Yamaha Ups The Ante For Junior Challenge Drivers
Tweetpress release
New Junior National format for remaining rounds
Organisers of the 2012 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE have announced a revised format for the Junior National category in the Yamaha Challenge for the remaining four rounds.
Over the past two years the Junior National category (right, AF Images pic) has competed at a ‘combined’ minimum weight, but following feedback from drivers, teams and host clubs a new format has been devised for the remainder of the year.
As of the Newcastle round, to be held on April 21/22, there will be two weight divisions, Light (120kg) and Heavy (140kg), competing on the circuit at the same time with grid positions decided on qualifying times. However, at the end of the weekend there will be a presentation for both the Light and Heavy categories.
Adding further interest in the Junior National category is the fact that there is now a trip to Japan to compete in the All Japan Yamaha SL Final on offer for the youngsters. However, unlike the Clubman category – where the trip will go to the winner of the Challenge – the junior winner will come from a random draw.
All drivers who compete in three of the four rounds will receive one entry into the draw, while any driver who competes in all four rounds will receive two entries into the draw.
With the CIK Stars of Karting Series continually looking at ways to improve the karting ‘experience’ for competitors, the Junior National category will not form part of the Friday practice day. Drivers will instead have two warm-up sessions on the Saturday morning ahead of qualifying and three heat races. Sunday’s format will remain unchanged. As a result, there will also be a reduced entry fee for Junior National category.
“As a series, we’re always looking at ways to further improve the experience for our competitors and the inclusion of the Junior National Light and Heavy category is another example of this,” said Series Representative Lee Hanatschek.
“The trip to Japan, thanks to Yamaha Motor Australia, is a huge incentive for these youngsters to come and be a part of Australia’s elite series – and they don’t have to take time off school to race.”
With the revised prizepool for the Yamaha Challenge added to the $40,000 in prizes across the three Pro categories along with the KF engine and IAME Leopard engine in the Australian Leopard Challenge – there is now more than $100,000 in prizes up for grabs in Australia’s elite karting series.
The next round of the 2012 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE will be contested at Newcastle’s Mount Sugarloaf circuit on April 21/22.
