D ECE MBE R 2 0 1 7
PUBLISHED BY KARTING AUSTRALIA
AUSSIES TAKE ON THE WORLD
! n i w d n a
DE CONTO STARS
VOLUNTEER TIME
Two-time World Champion made
Castrol EDGE has launched a new
his second visit to Australia another
recognition program to reward the
successful one with victory at the
Volunteers in karting
Race of Stars on the Gold Coast.
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE Karting Australia Chairman Mick Doohan speaks about his highlights for the sport in 2017 and what he’s looking forward to most in 2018.
It’s the week before Christmas. Another year is almost over and new one is about to begin. It’s the time to look forward and a time to reflect on the year that is rapidly closing. There are some wonderful stories to come out of 2017 and some exciting plans for Australian karting in 2018. Some of those – the introduction of 4SS and the Club Driver Rankings program have already been announced. More initiatives aimed at developing and encouraging grassroots karting will be announced and rolled out as we move into 2018. The 2018 National Series and Championship seasons open at the end of January with Rotax Pro Tour at Todd Road and then Round 1 of the AKC at Monarto at the end of February. As someone who has spent his entire life involved in motorsport, I know all too well that sport – no matter whether it be at grassroots level or on the international stage or somewhere in between is not just about results. Sure they are important and everyone wants to win but it is about the sporting stories that touch people. The stories that make an impact. The stories that bring joy and at times bring sadness.
Published By Karting Australia www.karting.net.au Editor/Journalist Matt Payne - Acclaim Media Email: fullthrottle@karting.net.au Photography Cooper’s Photography www.coopersphotography.com.au Pace Images www.facebook.com/paceimages KSP Images www.facebook.com/Kartcom/
Special thanks to all the competitors that take part in race meetings across Australia each weekend; thank-you to all our volunteer officials, the mums, the dads, the office bearers and canteen staff that make karting an awesome family sport.
Sport is pure emotion. It’s the thing that makes sport such a wonderful endeavour and that keeps us coming back time after time after time. The Australian karting story that has touched myself and the Karting Australia staff the most in 2017 is not what you may be thinking. It’s not about the unparalleled success of the Australian Kart Championship and what it has become over the past three short years. Its not about the amazing performances of our
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Aussie karters who took on the world’s best in Europe and the US and came away winners. Nor is it about the continued success of the Victorian Country Series - what is arguably the best run State Series in the country, nor the growth in what is becoming known as Cup Season – the back end of the year when many States and Karting Australia run an increasingly spectacular group of State and National Cup events led by the hugely successful Race Of Stars. No, its none of those obvious highlights. It’s a “rags to riches story”. It’s about never giving up. Its about aiming high. Its about self-help, culture and community and its about achieving when most would throw in the towel. It’s a great sporting story! It’s a great karting story and its testimony to what you can achieve when you set your mind to it! Its about a club that is punching above its weight. It’s the Goulburn Valley Kart Club story and it’s the story about Ben Dealy the man that is credited with reigniting the passion in the club that has led to its revival. Its amazing to think that just a few years ago, the club had just nine racing licence holders - now they have 65 with plans to reach 100 licensed members and then 150 in the next few years. They are looking to sign up just three new members a month – such a small number will make a huge difference. It’s the story about how a kart club in a small country town some 230 km from Melbourne picked itself up off the canvas and said we’re not going down without a fight and set about rebuilding itself. Ben Dealy is the Secretary of the Club and he is our first Castrol EDGE
Volunteer of the Month. There is a feature on Ben and the Club in this edition of Full Throttle. I urge you all to read it. It has a really strong message. The Goulburn Valley secret is simple “we got in there and made it what a Club should be – a community that works together”. The Goulburn Valley story is a great one and there are plenty of similar stories across the country. Curiously, most of them seem to be in our country towns. Equally and disappointingly though there are too many stories of some of our larger Clubs who haven’t quite got the “community that works together” mentality running all that well at the moment and who rely upon the work of too few people. Hopefully using the inspiration of the Goulburn Valley Kart Club those things can change. As I mentioned at the outset, we have recently announced some very exciting initiatives to start in 2018. 4SS - 4 Stroke Sprint kart racing for juniors and seniors using the Australian designed and built Torini Clubmaxx 210 engine and the worldrenowned Briggs and Stratton 206 factory sealed engines are set to ignite a club karting revolution.
Rankings program that will start in March and run through until the end of October. The tag line “Race Locally – Rank Nationally” says almost all about the program. What it doesn’t tell you is the great prize and incentive packages to support the CDR program that we will be announcing in the New Year. Club Events across the country will form a part of the Club Driver Rankings. For drivers, participating in CDR events will be a great way to support your Club while giving yourself the chance to win some great prizes. It’s great to be able to announce that all of the State President’s have been returned to office to continue their work in 2018. I would also like to welcome the new Karting NSW Board led by new Chairman David Filipetto that was appointed recently after the state adopted a new Constitution in early 2017.
4SS is designed to bridge the gap between rental karts and thoroughbred 2 stroke karting. It’s easy to do, low maintenance, low cost, technically simple karting that will prove to be great fun. If you missed the announcement just a few weeks ago, check out the story in the last edition of Full Throttle.
As we head to Christmas, on behalf of the Karting Australia Board, I would like to thank our wonderful sponsors including; SP Tools, Torini Engines, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Castrol EDGE, Jayco, Bridgestone, MG Tyres, DPE Kart Technology, Dunlop, ALM Sales, Vortex Engines, Paul Feeney Group, IAME, Remo Racing, Rotax, Mojo Tyres, International Karting Distributors, all of our volunteers, officials, mums and dads, active karters, members of the karting industry and the Karting Australia staff led by CEO Kelvin O’Reilly for the tireless work that they do for our sport. Finally, I would like to wish everyone the compliments of the season – Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year ahead.
While 4SS is set to be great, we are even more excited about the introduction of the Club Driver
Mick Doohan
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PAGE OF CONTENTS WELCOME FROM THE CHAIRMAN
4
NEWS
8
TIMING TRAINING
9
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
12
IN BRIEF
15
RACE OF STARS
21
ROK INTERNATIONAL FINAL
26
VEGAS BABY!
30
ROTAX GRAND FINALS
34
INTERVIEW - GILLIS & WOOLSTON
36
IAME INTERNATIONAL FINAL
42
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
47
GETTING STARTED TIPS
58
VORTEX DVS UPGRADE
61
6
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CASTROL EXTENDS
10 time
spo nso r -
ha s
naming
of
the
C ha m pi o n s h i p fur t he re d
i nvo l ve m e nt m oto rspo r t i ni t i at i ve pa r t ne rshi p Jayco
RACE OF STARS
17
Lo ng Kar t
CLUB RACERS
-
Ran k i n g s
Fo r m ul a
C a s t rol p at hway
Au s t ral i an a
n ew
k art i n g
and
with
th e 4
r u les
s u rro u n din g
t h ro u g h in
Th e
Au s tral i an its
in
ri g hts
21
to
an d the be
regu lat ion s Clu b
Driver
lau n ch ed
in
Du al
World
Ch ampion
Pa o lo
De Conto claimed h is s eco nd con s ecu t ive
Race
of
Sta rs
2 0 1 8 fo r t h e ‘ Clu b Level’ racer
Win n ers Su rf board - but not
h ave b een f in alis ed.
before t h e f ickle Qu eensla nd weat h er interven ed.
CAMS
Au s tral i an
Ch a m pi o nshi p.
