( L - R ) Issa, Sirgany

Though they returned home without a podium finish at the United States (US) Rotax Grand National Go-Kart Championship, which concluded in Oklahoma on Saturday, 11-year-old Thomas Issa and nine-year-old Joshua Sirgany are being showered with praises for their outstanding performances.

Issa, who attends Campion College, finished fourth in the Grand National Finals Mini Max Class.

Sirgany, who is a student of Hillel Preparatory, produced a blistering time to qualify on pole for the heats in the Micro Max Class.

"Competing among the best of the US and qualifying on pole, I think that was awesome. It was not something we were expecting," said an elated Ricky Sirgany, Joshua's dad.

He described his son's performance as "fantastic".

Retired motor racing driver, Christopher Issa, says Thomas' fourth-place finish was the best by any Jamaican at the US Rotax Grand National Finals to date.

Another leading driver, Peter Rae, called their recent accomplishments outstanding.

Limited experience

"In spite of their limited experience it was an outstanding first attempt at the Grand National," said Rae, the boys' driving coach.

"Thomas was holding podium position until two laps to go when he was overtaken and relegated to fourth in an extremely close finish," explained Rae.

A report on ekarting website about action in the Micro Max Class during qualifying said: "Logan Sargeant (Kart Mini) was the top driver in the qualifying session for much to run until Joshua Sirgany (Tony Kart) stole the position at the end, edging out by just 0.073-seconds on the wet track."

The report further stated that Sirgany went on to finish third in heat three and fourth in the pre-final race. In the finals he got entangled with another kart and was unable to take further part.

In addition, the report also stressed that the Mini Max events "were exciting from start to finish".

All eyes now turn to the Palisadoes International Raceway, Kingston, on Sunday, where the local championship continues.