Simpson Aiming For Hometown Glory

AKA press release

When Scott Simpson takes to the Whyalla circuit in the South Australian Karting Championships this weekend he will be driven by much more than just the desire to win a State Title.

Simpson, 25, grew up in Whyalla and spent much of his youth at the Mt Young Raceway watching his parents (Robert and Becky) along with his Aunty and Uncle race while his Grandparents assisted to run the meetings.

Above: Whyalla-born Scott Simpson is the current Australian Clubman Super Heavy Champion

It was during these years when a young Simpson's passion for racing began to evolve.

"I remember as a young kid watching Mum and Dad race while my Grandparents were running around as the grid marshall, starter and working in the canteen," said Simpson, who will compete in the Clubman Super Heavy category this weekend.

"One of my most vivid memories of the Whyalla track is watching Russell Ingall race. I saw him race when he was at the top of his game in karting around Whyalla and have been a huge fan of his ever since."

After his family moved to Mackay in the mid 90s, Simpson's wish of starting his karting career came true at the age of 12.

Since his debut in 1995 Simpson's list of achievements has continually grown to include four National and an impressive 11 State Championships. However, he is yet to race on the circuit that his family calls home - Whyalla.

"Whyalla is our home town, we come back there every now and again but I've never had the opportunity to race there so I can't wait to get on the track this weekend," said Simpson.

"When my Grandfather passed away I remember watching a memorial race which the club held for him, I just wanted to be out there in his honour.

"While any championship is good to win, if I'm successful this weekend it will mean a lot more than just a trophy and a blue number plate (awarded to the winner of a state championship)."

Simpson will be joined by over 150 of his fellow karting competitors across at the Event as they contest 12 categories in the championships.

Drivers from as young as seven and as experienced as 50 years old will be vying for championship honours across the weekend.

The youngest drivers, in the Midgets category aged between 7 and 10 years, will reach speeds of up to 70 km/h around the 508-metre circuit. While karting for these kids is more about fun than winning championships the sport teaches them, both boys and girls, about car control long before they are able to obtain their road licence.

This will be the first time that the state championships have been held in the region since 2002.

The Event has been well supported by the local community with a number of local businesses sponsoring or donating their time and equipment at the championships.

Qualifying and heat races will be held on Saturday November 29 followed by the Championship Finals on Sunday November 30.

2008 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN STATE KARTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Event Sponsors
Whyalla Tandem & Tipper
Martelco Hite
HWE Mining
Kustom Karts
Liberty Oil
Boral
Westlands Hotel
Whyalla Concrete Pumping
Bikes N Gear
McLeods Motor Company
Whyalla Economic Development Board
Alliance One Credit Union
The Jagt Muffler Shop
Brock Harcourt Realestate
Australian Cartridge Company
Events Whyalla
Discovery Holiday Parks Whyalla Foreshore
Crown Island Developments
Adelaide Fibre Dry cleaners
Bob's Home Hardware
Aquest Electrical
Cavpower
Drew Price Engineering
Yamaha Motor Sports
Dunlop Tyres
Coffee N Cookies
AKA South Australia.

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