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REGISTRATIONS OPENED Registrations for the 2018 Australian Kart Championship and Rotax Pro Tour have opened. Karters are urged to get their registrations in for the National Championship early to secure preferred numbers - as many classes are expected to fill quickly. Already there has been more than 400 drivers register their interest in competing in the five-round Championship.
Registrations are not considered event entries - they have to be entered separately - however to be eligible for the Championship, a competitor must be officially registered.
Pre-Registrations for the Rotax Pro Tour are also now open through www.rotax.com.au with entries for the opening round in Melbourne currently open and set to close on Friday January 5, 2018. 2018 ROTAX PRO TOUR SCHEDULE 2018 AUSTRALIAN KART CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE
Round 1 – Jan 26-28 – Pt Melb (VIC) - Supp Regs Available
Round 1 - February 23-25 - Monarto, South Australia
Round 2 – March 9-11 – Dubbo (NSW)
Round 2 - April 13-15 - Albury-Wodonga, Victoria
Round 3 – May 4-6 – Ipswich (QLD)
Round 3 - May 26-28 - Newcastle, NSW
Round 4 – June 22-24 Eastern Creek (NSW)
Round 4 - July 27-29 - Emerald, QLD
Round 5 – August 10-12 – Albury (VIC)
Round 5 - August 31-September 2 - Todd Road, VIC
Round 6 – September 14-16 - Tailem Bend (SA) (tbc)
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TRAINING THE TIMEKEEPERS Timekeepers across the country have been busy preparing for the introduction of the MYLAPS Timing System in 2018. The implementation of the new MYLAPS Orbits 5 Timing System to Karting Australia events continues to be on track for the opening events of 2018. The globally recognised timing system had its first Australian Karting challenge at October’s Race of Stars. The Speedhive by MYLAPS App where you can track live timing and results in the palm of your hand (download in Google Play and Apple App Stores) had rave reviews from all who used it. Over the past six weeks MYLAPS staff have conducted training sessions in conjunction with the State Associations across the Country with more than 80 participants. The first seminar was held in Perth followed by Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney throughout November and December. Karting Queensland will host a training day in conjunction with MYLAPS in early January. This training has also been complimented by subsequent webinars to further enhance the understanding of the system by timekeepers across the Country. Following the training several timekeepers have trialed the system in a ‘live’ environment at smaller race events throughout early December with significant success. Karting Australia thanks the timekeepers for their commitment to the transition of the new software and look forward to further enhancing the benefits that can be provided by the new software throughout 2018.
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CASTROL EXTENDS KARTING & GRASSROOTS COMMITMENT Lo n g - t i m e s upporte r of Australian kartin g - Cas tro l - h as fu rth ered its p athway invol ve m e nt in Australian moto rs p o rt th ro u gh a n ew in itiative in karti ng a n d p a r t n e rship w ith the C AMS Jayco Fo rmu la 4 Au s tralian Ch amp io n s h i p.
The globally recognised lubricants brand in conjunction
Castrol EDGE will continue to be a presenting sponsor of
with Karting Australia has launched the Castrol EDGE
the Australian Kart Championship in 2018.
Volunteer of the Month. “Both CAMS and Castrol are committed to further One Volunteer from the nominations received will be
enhancing motor sport at the grassroots level and we have
chosen as the Monthly winner and receive a Castrol EDGE
some exciting plans for the future, as we work together to
Merchandise pack.
support motor sport’s next generation,” said CAMS CEO, Eugene Arocca.
In addition to the Volunteer winning a prize, the Club he or she represents will receive 20 prize packs to give away.
Castrol has committed to CAMS Official of the Year Award and will be a Platinum sponsor of the Australian Motor
The involvement in Australian karting and the Australian
Sport Hall of Fame, presented by Speedcafe.com in 2018
Formula 4 Championship adds to Castrol’s commitment
- where one member of the karting community will be
locally and globally from the ground up. The company
inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame.
provides technical support to the Renault and McLaren Formula 1 factory teams and in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship to Prodrive Racing Australia and Nissan Motorsport.
10
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4SS TYRES ANNOUNCED, ENGINES AVAILABLE Th e i nte re s t surrounding the new 4 Stro ke Sp rint Clas s to b e intro d u ced to Au s t ra l i a n c irc uits in 2018 contin u es to b u ild . When announcing 4SS to the Australian karting community it was indicated that a hard compound tyre would be used for the Class - this tyre has recently been announced as the Vega VAH tyre.
The world-renowned karting tyre manufacturer will also supply the W2 wet tyre for competition use.
With Torini engines announcing a Master Dealer network of Circuit Motorsport, DPE Kart Technology, JC Karts, KNK
The 4SS class will also see a new initiative from Karting
Karts, Patrizicorse and St George Kart Centre, the initial
Australia for the social aspect of the sport with any of the
batch of Torini Clubmaxx 210 engines have started to
12 approved Karting Australia tyres being able to used
reach retail outlets.
during social karting and practice outside of race meetings. The first shipment of Briggs & Stratton 206 engines, “The introduction of the 4SS Class into Australian
imported
competition is very exciting. The interest level from the
Distributors, are due to be distributed across the country
karting community has been incredible and now that we
in the first week of January.
can confirm the Vega tyre will used in Club Competition throughout 2018 it puts into the place the final piece in the puzzle,” said International Karting Distributor Managing Director Ian Black.
“The Vega VAH tyre has been well-proven in 4-Stroke racing throughout America and Canada over the past few years and compliments the level of wear and performance that will be expected from Competitors in the 4SS Class here in Australia.”
11
into
Australia
by
International
Karting
F UL L T HROT T L E
‘CAN DO’ DEALY Go u l b u r n Valley Kart C lub Se cretary Ben Dealy h as b een ch o s en as the C a s t rol EDG E Volunte e r of the Mo nth . Three years ago Ben Dealy has reunited his passion for a sport that provided him with so much joy during his teenage years. His dedication and commitment to the Goulburn Valley Kart Club over the past three years has seen him chosen as the Castrol EDGE Volunteer of the Month for December. “It’s all about the culture. The Club is always number one, then the general racer and then the Superstars,” that’s his motto. After seeing the Club almost ‘on its knees’ a few years ago, Ben has stepped into the Club headfirst and helped take it from a slender membership of 9 racing licence holders to now have 65. And it’s not going to stop there in his mind – 100 racing members is the next goal followed by 150. “I saw the Club was on its knees, we got in there and made it what a Club should be – a community that works together,” said Ben. “We all communicate together, there’s regular group texts that go out to the Membership base and everyone is kept in the loop. There’s no arguing because everyone knows what is going on and they all feel a part of it.” Ben’s ‘can do’ attitude has rubbed off on the entire Membership base with more people stepping up into different roles and some of the top level drivers in the region even coming along to Club Days to help out. The highlight of it all for Ben is seeing the joy that the sport provides for new Members.
Multiple Club Members nominated Ben for his commitment towards the 50-year old Club and his infectious attitude of ensuring that it grows to safeguard its survival for the next generation of racers, and the ones after that. More than 150 nominations were received for the Castrol EDGE Volunteer of the month in December. Ben will receive a Castrol EDGE Merchandise pack as the Volunteer of the Month and the Goulburn Valley Kart Club will also receive 20 prize packs for its use. To nominate someone in your Club who you think deserves to be the Castrol EDGE Volunteer of the Month please click here.
