Karters To Hunt for Easter Treats In Gladstone

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AKA press

Kart racers from various parts of the country will converge on the Gladstone region next month for the 2012 KTEQ Rentals Queensland State Karting Championships over Easter (April 6-8).

More than 250 competitors, across 15 categories, will assemble for the championships with the youngest drivers, aged between 7 and 11 years, competing in the Cadets category.

Above: Local drivers Jack Bussey and Josh Rogers are both expected to figure prominently in the Rookies category at next month's KTEQ Rentals Queensland State Karting Championships
pic - AF Images

While they are focused on winning at the championships, the most important aspect of the sport for these youngsters is fun and enjoyment while learning a lot about car control and driving technique well before they are old enough to obtain their road licence.

At the recent Victorian State Championships it was the son of five-time MotoGP World Champion, Jack Doohan, who made his championship debut in karting. Continuing the theme of second-generation racers making their mark on the karting scene will be young Oliver Bayliss, son of three-time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss, who will be making his championship karting debut in Gladstone.

At the other end of the scale are the competitors in the Clubman Over 40s category where, as the name suggests, the drivers are all more experienced in life and over 40 years of age.

The largest field to assemble will be in the Junior National Light category with 31 entries. Recent winner at the Victorian Championships, James Abela (Sydney, NSW), will start as one of the favourites as he aims to take his second state crown of the year. Drivers expected to challenge Abela for the victory include Jordan Boys (Albury, NSW) Bryce Fullwood (Darwin, NT), Liam McLellan (Melbourne, Vic), Jayden Ojeda (Sydney, NSW), Zac Soutar (Geelong, Vic) and Damon Strongman (Melbourne, Vic).

Of the local drivers, the five competitors will be lining up in the Rookies category – Sam Battye, Jack Bussey, Nicholas Butler, Joel Curd and Josh Rogers – are all expected to fight hard near the front of the field.

It is the first time in a number of years that the Gladstone Kart Club has hosted the blue ribbon event. Queensland President Tom Kenneally believes next month’s event will be enjoyed by everyone who attends thanks to the dedication and hard work of the members in the Gladstone club.

“Having hosted a number of major karting events previously, the Gladstone Club is well versed in putting on a huge event and the club’s committee and members have been working tirelessly over the past few months to ensure that the event will be a success,” said Kenneally.

“It’s pleasing to see more than 250 entries received for the championships with people coming from as far away as Perth and Darwin coming to compete.

“The sport offers you much more than just a chance to race a go-kart, it provides you with a lifestyle for you and your family. You meet so many great people from all across the country, it’s not just about who wins or loses on the track.”

Practice for the championships will begin on Wednesday April 4 ahead of qualifying on Friday April 6. The racing will continue over the Easter weekend with the championships culminating with the finals on Sunday April 8.

• A complete list of entries for individual classes can be found by clicking here.

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