fought back in the final 2 races of the season to secure his first overall Regional Championship.
Taking the WP Title was a sweet way to end off a rookie Senior Max season that at times saw Matthew right up there with the very best in the country. Front row starts at National level and impressive qualifying performances come to mind. Matthew has gone about establishing himself as a genuine contender and the prospect of going even better in 2023 is very exciting.
“I learnt a lot this year, especially from the more experienced drivers at National level, which certainly helped my confidence to be able to perform as well as we did in the WP Championships. I’m looking forward to next year and the new challenges. We will be on a new tyre and in a new chassis which we need to test and dial in our setups. My goal is to go one better and achieve WP Colours and to have a better run of results nationally. Finally a big thank you to my family and especially my dad for all he does for my racing,” said Matthew.
Jordon Wadeley – Rotax Mini Max – WP Regional Runner Up
Jordon enjoyed one of his finest karting seasons to date, even if the Championship tables don’t read as such. Mini Max was probably one of the most competitive classes at both Regional and National levels, more often than not mere hundredths of a second being the difference between hero and zero. To finish runner-up in such a tight field in the Western Cape was a fine effort.
Jordon, unfortunately, found himself on the wrong end of a few on-track prangs which all but ended his hopes for a top 5 National spot. Lessons have been learnt, especially when jostling for position during qualifying with more than 20 karts all trying to do the same. A certain highlight however has to be his front-row start at the Formula K, Benoni National after one of his best qualifying results of the season.
The younger of the two Wadeley Racing brothers now moves up to Junior Max for next season, having already had a taste of the bigger chassis at the last few Regional races. If Jordon’s early speed is anything to go by, 2023 looks set to be another cracking step in his career.
“This season I really had fun. There were lots of good races and yes the odd bad race too. I’m looking forward to next season in Junior Max and am really bleak I can’t drive right now while I wait for my new kart. The goal for next year is the same as pretty much everyone else’s, win the championship. Also a big thanks to my family for all the support,” confirmed Jordon.
The level of competition this past year in Mini Max has provided Jordon with the experience he needs to go and do battle at the front of Junior Max next year. He will need to learn from the more experienced drivers in the class but make no mistake, he will be there fighting for podiums and wins before too long.
Brad Wadeley had the following to say, “A personal note of thanks to everyone who has been involved with and supported us throughout this season. None of this would be possible without your assistance and we are extremely grateful. Also to my wife Leigh for all her support and always being behind me and the boys 100%.”
With prize giving around the corner, the two Wadeley brothers will collect their silverware before shifting the focus to their 2023 efforts, a season that they along with their father are certainly looking forward to.