McLaughlin Eyes Major New Zealand Karting Win

press release

Britek Motorsport Scholarship karter Scott McLaughlin heads to the final of New Zealand Junior Rotax Challenge full of confidence following a strong month of results at home in Australia.

15-year-old McLaughlin scored his third-straight Junior Clubman victory at the City of Melbourne titles and then back that up with victory in one of Australia's most prestigious junior karting events, the Junior Sprint Classic, at the Seymour International Raceway in Puckapunyal, Victoria.

The results brought the curtain down on junior competition for the Gold Coast racer in Australia, who will step-up to the senior ranks in 2009.

Both of those victories came under the guidance of renowned kart preparation specialist and race engineer Robbie Morton.

“It was awesome an awesome way to conclude my junior competition in Australia,” said McLaughlin.

“To win the City of Melbourne title for the third-straight years and then to back it up with the Champion of Champions race is unbelievable. What a way to leave juniors!

“My mechanic Robbie Morton from Brisk Spark Plugs set up my Arrow chassis perfectly at both events allowing me to concentrate on my job which definitely made it easier.

“I have had great support from my sponsors Steggles Chicken, the Britek Motorsport Scholarship, Robbie Morton, Anthony Bartolla of J&A and Phil Flynn throughout the entire year.

For the NZ Junior Rotax Final on October 5 in Auckland, the Gold Coast racer will use the all-new Arrow Red XE 28, prepared by Tony Chambers from Right Karts.


Above: McLaughlin is turning his back on the junior ranks
pics by Ash Budd, photowagon.com.au

One of the big challenges is the lighter minimum weight limit that is part of the NZ series. New Zealand-born McLaughlin has been tipping the scales 13-kilograms over the minimum weight limit.

“I have had to work with the lighter weight limit all year, but we have been able to remain competitive,” said McLaughlin.

“We won the previous NZ round in Hamilton, but it has been more about my recent form in the Junior Clubman ranks in Australia that has me feeling confident going to the Auckland Final.

“If I can win the NZ Junior Rotax title I will get to race at the world final in Italy. Ironically that event runs a minimum weight limit five-kilogram heavier than in NZ.

“As well as running the Rotax category in NZ, I have had selected outings in Australia as well. That has been of great benefit heading to the Auckland race.

“I have also been calling on the guidance of V8 star Jason Bright who has been extremely supportive. He has been able to provide plenty of advice on how to approach the big races like this in Auckland.

“The competition in the category has been very tough all year. There are a group of very good drivers all competing for the same prize so I know I have a big challenge in front of me.

“If I can keep it smooth and put in a good qualifying round I am hoping it will all come together. I have the support of Ryan Tony and Gavin from Right karts as well as my mate and Mechanic Robbie Morton will be with me in NZ as well.”

McLaughlin heads Tom Blomquist (the son of 1984 World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist) and Daniel Kinsman in the standings going to the Auckland Final on 5 October.

The World Rotax Challenge will be held at the La Conca circuit in Italy over the last weekend of November. The 2008 event will see 216 drivers that qualified via national as well as international race series – means it will be a "battle" amongst the best of the world – coming from more than 55 nations of all 5 continents.

The Britek Motorsport Scholarship is an initiative designed to provide aspiring youngsters with a career staircase from karting through Formula Ford. As well as supporting McLaughlin, the Britek Motorsport Scholarship supports Queensland brothers Justin and Nathan Garioch along with Minda Motorsport’s Martin Swindells and Ben Walter in the Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship.

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