12
STRONG SUPPORT FOR TODAY & TOMORROW MARK WINTERBOTTOM SUPERCAR CHAMPION, SUPERCARS, FORMULA 4, KARTING.
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Boosted with TITANIUM FLUID STRENGTH TECHNOLOGY TM, Castrol EDGE is our strongest and most advanced range of engine oils yet. Its TITANIUM FST TM doubles the oil film strength*, preventing oil film breakdown and reducing friction. This gives you the confidence to be in perfect sync with your car and push the boundaries of performance. *Products representing 61% of our 2012 sales volume were tested. Tribological tests have shown that Castrol EDGE boosted with TITANIUM FST TM doubles its film strength, preventing oil film breakdown and reducing friction to help maximise engine performance. CastrolRacingAU
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F UL L T HROT T L E
BUILDING BETTER KART CLUBS Karting Australia has launched a resource for each of its clubs to access - called Building a Better Kart Club. It delivers a step by step guide to running a karting club with links to state and national resources for Committee Members to access to ensure your club meets best practices. Head to Building Better Kart Clubs at www.buildingbetterkartclubs.com.au where you’ll find this piece and more.
CRITICAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
Critical
incidents
sporting
to a Critical Incident, and to facilitate
situations are typically unpredictable
the liaison and cooperation between
events with the potential to cause
the event organisers, Police, and any
major injuries, loss of life, or other
other external Emergency Services.
catastrophic
in
consequences
for
athletes, other sports personnel and/
In effect the document is a tool
or their organisations.
that event organisers, clubs and State Karting Associations can use
The effective management of such
to manage the situation and the
significant occurrences should form
recording needed should a Critical
part of an organisation’s broader
Incident occur.
risk management strategy as the management of risk is an integral part
To view Karting Australia’s Critical
of good management practice.
Incident Response Overview and Response Chart please Click on the
Karting Australia has a Critical Incident Response Chart to assist karting event organisers, Clubs and State Karting Associations cope with the pressures and demands of handling a response
links below:
DOWNLOAD PDF DOWNLOAD WORD
CLICK FOR MORE GENERAL INFORMATION
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IN BRIEF Former F1 driver, Felipe Massa has been appointed the head of the CIK-FIA. The former Ferrari and Williams driver. He joins the executive team of his old F1 team boss, Jean Todt who was re-elected President of the FIA.
The Sapphire Coast Kart Club in New South Wales has enjoyed a bumper year. The Club recently published some interesting facts about its 2017 events on their Facebook page (see below). To top it off, their Come & Try Day in early December was at capacity and they are planning another one on February 3, the day prior to their opening race meeting for the year.
Entries for the opening round of the 2018 Rotax Pro Tour to be hosted by the Go-Kart Club of Victoria are now open. Entries will close on Friday January 5 with NO LATE ENTRIES to be accepted. Be sure to get your entry in on the CMS System today.
Jack Doohan was one of four karters selected for the Red Bull Junior team. The former Australian Junior Champion and standout from the European OK Junior Championships this year - will make the move to Formula 4 in Europe next year with Arden Motorsport.
November saw Oakleigh Kart Club farewell a Life Member in Don Waters who passed away at the age of 81. He was a fixture of the club for over 35 years performing a range of volunteer tasks from general maintenance of the Club venue through to Clerk of Course and assisting new members to become acquainted with the sport.
15
KARTING AUSTRALIA PROUDLY INTRODUCES THE
WHO WILL BE AUSTRALIA’S CLUB KARTER OF THE YEAR? KARTING AUSTRALIA’S Club Driver Rankings is a brand new pointscore system that is being designed to determine the best ‘Club Driver of the year’ across the country! TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT
www.karting.net.au
R A C E
L O C A L L Y ,
R A N K
N A T I O N A L L Y
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WHO WILL BE THE ULTIMATE CLUB RACER? The hunt for the ultimate club racer is on and it is set to be one of the highlights of the 2018 karting season.
“The ‘race locally – rank nationally’
To get it started all that the Clubs have
concept has really struck a chord
to do is to put the code ‘CDR’ on their
with Australia’s karters” said Karting
Club Supplementary Regulations and
Australia CEO Kelvin O’Reilly.
on the MYLAPS Race meeting set-up.
In a first for Australian karting, the
The whole idea of the CDR program
CDR season will start in March and run
is to give the karters more reasons
through until the end of October when
to race locally and to support their
the first Karting Australia Rankings of
Clubs.
every Club Karter across the country will be finalised.
“Since the initial announcement we have been working on the CDR Rules
“We are looking to keep the Club
and sponsorship package for the
Driver Rankings as simple as possible
program,” said O’Reilly.
for the Clubs and the Club Racers,” said O’Reilly.
“Early in the New Year we will look to be able to announce a fantastic prize
All Club Competition Race Meetings
bank and sponsorship of the Rankings
will be automatically entered into the
program.” There will be plenty for the
program and every Karting Australia
drivers to race for and the Clubs that
licenced driver who races in a Club
do all of the hard work in organising
Competition during the CDR season
the Race Meetings have not been
will also be automatically entered
forgotten. Karting Australia will look
into the program simply by entering
to announce a Club incentive program
their Club Race Meetings.
at that time as well.”
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The Rankings will be automated from the Race Meeting results on Speedhive. Karting Australia has been working closely with MYLAPS and the CDR computer programmers to seamlessly integrate the race results, points score and apply an equalisation algorithm necessary to provide the flattest possible playing field between large Clubs and small Clubs, large fields of racers and small fields of racers.
Key CDR Rules announced today include: •
The CDR Season will run from 1 March until 31 October;
•
Entry is free and is open to all KA Licenced Drivers;
•
Club participation is free;
•
Clubs do not need to register for the CDR unless they want to be included in the Club Incentive Program;
•
Clubs wishing to register for the CDR Club Incentive Program need to do so by 1 February;
•
Clubs in the incentive program will receive a signage and promotional pack to help them promote the CDR to their members;
•
Clubs can enter eight (8) Club Race Meetings for the CDR from which Drivers can score points;
•
Drivers can drop two of those rounds:
•
Six (6) Race Meetings is the maximum number of events in which a Driver can score points towards their CDR;
•
Two races – the Final and the Drivers best scoring heat race will count towards each Race Meeting’s Rankings score;
•
The following Classes in the Club Competition Groups will be the identified Classes for the CDR:
Cadet 9
Cadet 12
KA4 Junior
KA3 Junior
Junior Performance
4SS Junior
KA4 Senior
KA3 Senior
TaG 125 Restricted
TaG 125
Open Performance
4SS Senior
•
Results will be drawn from MYLAPS Speedhive.
“We are very excited about the advent of the CDR program and what it can bring to the grassroots level of the sport,” said O’Reilly.
“Club-level racing is a vital part of Australian karting. The new Club Driver Rankings program will enable Drivers to race locally and be ranked nationally.
“It’s about rewarding those Drivers who turn up month after month at their local Club to compete and allowing them to see where they rank on a National scale but without the added expense of travelling across the Country. This program is about encouraging Drivers to race at their Clubs more often - we want to see as many drivers as possible participate in the Club Driver Rankings as we search for the Ultimate Club Racers in 2018.”
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A NEW ERA IS COMING IN 2018 Australian karting will enter a new era of Club-level Racing in 2018 with the introduction of the 4 Stroke Sprint (4SS) Class. Designed to provide the sport with a low entry-level price point, the new 4SS Class has been specifically designed for the entry-level racer. TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT
www.karting.net.au
F UL L T HROT T L E
NEW ONLINE LICENCE PROCEDURE In January, Karting Australia will launch a new licencing procedure to streamline the application process for new members while also streamlining the process for the renewal of licences.
