Aurisch Takes Australian Speedway Karting Championship

press release

Heading into the 2008 Australian Speedway Kart Championship over the weekend at Mildura’s Olympic Park Speedway in Victoria, John Aurisch didn’t have any lofty expectations. But to say that he was surprised when he walked away with victory in the final of the Outlaws class would be a huge understatement.

When Aurisch claimed his very first Australian Speedway Kart Championship at his very first attempt one could imagine that he was over the moon, especially considering it was only a last minute decision to compete. “To come away with a victory in my first Australian Championship is certainly something I wasn’t expecting and I think it’s going to be a while before I come down from cloud nine,” expressed Aurisch.

“I was only going down as pit crew, but a week before the nominations closed I was asked if I wanted to compete as there was a spare spot in Tony and Diana Harrison’s trailer, so I thought about it, and said why not, and I’m now so glad that I did.”

For Aurisch his Australian Championship victory was not easily achieved, as he had to fight for it well and truly. After starting the final from position five Aurisch was able to lay it all on the line on the opening lap and move into second place and a lap later took control of the lead.

Throughout the 15-lap final Aurisch paced the field up until the penultimate lap when another competitor made a desperate move for the lead that resulted in contact and Aurisch being sent into the wall. Officials deemed that Aurisch was unfairly taken out in the incident and was put back into the lead, while the offending driver was ordered to the rear of the field.

For the two lap sprint to the finish, Aurisch headed the field and ended up pulling away from his rivals and scored an upset Australian Championship victory. “The key to my Australian Title victory was my daring move around the outside on the opening lap, as everyone had dropped to the double line, and I thought I may as try it now, as I can only go forward, and it paid off,” explained Aurisch.

“It was close there in the end, and I thought after my contact from behind my Titles hopes were dashed, but thankfully the official’s decisions went in my favour.”

Aurisch started from position six in the final after finishing his four heat races in second, sixth, second and seventh respectively.

The next event for Aurisch is the Australian Grand Prix at Gatton Speedway in QLD on Saturday, April 19.

Aurisch would like to say a special thanks to the Sunrasiya Kart Club for the running of the Australian Title, his family wife Vicki and children Gavin and Connar, along with Tony, Diana, Anthony, Shaun, Phillip, and Luke. In 2008 Aurisch is proudly supported by Ben from DKS Race Engines and Keats Racing. 

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