James Anagnostiadis chases elusive first ever national title

A Victorian karting rising star isn’t far away from winning his first national title in Melbourne this weekend. Find out how he’s bounced back to be in contention.

With the right equipment at his side, Victorian James Anagnostiadis knows he could create history this weekend and add to the legacy his family is starting to create.

The talented 12-year-old is right in the hunt to win his first national title, in the KA3 Junior class, as Victoria prepares to host the final round of the Australian Karting Championship.

Anagnostiadis is currently 10 points behind class leader, fellow Victorian William Thompson, after barnstorming his way into championship contention.

After starting the season well with third in the first round, the young karter struggled in the middle part of the year, before bouncing back recently in the last round in Ipswich.

James Anagnostiadis after a win in the Rotax championship recently. Picture: Tom Williamson Motorsport.

The Melburnian won the round, on a countback, claiming the final to become a serious title threat when the teams head to Todd Road.

“At the start of the year we were searching for a motor, we didn’t have as good a motor (as others),” Anagnostiadis revealed.

“From round two to three we searched for one and found a good one. We’ve been a lot better since then.”

Anagnostiadis admits the poor form hurt his confidence during the middle of the year.

“I had less belief I could win,” he said.

“Now with the motor I believe I can win.”

And it showed recently in an overseas trip with Anagnostiadis winning a Saturday final in the latest round of the BNL Karting Series in Belgium.

He’s now hoping to replicate the form from the previous two events into championship winning form.

“I’ve been pretty much practising (at Todd Road) there since I started,” he said about his experience at the track.

“I’m not trying to focus on the championship too much.

“I just want to go there and win every race and if we do well then we’ll win the championship.”

James Anagnostiadis competing earlier this year. Picture: Tom Williamson Motorsport.

Even if he doesn’t win the title there will be another chance to win next year with the karter set to stay in the series.

Inspired by Supercar and IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin, who Anagnostiadis calls his hero, the talented karter is also inspired by his sister, Aiva.

A well established karter herself the talented teenager is part of the Alpine Formula One team academy and is on her own path to being a star.

“She’s really helpful,” James said.

“She’s up the front too, and is pretty good, so it’s really good help.”

Both will be competing in the final round, which starts on Friday, August 25 with practice before heats and the final are held across the weekend.