Karting Australia’s licence application
“The new licence and membership
process will be simpler than ever
process is something that the sport
thanks to a new streamlined process
has been crying out for a little while
to be released in the first week of
now.
January.
administration work that is needed
It will reduce a lot of the
by our Club office bearers and With all Karting Australia Clubs now
licencing personnel. I look forward to
having the ability to accept automatic
it going live in January,” said Karting
online payments, Karting Australia
Australia’s Kelvin O’Reilly.
has spent a significant amount of time and resources developing a simplified
“There has been a significant amount
licencing and membership process.
of work collaborating all of the different levels and structures of fees
The new procedure will see the Safety
by John Martin on this project. I thank
Training
previously
him for his dedication to the sport
required to be completed by a Club
and improving the experience for the
Representative, replaced by a Safety
member.”
Assessment,
Training Video and Safety in Karting questionnaire incorporated into the
The new licencing system will be
licence application process.
accessible from January 1 through the CMS system on a computer, laptop or
The Observed Licence Test, which
mobile device before the new Karting
could previously have taken weeks
Australia licencing App will be made
to be completed at some Clubs, now
available for free in the Apple and
replaced by an Observed Driving
Google Play Stores once approved by
Session that can be completed during
the respective outlets during January.
a practice session of an event - making it easier to get people racing.
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DE CONTO (AND WEATHER!) WIN RACE OF STARS Du a l Wor l d C hampion Paolo De Co nto claim ed h is s eco n d co n s ecu tive Ra ce of St a rs Crow n on the Gold Coa s t.
Not even a freak weather event was enough to stop dual
Sadly, due to the amount of water that had descended on
World Champion Paolo De Conto’s winning ways on the
the circuit, the KZ2 final didn’t take place, with the race
Gold Coast.
meeting abandoned on the grounds of safety and standing water off the racing surface.
The Italian was crowned the Race of Stars Champion for the second year in succession after a major downpour brought
Lehane was awarded second place on points - which also
about a premature end to proceedings for the prestigious
saw him claim the Jim Morton Perpetual Trophy winner,
event.
which was presented to him by Jim’s wife Janelle and daughters Jessica and Nadine after the race meeting.
After Davide Forè set the pace during qualifying, it was De Conto was supreme during the course of the heat races. In
Fittingly, Morton provided advice to Lehane early in his
the third heat he was engaged in a sensational battle with
karting career and had a long relationship with the CRG
CRG team-mate Pierce Lehane and BirelART Belgian, Rick
Australia pilot’s father and grandfather. The trophy is
Dreezen that featured two thrilling wet track inside passes
supported by Castrol EDGE - who were behind Morton’s
at turn one.
Tony Kart Australia team for many years.
21
ABOVE: European Champion Joel Johannsen being interviewed by the local media during a pre-event media call BELOW: Brendan Nelson and Kris Walton dicing it out in the wet during the TaG 125 Final BELOW RIGHT: KA2 Winner Lochie Hughes celebrating his win in the KA2 Class
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Rick Dreezen was awarded third placing after what had
back to the lap previous for the final result.
been a sensational first visit to Australia for the Patrizicorse pilot.
Emerging star, Flynn Jackes, withstood a challenge from karting veteran, Kel Treseder and an off track excursion to
The KA2 final was also a victim of mother nature where
secure the final podium position.
Gold Coaster, Lochie Hughes took home his first surfboard trophy in KA2.
In KA3 Senior, five time Australian Champion James Sera showed precisely why he is still considered one of
New South Welshman Cody Burcher claimed second, fitting
Australia’s best kart racers taking a dominant victory ahead
after his heat race win on Saturday and Harrison Hoey had
of Christian Pancione.
a successful debut with JC Kart claiming third. Hughes also tasted success in KA3 Junior, finishing second
Zac Crichton took the win in KA4 Junior aboard his JC Kart
behind Hoey.
after Declan Matthews received a post-race penalty. South Australian Blake Purdie was awarded second.
He was upstaged though by Hoey - who put in one of the finest drives of his career to win the final. Jackson Souslin-
A battle at the front between Brisbane racer Marcos Flack
Harlow secured his best result on the national stage taking
and Sydney EVO Kart driver, Adrian Haak went for the
third place.
entire Cadet 12 Final. Both were adept in negotiating the rain-soaked conditions and lapped traffic to last the full
Standing tallest from the 55 drivers in the TaG 125 class
race distance before Flack took the chequered flag.
was Brendan Nelson. The Gold Coaster put in one of the drives of the day in the rain-shortened Final. He and fellow
This year’s event attracted a record international entry
Queenslander, Kris Walton had a race long battle brewing
number, a record overall entry number, eight nations
in terrible weather conditions. The race was declared due
represented, and close race finishes.
to the inclement weather on the 11th lap, officials going
23
Clockwise from top left Adrian Haak leading the capacity Cadet 12 field. World Champions Davide Fore and Paolo De Conto in full flight. The International drivers, Australian Champions and State representatives during the National Anthem sung by Liam Brew. Six of the International drivers experienced the thrill of the Skypoint Climb a top of the Q1 Building in Surfers Paradise. Kris Walton using all the track, and then some, in the TaG 125 class. Patrizicorse drivers Rick Dreezen and Marijn Kremers. Pierce Lehane with the Morton family after receiving the Jim Morton Perpetual Trophy as the highest placed Australian in the KZ2 field.
F UL L T HROT T L E
FEENEY ROKS TO FIFTH IN ITALY
Broc Feeney recorded Australia’s highest ever placing at the ROK International Cup with fifth placing in the Junior ROK in Lonato, Italy. Dual Australian KA1 Champion also shone brightly to qualify on the front row in the Super ROK class in the event that attracted 400 competitors from various parts of the globe. After finishing heat racing seventh on points, Feeney started from the fourth row in the final. He then set about advancing himself forward. The Gold Coast-based Australian Champion pushed into the top five and was challenging for fourth placing when the 16-lap final came to a close. Scott Sorensen started on the front row of the Super ROK final. After a brutal start which dropped him to fourth, the Queenslander boxed on only to be shuffled to 10th. He was battling among a group within the top 10 for much of the 20 lap race.
In the end, he crossed the line in 10th position, only to be handed a post-race penalty, which dropped him to 19th. Kyle Henry-Smith, making his international debut at the event had done a solid job throughout in the Super ROK category. He started the final in 25th position and started working his way forward. In the end, he made it into the top 20, finishing in 20th position. In the Mini ROK class, where more than 150 competitors lined up, Victorian James Wharton showed tremendous speed all weekend to run near the front in all of his heat races – including a race win. He would start the final for the youngest competitors at the ROK Cup from 13th position. He then set about charging forward. Wharton got himself to sixth position at the end of the race – just not having the track position to challenge for a top three position.
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After a challenging run during the heat races, Oscar Targett competed in the Mini ROK Vortex Trophy Race, which was a forerunner to the finals. Starting off the rear of the grid, he was consistently faster than the leaders and pushed his way forward to finish 15th. He passed more karts than any other driver – making up 18 positions throughout the course of the 10 lap race. Cody Maynes-Rutty unfortunately didn’t make the Trophy Race, however impressed everyone with his application to his first European event and walked away with a wealth of experience that he can apply to his racing in the future. The performance of the Australians throughout the weekend didn’t go unnoticed - it was considered the best performance by the Australian team at the event since inception - and next year another six Australians will get their opportunity to race at Lonato as a result of Vortex Engines and the Vortex powered categories in the Australian Kart Championship.
