JK Racing Asia Series: Aston Hare claims maiden crown

South African teen sensation Aston Hare signed off the season with his first international crown when he won the JK Racing Asia Series championship at the Buddh International Circuit on Sunday.

“This is a big Christmas gift, which he deserves,”said Hare’s mother Kim, who has been the main sponsor of his son’s venture in motor sports. “This is for the first time that I got a chance to be with Aston and he has made me proud,”said his sister Morgan.

The last corner skid saw the 16-year-old Hare, who finished second behind Aditya Patel in race two, get on to the podium for the first time in this level of the championship. “Nobody wants to finish second but at the end of the day I am the champion, which is more important,”said Hare.

Earlier in the day, Hare reduced the gap with championship leader Nabil Jeffri with one race to go. Indian sensation Akhil Khushlani came second and Jeffri made an impressive finish in third from 10th.

The Indian Touring Cars race witnessed a close battle between veteran N Leelakrishnan (Big Foots Racing) and B Balavijay (Moto-Rev India) throughout the six laps. Balavijay came close to slipping past seven-time National Rally champion Leelakrishnan, who however, defended his lines well while showcasing his vast experience to complete a fine double this weekend.