GVKC Championship Series - Rnd 1

from Michael Scott

Perfect weather conditions greeted racers for the first round of the 2008 GVKC Championship Series on the weekend. Recent rain had cleaned the track surface leaving karters searching for grip on the testing Numurkah Raceway.

Most encouraging was the swell in grid numbers of Midgets, Rookies and Junior National classes, indicating resurgence in the junior ranks of the sport. These young drivers are taking the opportunity to learn their driving craft long before they need these skills on public roads. In all, 39 karters filled 9 classes, with Midgets and Clubman proving the most popular.

Above: Part of the Leopard field

The senior clubman classes were separated into light and heavy. A number of visitors joined the GVKC regulars, including reigning Australasian Kart Champion Mitch McLeod (Rochester). Mitch proceeded to stamp his authority on the event winning all races including the final. A DNF each for locals, Tim Keech and Michael Scott, opened the door for Matthew Carr (Rochester) to take second overall with Michael Scott recovering to take third on the day.

Clubman heavy was missing last year’s championship contender, Mason Baldi, due to a broken leg from a motorbike accident.  Ironically, the plaster was due to come off the following Monday. Peter Cocca (GVKC) made the most of his opportunities, including early heat DNFs by Matt Chambers (Albury/Wodonga) and James Reynolds (Albury/Wodonga). Consistent running had Bayden Spence (GVKC) and Martin Allan (GKCV) fill the podium spots.

Above: Peter Cocca, Clubman Heavy

A swarm of 8 Midgets, aged 7 to 10 years, took to the track with a vengeance. The grid included 4 new racers driving on P plates trying to qualify for their full race licences. It was the experienced drivers who moved to the pointy end of the field through the course of the heats and finals. The Boys brothers challenged each other all day with Jordan Boys (Albury/Wodonga) eventually winning the day from Cameron Boys (Albury/Wodonga) and Tom Hughes (Rochester).

Above: Jack Bentley, Rookies.

The Rookies class racing was a battle of the P Platers, William McBurnie (GVKC) and Jack Bentley  (GVKC), behind the experience of Zachary Phillips. Junior National light had Zachary McHugh (GVKC) open his championship account with a win, backing up his runner up place in 2007. Aimee Sloan (GVKC) and Mitch Anderson filled the podium, while Thomas Allen flew the heavy flag mixing it up with his lighter opponents.

Gayle Dikkenberg (GVKC) started her Leopard light title defence in fine form, but was shown the way by a fast finishing Daryl Buck (GVKC), Allan Stack(Rochester) kept close company through-out the day to collect third outright. Robbie Knowles(GVKC) debuted in Leopard Heavy with a new machine and had enough to hold out veteran Mick Dikkenberg (GVKC).

Above: Robbie Knowles, Leopard Heavy

Round 2 of the 2008 GVKC Championship Series will be held Saturday 26th April. This will provide the opportunity for tuning prior to the GVKC Cup to be held the following weekend, 3rd/4th May. This will attract an additional group of NSW and Victorian drivers who are sure to mix it with the current Championship contenders, making for some thrilling racing and interesting results.

Above: Zachary Phillips, Rookies.

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