By Russell Atkins

HARRY Crawley enjoyed his first victory in the super one series at junior max level to send a warning out he is a genuine contender for national title glory.

The Dartford karter arrived at Whilton Mill ready to take on the very crème de la crème of young British talent.

Although engine problems affected his opening heat race, a mature and intelligent second position later on earned Crawley 11th on the grid for the first of the finals.

From there, he made rapid progress by way of some impressively brave overtaking manoeuvres to latch onto the leading group and become embroiled in a fraught four-way scrap for supremacy.

After following reigning British champion Matt Parry through into second place with an eye-catching drive, he went on to hassle his more experienced adversary all the way to the chequered flag.

Despite being aged just 13 and giving away some three years to his main competitors, in the second final the Wilmington Grammar pupil would turn the tables by reining Parry in, latching onto his rear bumper once more and then pouncing.

Crawley said: “I put both hands up in the air when I crossed the line, I couldn’t control myself.

“Back at the start of the year, I’d never have believed I’d win in only my third meeting.

“It’s a massive confidence boost knowing I can win races and beat the defending British champion and I’m only going to get stronger from here.”

For more information on Crawley’s career, visit harrycrawley.co.uk