Full throttle - December 2017

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

KA RT I NG . NET. AU

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

5

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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.

7

F UL L T HROT T L E

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.

9

F UL L T HROT T L E

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.

“I REMEMBER BEING 11 YEARS OLD WITH A CASTROL STICKER ON MY GO-KART. THEY WERE A SUPPORTER OF MY KARTING TEAM AND THEY’RE NOW A PARTNER OF MY SUPERCARS TEAM. THEY’VE SUPPORTED THE GRASSROOTS FOR A LONG TIME... THIS IS WHERE THE FUTURE GUYS AND GIRLS COME FROM.” MARK WINTERBOTTOM, SUPERCARS CHAMPION AND BATHURST 1000 WINNER

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.

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CastrolRacingAU

castroledge.com.au

@CastrolRacingAU

CastrolRacingAU

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

14

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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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F UL L T HROT T L E

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.

20

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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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KA RT I NG . NET. AU

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.

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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

31

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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KA RT I NG . NET. AU

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

Todd Road

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9 - 11 MAR ROUND 2

4-6 MAY ROUND 3

22 - 24 JUN ROUND 4

10 - 12 AUG ROUND 5

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14 - 16 SEPT

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ROUND 6

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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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F UL L T HROT T L E

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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KA RT I NG . NET. AU

53

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THE FUTURE OF AUSTRALIAN KARTING

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F UL L T HROT T L E

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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www.karting.net.au

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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F UL L T HROT T L E

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