27
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F UL L T HROT T L E
REDEMPTION FOR WALTON IN VEGAS After coming tantalizingly close to victory in the past
aboard his CompKart with the J3 Competition outfit.
couple of years, Kris Walton finally broke through for
After slotting into second place in the early running of the
victory at the Superkarts! USA SuperNationals in Las Vegas.
20-lap final, Car held his nerve to greet the chequered flag
Walton, a former V8 Ute Series Champion, led home fellow
in that spot. However, this was later converted into victory
Australian, and former SuperNationals winner, Kip Foster in
when the driver who crossed the line first received a three-
the X30 Masters class.
place penalty for a starting infringement.
After qualifying sixth fastest out of the 65-plus driver field
Gold Coaster Broc Feeney recorded the most impressive
of X30 Masters, Walton enjoyed a smooth run through his
result of his flourishing career with a narrow second
heat races aboard his J3 Competition-prepared CompKart
placing in X30 Junior. After leading for the much of the
to claim pole position for the main event.
race, Feeney crossed the line a mere 0.040 seconds behind the winner.
Foster challenged Walton midway through the race but was unable to halt Walton’s run to the flag – which was
Gladstone’s Jason Faint also finished on the podium with a
cut short due to an late race incident down the order that
fine runner-up placing in the S4 Class.
caused damage to the safety barriers. Also competing in X30 Masters was Michael Patrizi who
Two-time World Champion Paolo De Conto made it three
finished 16th.
SuperNationals wins in the elite KZ class with Australians Troy Loeskow and Macauley Jones finishing 10th and 14th
Car was one of the front-runners all throughout the event
respectively. While Australian Champion Josh Fife failed
in the X30 Senior Class that attracted some 90-plus entries
to finish the KZ final he claimed fifth place in S1.
30
KA RT I NG . NET. AU
Clockwise from far left Kris Walton leading Kip Foster in X30 Masters Ben Harders finished 17th in X30 Senior Paolo De Conto celebrating his victory in the KZ class Christian Pancione was 22nd in the X30 Senior Class Broc Feeney was runner-up in X30 Junior
AUSSIE RESULTS Micro Swift Kristian Janev – 15th Peter Bouzinelos – 27th Mini Swift James Wharton – 14th Will Harper – 19th Marcos Flack – 35th S4 Jason Faint – 2nd
X30 Junior Broc Feeney – 2nd Lochie Hughes – 27th Harrison Hoey – 33rd Taylah Agius – 36th Jac Preston – 35th Zak Lobko – DNF Jake Sawyer – DNQ Luke Sawyer – DNQ
X30 Masters Kris Walton – 1st Kip Foster – 2nd Michael Patrizi – 16th X30 Senior Joshua Car – 1st Ben Harders – 17th Christian Pancione – 22nd David Sera – DNF Tayla Cullinane – DNQ
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Brendan Nelson – DNQ Cody Gillis – DNQ Reece Cohen – DNQ KZ Troy Loeskow – 10th Macauley Jones – 14th Joshua Fife – DNF S1 Joshua Fife – 5th
F UL L T HROT T L E
AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE A p a i r of Au stralian drive rs have b een crown ed Ch amp io n s at th e 2 0 1 7 Rot a x MAX C halle nge Gra n d Fin als in Po rtu gal.
A pair of victories has ensured that the Nations Cup from
and it feels even better than I ever thought it would. It is
the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals has headed ‘Down
seriously the best feeling,” said Woolston.
Under’ for the second time. “A massive thanks to CC Racing and Tom Williamson Held in Portimão, Portugal the 18th running of the event
Motorsport, my family and Garry Arandt for all of their
attracted 360 drivers from 59 different countries. With
support.
qualification through a driver’s national Rotax series a prerequistie the 14 Australian drivers secured their place on
“A huge congratulations to all of the other Australians on
the grid through the Rotax Pro Tour.
their efforts this year and also to Cody on his victory in DD2.”
In 2016 Lee Mitchener broke through to claim Australia’s first-ever win, this year it was New South Welshman Cody
Woolston was one of three Australians competing in the
Gillis and Victorian Troy Woolston who stood on the top
DD2 Masters Class with Queenslander Scott Howard
step while James Wharton also charged his way to a
coming home in sixth and Kris Walton 20th.
podoium finish. After qualifying third of the 72 drivers in the DD2 class, Woolston made it two consecutive victories for Australia
Gillis powered his way to the front of his three heat races
in the DD2 Masters class. In his sixth attempt at the title
before claiming a comprehensive victory in the pre-final.
Woolston emerged victorious following an epic battle
Starting from pole position in the Final, Gillis was pressured
with Argentinian Gabriel Zughella and Finnish driver Antti
early in the 20-lap journey by Danish pair Mads Thomsen
Olikainen.
and Christian Sorensen along with Belgian Xen De Ruwe, before crossing the line almost four-seconds clear of his
“Wooooooo!!!! I’ve been chasing this win for a long time
nearest rival.
34
KA RT I NG . NET. AU “It is an amazing feeling to win this event, I can’t believe it,” said Gillis.
“To be able to represent Australia and then see all of the green and gold up in the grandstand going off when I crossed the line was just incredible.
“A huge thanks to Tom (Williamson) for everything he does for me and also Josh (Fife) for pushing me to improve all year along with all of my family and friends for their support.”
Gillis’ fellow Australian Ryan Kennedy finished 15th in the final while Joshua Fife failed to qualify for the final after issues in his heat races.
Wharton charged his way to the podium in the Mini MAX class after starting from ninth position in the final. After qualifying fastest and wining a heat race, Wharton confirmed his status as a star of the future by finishing third in the final.
Jac Preston finished as the best of the Australian junior drivers after Jaiden Pope’s brilliant run came to a premature end in the closing laps of the final. Pope led briefly with two laps remaining before an ambitious move by one of his fellow competitors caused a collision. Broc Feeney’s run in the final ended early.
In the Senior MAX class, Sydney teenager Cody Brewczynski was the hard charger moving his way from 36th position at the start of the final to cross the line 17th. He later received a 10-second post race penalty dropping him to 30th in the final standings.
Victorian Brad Jenner was 26th while Cameron Longmore missed the cut for the 36-kart final.
In the youngest category, Micro MAX, Victorian Harry Arnett’s run came to an early end on lap five with a deflating tyre.
35
F UL L T HROT T L E
CODY GILLIS - DD2 ROTAX WORLD GRAND FINAL WINNER When you started in the sport, did you ever think that
countries. I do think they may have been a bit frustrated and
you’d be at the top of the world like this?
even confused about how fast all the Australians actually were! My competitors in DD2 took my performance very
As a kid when I first started my biggest dream was to win a
well and were awesome to race against.
blue plate (state title) so to win on the world stage is just absolutely amazing. When I first started, I didn’t ever think
Team Australia seemed to have a great mix of drivers this
I would achieved anything close to being the best in the
time around. How important was that to the success the
world.
team achieved?
How did it feel when you crossed the line?
