ONCE again the 2005 European kart race season has seen Cropthorne racer James Calado surpass all expectations as he notched up some more historic career achievements.

Representing the Italian Factory Works Tonykart racing team for a second successive year, the 16-year-old set about competing in the senior class of Formula ICA.

Scheduled races for the year would see the teenager up against the world's best ICA drivers mainly at the Italian Open and European (World) Championships.

As a rookie to the class, expectations had been set at a realistic level. However, with previous achievements as a junior including being crowned British champion and twice a podium finisher at the junior world finals, it was thought that Calado could prove to be a leading contender.

The year started in the best possible way with victories at the opening races at the Italian and French Cham-pionships.

As the year progressed, preparations were being made to contest the Euro-peans where, to take part, the Vale youngster needed to race in one of three qualification events that determined the best 70 drivers to make the start line and bid for the prestigious title of European champion.

In nothing short of spectacular racing, Calado again emerged victorious, winning four from five race heats before going on to take victory in both of the events finals.

The scene was set for a sensational world final in the south of Italy where, after a successful series of results, the Cropthorne ace had climbed to the top of the world rankings in his class and was one of the favourites to lift the title.

The championships started in the typically hot Italian climate and, although the racing was tough, Calado had gained enough points from the heats to start the finals in pole position.

The action-packed final was nothing more than spectacular with the teenager performing brilliantly throughout, avoiding all race incidents and controversy to become the 2005 ICA European champion at his first attempt.

To add even more satisfaction to a memorable year, he also ended up as vice-champion at the Italian Open championships.

Calado attributes much of his success to the many people who have supported him and none more so than Pri-nce Henry's High School for their assistance in an all important GCSE year.

He has also been extremely grateful to all his friends and family for their backing, the chance to work with the world's best racing team and having a great and experienced manager.

Calado hopes to once again represent the Tony-kart team in 2006 and move up into karting's top For-mula A class.