Although reigning South Island class champion Jacob Mitchell, of Christchurch, dominated by winning all nine races, his kart did not pass the post-event technical inspection, giving the victory to Josh (10).
The Wakari School Year 6 pupil drove his 85cc Pepsi Max GP kart to second or third placings in all of the races, except one, where a spin saw him wind up fifth.
The next few months willbe Josh's last stint in the cadet class, driving his Kiwi Kart chassis racer, powered by a Raket motor, before he steps up to Junior Restricted level.
He has a busy schedule ahead with race meetings around the South Island, a round of the Top Half Series in Auckland and the last two rounds of the Mainland Series, which he is leading after three outings.
Karting is in Josh's genes. His grandfather John was a founding member of the Dunedin Kart Club and his father Richard a karter from age 12.
Club committee member Barrie Lay, who has been involved for 20 years, said Josh was one of about 20 youngsters in a cadet class that is ''the strongest I can ever remember''.
Because many are second or third generation members, they will most likely progress through the club's class ranks, Mr Lay added.
''The kids that are in there are in there for the long haul.''