Team Australia was super competitive this year and we had an awesome bunch of drivers. This obviously was shown
The feeling when I crossed the line, words cannot describe,
in all the great results and the fact that we were able to
it was absolutely crazy, there was so many emotions inside
win the Nations Cup. This success was super important to
that I just couldn’t get out. It was a once in a lifetime feeling.
the Australian karting community as it not only shows that
Heading into the event, what were your expectations?
we can be competitive overseas but also that Australia has
After a decent 2016 Grand Finals in Senior Max and great
one of the most competitive series of racing in the world.
year in DD2 in Australia, we headed into the event with high, but realistic expectations. I had set myself a goal of a
How much of a challenge is it to rock up to a circuit in
top seven finish and believed that was achievable.
Europe, you have a chassis brand that you aren’t familiar with and in the lap the Gods when it comes to what engine
You were quite dominant come the final - was that a
you draw?
surprise? This is a massive challenge, but I guess everyone there is in Heading into the Final I knew I could win but I was definitely
the same boat. I believe there is so much luck involved but
nervous. In the heats, it is hard to tell because you are not
that is just how it is. You get to learn the track in the few
racing everyone at the same time, but after the Pre-Final I
hire kart sessions you do the day before which is pretty
knew we could be dominant, but everything would have to
cool. When it comes to the race chassis, all go karts are
go to plan. I just had to concentrate and drive the perfect
different in their own way but at the end of the day they
race and hope everything else came together.
are still a go-kart and that’s our job as a driver to adapt and
How did the internationals take to your performance and
get the most out of the gear we have. It really evens out
Team Australia in general this year?
the field and brings the best drivers to the front because
Team Australia is always strong at the Rotax Max Grand
there is no possible way of cheating.
Finals, so I don’t think it was a huge surprise to the other
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battle is to gain my position in Team Australia. It caps off what has been a fairly busy - but strong year with TWM - how important has that team environment
There must be a few people that have been
been towards achieving this success?
instrumental in your career to date and also in this particular win that you want to thank?
The year has been busy, but in my opinion a very successful year with TWM and a lot of the success comes
Obviously I have to thank my mum and dad for giving
down to our team environment. It is very easy to have a
me so many opportunities, if it wasn’t for them buying
good and successful weekend when you have positive
me my first go kart and keeping me racing for the
and great people around you. Also when you have your
past 11 years none of this would have been possible.
team-mates pushing you and supporting you it is a great
Another main person in my career and this win is
confidence booster. I believe that the team environment
Tom Williamson from TWM, the amount of effort and
has played a big part in all the success achieved by TWM,
dedication he puts into my racing I can’t thank him
not many teams can say they have walked away from a
enough and I definitely would not be in this position
race season with two winners at the Rotax Grand Finals!
without him. My sister Zoey and my nephew Olly for
I also believe the team environment of Team Australia in
supporting me and being at the track to cheer me on
Portugal helped with all the success that was achieved
whenever they can. DPE Kart Technology for all the
over there.
support and opportunities they have given me and also CC Racing also for all the support and effort they
Will you be back in DD2 next year looking to defend the
put in to make sure I have the best possible engine at
Title?
every meeting. Finally the whole TWM family for their belief and encouragement all year and all my friends,
At this point and time, yes I will be back in DD2 for the
family and the Australian karting community for all the
Rotax Pro Tour this year. But like I mentioned earlier,
support while I was overseas.
Australia has one of the most competitive series in the world, so I have to focus on the 2018 season and the first
37
F UL L T HROT T L E
TROY WOOLSTON
DD2 MASTERS ROTAX WORLD GRAND FINAL WINNER You’ve had a number of opportunities at the event tell us about your experience over the years. Yes, we’ve had a number of opportunities - six all together. The first time was in 2008 at La Conca, Italy in Senior Max racing alongside David Sera. We both did really well and qualified in the top 6 but things came unstuck for both of us during the pre-final. In the final, we both managed to battle our way back through the pack. I finished 9th. It was a week of mixed emotions, but this initial experience left me wanting more. Over the next four World finals, I competed in DD2. We did our best and learnt more and more each year, as too did our competitors. I could see things were getting more and more professional, making it more and more difficult. So it was a similar story of massive Troy, you are the World DD2 Masters champion! How does
highs and lows for those years in DD2. Often we were fast
it feel to win the World Finals and how did it feel when
but couldn’t find the speed in time for qualifying. So my
you crossed the line?
ninth back in 2008 had still been my best result until this
Absolutely incredible! It’s a dream come true. When I
year. I think what makes the Rotax Worlds special is that -
crossed the line in first, an entire rush of emotions came
unlike any other World event, you need to earn your spot -
over me. It all began to sink in on the roll down lap - we
earn your right to compete. And when you are surrounded
did it, we actually did it! All I could think was that I can’t
by nearly 400 other drivers from different countries, you
wait to get back to the pits to celebrate with the team. It
know each one of them has had to earn their spot too. So
was also an emotion of relief, that we’d finally done it. And
the competition is fierce but there is a mutual respect just
also because the win justifies all the effort and hard work
for being there.
that goes into our racing. It’s the best way to say thanks to Heading into the event, what were your expectations?
everyone that supports me.
And what was different this year that led to your success? The thing that made it really special was having most of
Honestly, I was going in full of confidence which really
my family there and so much Aussie support. The Aussie
helped me relax and enjoy the whole event more so
team spirit is second to none. So after I won and came into
than previous years. In my head, I was thinking; I’ve had
parc-ferme, I could see and hear all the Aussies yelling and
good preparation and had a successful season this year in
cheering from the grandstand. It didn’t take me long to run
Australia, I’m at the younger end of the Masters age limit
over there so I could celebrate with them. All I remember is
(33), I’ve raced at this track twice previously, and I’ve done
jumping up on a plastic seat in the first row, fists in the air,
this World Finals thing heaps of times before. So I guess it
and the grandstand erupting. The best feeling of my life so
all came together.
far. And I think it’s going to be tough to beat.
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KA RT I NG . NET. AU
What was different this year was our preparation. Early in
deep-braking turn one. In the first two years at Portimao,
the season, we joined up with Tom Williamson Motorsport.
out of all of the heat races (6), I made it around the first
With daily track walks and a new focus on my driving, I was
corner twice. Things are a lot better now, but it did help
thinking about karting in a different way. I had previously
qualifying near the front. The depth of experience in
used and analysed data, but Tom helped me take this to
Masters is impressive and some drivers have competed at
another level. Together with Joshua Fife and Cody Gillis,
the Worlds every year for a decade.
we would sit down and review data after most runs on the
However, off the track it was a totally different experience.
track. At the Worlds, sharing data was critical to our success.
Contrary to DD2, in Masters we would always chat to other
Each night, we would spend up to two hours analysing and
drivers on the grid and so it was fun getting to know all the
comparing data, trying to find an extra half-a-tenth. Each
other drivers. I would ask “So, what’s karting like in your
morning, each of us had two-to-three sections of the track
country?”.
to focus on. Team Australia seemed to have a great mix of drivers this Australia seems to excel in the Masters category having
time around. How important was that to the success the
won it two years in a row - what do you put that down to?
team achieved?
It was certainly a milestone when Lee Mitchener won
We tend to say this every year, but this year the team was
Masters in Italy last year. This was the first time Australia
certainly strong. It had some of the best drivers Australia
had won a Worlds whilst the event has been running in
has ever sent overseas. The competition in Australia
its current form and at the level of competition we see
is getting tougher and tougher and so it’s been a good
now. It’s clear that Australia has some of the best Masters
training ground to refine all the necessary skills to be
drivers in the World. Each year I’ve watched the class
competitive on a World level. This was clear based on the
increase from strength to strength. It’s certainly no longer
results the team achieved, with two World Title wins and
a class for retirees and has-beens. Apart from perhaps KZ2,
the junior drivers coming so close to taking out a couple of
there is no class in Australia with more depth of experience
victories in Junior Max and Mini Max also. The team spirit
amongst the field. We all put a lot of effort into our racing,
was high and there was a lot of support amongst the team.
and so it forces us to be the best we can be. And I think
Scott Howard also did a great job as captain this year.
because we all love our racing, we can justify the effort.
