Championship Chase Heats Up This Weekendpress release With two rounds remaining in the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE, the championship chase will heat up in Newcastle, NSW this weekend. The battle among the Pro drivers to have their names on the James Courtney, John Pizarro and Jon Targett perpetual trophies, awarded to the three champions, is tighter than ever before. These drivers are vying for the right to have their names alongside the likes of dual V8 Supercar Champion Jamie Whincup and fellow V8 Stars such as Mark Winterbottom, Michael Caruso and Tim Slade. With the retirement from karting of Newcastle drivers Simon Roberts and Hayden McBride at the end of last year’s series, it means that none of the Pro drivers will have a home track advantage at this weekend’s event. “The Newcastle track will be a good leveler as no-one will have any sort of a home track advantage,” said Kel Treseder (right, AF Images) , who currently sits one point out of the lead in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) points score. “It’s extremely tight at the top of the standings, there are seven drivers within 26 points going into this weekend. I had a good run there last year on debut (Treseder finished second), so hopefully I can get another podium and keep my championship dream alive.” In the corresponding event last year Cian Fothergill was unstoppable on debut to dominate proceedings in the Pro Light (KF1) category. With the reigning champion currently 31 points behind series leader in the standings the Tracksa-backed racer has got his sights set on maximum points in both of the remaining two rounds. “I’m 31 points behind but there’s still four points races up for grabs so my goal is to win every final which will give us the best opportunity to retain the championship,” said Fothergill. If successful in claiming back-to-back crowns, Fothergill will be only the second driver in series history to claim successive Pro Light championships. Out to stop Fothergill will be JAM Racing’s Jake Spencer, who currently leads the series, and his team-mates Adam Hughes and George Geranis. Others to watch in the highly competitive Pro Light category include Aidan Wright, who is fresh from a strong showing in the World Under 18 Championship, his Tony Kart team-mates Joel and Grant Smith and the Tesa Tape pair of Daniel Baker and Matthew Waters. With Pierce Lehane and Joseph Mawson only separated by 30 points at the top of the standings in Pro Junior (KF3), their rivalry is set to resume in Newcastle. The pair have been the standout junior drivers over the past 12 months, however, the likes of round two winner Jake Klarich, Joseph Burton-Harris, Cameron Hill and Jake Coleman have certainly closed the gap on the leading duo. Also being contested at the weekend is the fourth event in the Yamaha Challenge where drivers compete in the Clubman and Junior National categories. Cairns driver Lydon Dodge holds a commanding lead at the top of the Clubman standings and looks set to secure the trip to the All Japan Yamaha Championships later this year as champion. However, the champion in the Junior National ranks is far from being decided. Toukley’s Liam Ferry will fly the flag for the local drivers in the Clubman category while Maryland’s Damon Schofield and Wyong brothers Reagan and Kyle Angel will line up in the Junior National category. The Hunter Valley will also be represented in the Rookies category, for drivers between 10 and 12 years of age, with Matcham’s Drew Ridge and Fennel Bay youngster Sam Hadley suiting up to compete in this weekend’s event. Practice begins on Friday ahead of qualifying and the heat races on Saturday from 9am. The finals will be contested from 9am on Sunday. The Mount Sugarloaf Karting circuit, home of the Newcastle Kart Club, is located on the corner of George Booth Drive and Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park (just west of Newcastle). To view the full the full championship points please click here. 2011 CIK STARS OF KARTING SERIES presented by Castrol EDGE Round 4 Entry List Pro Light (KF1) – 21 entries Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – 26 entries Pro Junior (KF3) – 19 entries YAMAHA CHALLENGE Junior National – 19 entries Rookies – 9 entries |
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