Preview: NZ Rotax MAX Challenge, Round 3

press release

Te Puke's Fagan's Valley Raceway hosts the third round of this year's Right Karts Kartstars Rotax Max Challenge series this weekend with Daniel Kinsman, Aarron Cunningham and Scott Manson heading the points standings in their respective classes.

aaron cunningham
Above: Aarron Cunningham leads the points in Rotax Max Heavy
pic - Fast Company/Greg Henderson

In the premier Motorex Rotax Max Light class young gun Daniel Kinsman from Auckland has taken an early lead after class winner at the opening round in Palmerston North in February, Cambridge's Andy Schofield, could only manage a fifth place finish in the Final at the second round in Tokoroa two weeks ago.

Kinsman's older brother Mathew was quick to step into Schofield's shoes at Tokoroa and now lies second in the series points standings after a fifth place finish at the opening round and a second behind his brother at Tokoroa.

The return of Gold Coast-based Kiwi-born driver Lane Moore, meanwhile, will add interest to the Strata Networks Rotax Max Heavy class, currently being led by Auckland's Aarron Cunningham.


Above: Rotax Max Light class winner and series points leader Daniel Kinsman
pic - Fast Company/Greg Henderson

The consistent Cunningham finished second to Moore in the Heavy Final at the opening series round in Palmerston North, then third behind close rivals Steve Currie and Shane Hodgson at Tokoroa but heads to Te Puke in front in the points standings by seven points.

Moore couldn't make it across the Tasman to contest the Tokoroa round but can this weekend, meaning it will be a four-way fight for positions as much as points in the Heavy class.

Scott Manson has an easier row to hoe in Arai Formula Junior, having won his class at both previous Rotax Max Challenge rounds. Though even he has to be careful with the likes of Rhys Tinney, Shaun Grocock, Reid Harker and James Munro snapping at his heels. 

There will be action at the Te Puke track both day's this weekend, with Time Trials and Heats on Saturday and the final Heats, Pre-Finals (the race which determines the grid for the Final) and Finals on Sunday.

The weekend's round is the third of six with a break after it until the end of July when KartSport Auckland hosts the fourth round at its Moselle Panel & Paint Raceway over the July 30/31 weekend.

Right Karts Kartstars 2011 Rotax Max Challenge of New Zealand

Motorex Rotax Max Light
Points after Rnd 2 of 6
1. Daniel Kinsman 174; 2. Mathew Kinsman 163; 3. Kane Taylor 154; 4. Mason Armstrong 152; 5. Andy Schofield 150; 6. Ryan Urban 144.

Strata Networks Rotax Max Heavy
 Points after Rnd 2 of 6
1. Aarron Cunningham 168; 2. Shane Hodgson 161; 3. Scott Fountain 155; 4. Steven Currie 154; 5. Arryn Hill 152; 6. Brendon Hart 146.

Arai Helmets Formula Junior 
Points after Rnd 2 of 6
1. Scott Manson 166; 2. Rhys Tinney 164; 3. Shaun Grocock 159; 4. Reid Harker 158; 5. Josh Drysdale 156; 6. Maddison Wise 156

CALENDAR
Rnd 1 Feb 19 Manawatu Toyota Raceway Palmerston North
Rnd 2 March 12/13 Pinex Raceway Tokoroa
Rnd 3 March 26/27 Fagan's Valley Raceway Te Puke
Rnd 4 July 30/31 Moselle Panel & Paint Raceway Auckland
Rnd 5 August 27/28 KartSport Hamilton Raceway Hamilton  
Rnd 6 September 24/25 KartSport Rotorua Raceway Mamaku

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