It was your first ‘Worlds’ as a Master - how did you find the competition to be different to your previous experiences? To be honest, it’s difficult to compare
to
previous
years
because this was the first year with push-back nose cones. This had a dramatic effect on the quality of the racing, especially at the Portimao circuit due to its long 135 km/hr straight into the
39
F UL L T HROT T L E
Will you be back in Masters next year looking to defend
no doubt that I wouldn’t have made it this far without both
the Title?
of you.
I’ll definitely be trying to defend my Title here in Australia. Next year is gearing up to be even more challenging than
A massive thanks to Clint Cathcart and Peter from CC Racing
last year. So I say, bring it on! In terms of the defending the
who have shown endless support throughout my racing
World Title - we’ll have to wait and see. As far I know, an
career. CC Racing have built my racing engines since I was
Aussie has never attempted to defend the Title before so
in my-mid teens (about 15 years) and there is hands-downs
the challenge definitely intrigues me. Based on how much
no-one better at it. Your knowledge, expertise, connections
fun we all had this year, I dare say it’s on the cards. But it
and all-round enthusiasm for karting is second-to-none,
will obviously depend on having a successful year here in
and it shows in everything you do because you guys are
Australia first. One challenge at a time...
the best at it. Thanks also to the wider CC Racing team who have always been our close racing family. Thanks for all
There must be a few people that have been instrumental
the good times in the pits and karting stories shared over
in your career to date and also in this particular win that
a million country pub dinners. We share a passion which
you want to thank?
makes it possible to deal with the tough times and amazing to share in the successes.
The first and most important person I want to thank is my father, who (and I’m getting emotional as I write this) if it
A big thanks to Tom from Tom Williamson Motorsport for
wasn’t for your love of motorsport and your willingness to
reinvigorating my racing this year. Funny to think how far
get involved in karting back when I was 11, I would never
we’ve both come - from knocking each other off the track
have sat in the fibreglass seat of a go kart. I’m even more
as juniors to sharing an Australian Title and now a World
thankful for your continued support (that includes you too
Title. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with you this year.
Mum) that has been unbelievable - the countless hours of
You are extremely knowledgeable and you have built a
time spent in travel and preparation. It took me a while
team that knows how to work together. Also, thanks to
growing up to appreciate what you were doing for me and
Cody Gillis and Josh Fife for working through hours and
the sacrifice you were making.
hours of data with me so that we can all find that little bit extra (hard work pays off). And thanks to everyone else
A special thanks to Peter Cathcart and Garry Arandt who
in the TWM team for being so welcoming and making my
have been mentors to me as I grew up around the race
racing this year such an enjoyable experience.
track. I grew up racing side-by-side with Garry’s son Josh Arandt who won an Australian Championship but
Thanks to Ian Black from IKD and the wider Rotax Pro
retired a few years later. Since then, Garry has been the
Tour team for organising such a successful karting series
most dedicated mechanic for me anyone could ask for.
in Australia and making racing such a joy for so many of
Garry - your calm nature always helps to keep the peace
us. If not for the Rotax Pro Tour, I may never have had the
and your enthusiasm for karting has helped me stay on
opportunity to race overseas, experience a World-class
track (figuratively speaking). And Peter - aside from your
event on such a massive scale and met so many amazing
extensive knowledge of all things go karts, you have
people who share the same passion for kart racing all over
always been full of support, positivity and humour -
the World.
making everyone’s lives at the track more enjoyable. I have
40
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F UL L T HROT T L E
FOSTER CRESTS PODIUM AT IAME FINAL Western Australian karting veteran Kip Foster has claimed another podium finish at the IAME International Final in France. Competing in the X30 Master Class at the LeMans circuit, Foster qualified seventh before claiming a pair of victories and a fourth in his heat races to secure a front row start for the pre-final. After an intense battle at the front of the field, Foster crossed the line in third place. In the final, Foster made a stunning start to manoeuvre his way to the front of the pack in the early running.
Following several lead changes, he would eventually cross the line third. All three Australians in the Senior X30 Class, that included 144 entries, were forced to contest the B Final with Queenslander Adam Mercer ranked as the best Australian after the heats in 48th. Justin Francis was 55th and after qualifying fifth fastest in qualifying, Matthew McLean was 65th following a difficult run during the heat races. Unfortunately Mercer’s race came to an end on the opening lap while Francis finished 12th and McLean 26th. In 133-driver Junior X30 field, Jay Hanson was 92nd after the heats before finishing 18th in the C final.
42
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KA RT I NG . NET. AU
NSW KART CHAMPIONSHIPS The three round New South Wales Kart Championship came to a conclusion at Picton under the auspices of the Wollongong Kart Club. Strong numbers populated the final round of the Title chase and a number of familiar names from Australian Kart Championship competitors were the big winners both for the round and the overall pointscore. Round 3 results KA3 Senior Medium 1. Matthew Waters 2. Jacque Isarin 3. Luke Wrigley KA4 Junior Heavy 1. Lachlan Mineeff 2. Noah Sands 3. Dylan Debono Cadet 12 1. Rhys Smith 2. Alex Ninovic 3. Costa Toparis TaG 125 Light 1. Pierce Lehane 2. Nicholas Becker 3. Toby Webb KA3 Junior 1. Jaiden Pope 2. Cody Burcher 3. Jackson Souslin-Harlow Cadet 9 1. Kamal Mrad 2. Ryan Tomsett 3. Lewis Cordato KA4 Junior Light 1. Zac Crichton 2. Zak Varley 3. Kent Fias-Ayon
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F UL L T HROT T L E
QLD KART CHAMPIONSHIP The second and final round of the Queensland Kart Championship took place in Mackay the first weekend in October. Originally, Mackay was scheduled to host round one until the floods and cyclones that struck many parts of Queensland earlier in the year intervened forcing organisers to reschedule.
