Karters Set To Take Over Top End

AKA press release

Over 100 kart racers from all across the country are set to take over the ‘Top End’ when they roll into Darwin to contest the Northern Territory Sprint Kart Championships which will be held at the Hidden Valley Karting complex next weekend (June 28/29).

Drivers from all states of the mainland will converge on the venue for what is expected to be the largest karting event in many years held in the Northern Territory.

A total 49 entries have been received for next weekend’s event across the five categories for drivers aged under 16, including Jake Dixon from Victoria and Joshua Buggy from New South Wales. This pair finished one-two in the Victorian Championship earlier this year while racing at speeds up to 100 km/h, what’s even more impressive is that they are both under 10 years of age!

Above: Dixon (89) and Buggy side-by-side at the Victorian Championships
pic - photowagon.com.au

In the senior ranks local driver Wendy O’Dowd will enter the event with some extra pressure as the defending champion in the 125cc Rotax Light division. She will line up against some of the best drivers in the country including the Gold Coast’s Damien Ward and New South Wales driver Tom Williamson, along with her father, David – who finished second in last year’s event.

Above: Wendy O'Dowd will be out to defend her Rotax Light title

Proving the sport of karting isn’t just something for the boys is the fact that O’Dowd will be joined by seven other girls from various parts of the country at next weekend’s event.

The largest field of the titles will be the 100cc Clubman Light category where 19 drivers will line up to battle for the overall honours. Included in the field is defending champion Nicholas Karavas from South Australia, two-time winner Jayme Light, Queensland hotshot Lydon Dodge and local drivers Chris Gatt, Royce Nott and Brodie Morris.

“This year’s championships will be the largest state title that we have seen in the Territory,” said Darwin Karting Association’s Kerry Berry.

“It is great to see people come from all across the country for our event, we pride ourselves on putting on a good show and making sure everyone has a good time. We value the social part of the sport as much as the competitive part, for us all about family fun!”

Practice for the event will be held on Thursday and Friday prior to qualifying on Saturday morning. Heat races will be run on Saturday afternoon with the pre-finals and finals to be contested on Sunday afternoon.

A full entry list can be found by clicking HERE.

Above: The kids say karting in Darwin is all about fun!
Pic: Paul Carruthers

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