Round 2 Results:
TaG 125 R Medium
2017 QUEENSLAND KART CHAMPIONS
KA3 Senior Medium
1. Zari Patrick
Cadet 9 – Lincoln Taylor
1. Robert Thorburn
2. Lachlan Palmer
Cadet 12 – Marcos Flack
2. Peter Hill
3. Dale McDonnell
KA4 Junior Light – Kurtis Tennant KA3 Junior – Taylah Agius
3. Denis Butler KA4 Junior Light
KA3 Senior Light – Joel Jamieson
Cadet 9
1. Ryan Newton
KA3 Senior Medium – Robert Thorburn
1. Lincoln Taylor
2. Kurtis Tennant
TaG 125 Light – Scott Sorensen
2. Max Walton
3. Jacinta Hoey
TaG 125 Heavy – Kris Walton Restricted 125 Light – Dylan Rudd
3. Max James KA3 Senior Light TaG 125 Light
1. Joel Jamieson
1. Scott Sorensen
2. Daniel Murrell
2. Banjamin Deissler
3. Jarrod Costello
Restricted 125 Heavy – Dale McDonnell
3. Joel Jamieson Cadet 12 KA3 Junior
1. Carter Mobbs
1. Harrison Hoey
2. Marcos Flack
2. Thomas Cooper
3. Max DeGuara
3. Taylah Agius TaG 125 Heavy TaG 125 R Light
1. Kris Walton
1. Dylan Rudd
2. Damian Ward
2. Rhian Ramsay
3. Gaven Whitmore
3. Leesa Jones
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KA RT I NG . NET. AU
WA KART CHAMPIONSHIP Albany played host to the WA Kart Championship in early October. Strong entries were recorded across all categories. Kip Foster added yet another Championship to his credit, while Courtney Gough added her name to the many strongly performing female competitors in Australian karting competition this year, winning Open Performance. Several names seen out on the national scene this year stood atop the podium, whilst some new names added themselves to the long list of Champions in the Golden West. KA3 Senior Light
KA3 Senior Medium
1. Samuel Dicker
1. Jason Betts
2. Keb Evans
2. Simon Gwilliam
3. Tayla Dicker
3. Terrence Flynn-Dowell
KA3 Junior
Cadet 9
1. Jacob de Cerqueira
1. Toby Maiolo
2. Ryan Bender
2. Lachlan Clee
3. Jake Sawyer
3. Zane Rhodes
WA Open Performance
TaG 125 Light
1. Courtney Gough
1. Kip Foster
2. Mitchell Perrella
2. Samuel Dicker
3. Blayke Wagner
3. Aaron Grossman
TaG 125 Heavy
KA3 Masters
1. Simon Gwilliam
1. Andrew Freeman
2. Ben Harders
2. Daniel Panizza
3. Lloyd Bilick
3. Richard Dekkers
Cadet 12
KA4 Junior Heavy
1. Luca Nici
1. Craig Spencer
2. Jett Demarte
2. Ryan Bender
3. Caleb Sumich
3. Jacob de Cerqueira
KA4 Junior Light
KA3 Senior Heavy
1. Max McRae
1. Jake Burton
2. Mason Harvey
2. Dion Hounsfield
3. Craig Spencer
3. Bradley Fitch
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TASMANIAN KARTERS TAKE ON SMITHTON The final Championship of season 2017 took place in Smithton in Tasmania. The event featured many of the local heroes, but also raiders from Victoria and New South Wales seeking the last major trophy of the year - and several of those were successful in achieving that feat 2017 Tasmanian Kart Champions:
Cadet 9
TaG 125 Light
1. Lewis Francis
1. Alastair Lee
2. Cameron Jeffrey
2. Dean Foster
3. Rhys Jeffrey
3. Bradley Hobden
Cadet 12
TaG 125 Heavy
1. Brodie Thomson
1. Mitchel Evans
2. Toby Callow
2. Zane Wyatt
3. Cadel Ambrose
3. Ben Walter
KA4 Junior Light 1. Jay Hanson 2. Rhys Smith 3. Kobi Williams
KA3 Senior Medium 1. Benito Montalbano 2. Jorden Distill 3. Jackson Callow
Restricted 125 Light 1. Harry Ward 2. Brodie Sward 3. Justin Duncombe
Restricted 125 Medium 1. Scott Hildyard 2. Shane Stonehouse 3. Troy Sheahen
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TIPS ON HOW TO GO KARTING Karting Australia has produced a catalogue of videos hosted by seven-time Australian Karting Champion Troy Hunt that makes your entry to the sport easier.
LEAD WEIGHT Each category of Australian karting has a minimum driver and kart weight that has to be adhered to following each session. Some drivers - due to their body constitution - are going to be lighter than the prescribed weight for their category and will need lead weights to boost the kart above the minimum weight requirement. Where you mount the weights is vitally important to the handling of your kart. The best place to mount the lead weight is under your crutch and that should be the first place you consider placing weight if you need it. The next best place to add weight is the brake side of the seat and should you require even more, place it at the rear of the kart. Weight placement is important to try and achieve a 60/40 split - what that means is you are aiming to have 60% of the weight (including driver) over the rear of the kart and the remaining 40% towards the front. By moving the lead around - you can achieve this weight difference. Make sure your lead weight is attached securely with a high tensile bolt and complies with Karting Australia regulations. For more videos with multiple Australian Champion and former international front runner, Troy Hunt, head to www.karting.net.au.
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KA RT I NG . NET. AU
KA1 ENGINE - VORTEX DVS SV UPGRADE EXPLAINED 2 0 1 8 w i l l se e an upgrade d Vo rtex En gin e Package u s h ered into th e KA 1 Au s t ra l i a n Kart C hampionship catego ry. Pau l Feen ey s p o ke with Fu ll Th rottl e a b o u t t h e re asoning and proce s s fo r th e u p grad e. FT: What are the major changes to the physical engine?
FT: There is a special upgrade for KA2 Juniors that are looking to move into KA1 Senior as well?
PF: Vortex have removed the power valve, this gives the engine a better ‘bottom end’, it is not anticipated to change
PF: That is correct - the Junior upgrade will be $1290 and
the top end speed, but will produce faster lap times all
that is available to the first 10 KA2 engine owners that
around. It will be easier to tune as well, making it a better
commit to the 2018 KA1 Senior Series. The cost is around
package all around.
half that of what the package would be at retail - which PFG is absorbing. The Junior upgrade to DVS SV specification
FT: How do existing engine owners access the upgrades?
includes:
PF: PFG is absorbing the upgrade costs for every current
•
New Cylinder
Vortex DVS motor in KA1 Senior specification that is in the
•
New Cylinder Head
market. The parts the upgrade include are as follows:
•
Complete Piston and Ring
•
Spacer exhaust manifold (20mm)
•
New Cylinder
•
Ignition coil (16,000 RPM)
•
New Cylinder Head
•
DVS Senior Exhaust
•
Complete Piston and Ring
•
Spacer exhaust manifold (20mm)
FT: How has the DVS SV proved in Testing?
PFG will supply these parts to existing engine owners free
PF: Vortex’s test driver Mitch Vigano has been working
of charge upon return of the corresponding parts they have
vigorously with the factory to ensure the package is
installed in the older specification engine
right. Broc Feeney got behind the wheel when we were in Italy recently and concurred with Mitch that the engine responds far better than the previous version, it is faster, more consistent - and most importantly - more fun!
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We’re excited by what lies ahead with it and what it can
class significantly in many aspects.
deliver to the KA1 category. The DVS did have its issues but rest assured Vortex have responded and we have been
We’re hoping for a record turnout this year in KA1. With the
working closely with them to ensure this time it is right.
new engine and prize pool, we think this will help create an
FT: Aside from the upgrades, brand new Vortex DVS
extremely exciting Championship.
SV motors will be available also - when can karters get their hands on either a brand new motor or the upgrade
FT: How do competitors secure their free upgrade package,
package?
their Junior upgrade or brand new DVS SV and have questions addressed?
PF: Yes, new, out of the box DVS SV motors will be available. We’re expecting the first shipment by the
PF: They can call me directly on 0418 764 994 or email
middle of December of both motors and upgrades. It gives
pfeeney@pfginfo.com.au. If engine owners want to start
competitors ample time to send the parts to us and fit the
sending their parts (as per the list above), they will be at the
upgrades before the first round at the end of February.
head of the queue when the packages become available. We’ll also have opportunities for drivers to test the new engines,
It is an easy transition and one we think will bolster the
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they will be by appointment on limited occasions.
! s e g a l l a r o f g n Raci www.karting.net.au