Rotax Nationals: A Nail-biting End to Rankings Season
Tweetpress release
With the Rotax Nationals just days away, attention now turns to the completion of the 2011/2012 Rotax rankings season with National titles on the line and in addition the determination of Team Australia for the Rotax World Finals who will travel to Portugal in November.
Since the last round of the Rotax Pro Tour at Warwick in Queensland, focus has been firmly set on National Championships and the glory of receiving Australian wide recognition in the respective categories.
The consistency from Victorian Daniel Rochford throughout the Pro Tour season has the R.J. Garage Doors Kosmic driver in a firm position to maintain his lead in the rankings for Rotax Light.
Above: Daniel Rochford will be hoping to secure a ticket to Portugal and a National Title
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IKD
“I’m really excited to be leading the Rotax rankings heading into the final scoring round, I’ve had a successful year in the category, finishing on the podium in all the events I have contested including victory at the Victorian Open State Championships, therefore a win this weekend would be very special however the level of competition is World class so it won’t be easy,” said Rochford.
Sydney siders Pierce Lehane and Joseph Mawson have taken it up to the more experienced seniors in the category in fine style holding down 2nd and 3rd in the rankings respectively, while Victorian Brad Jenner and Queensland’s Tyler Greenbury are sure to be ones to watch.
David Sera’s return to Karting at the Dubbo Nationals has many of the Rotax Light drivers ensuring their setups are supreme with Sera looking to take his 6th Rotax Light National title in a row.
Troy Woolston has secured his place at the World Finals as the leading Rotax Heavy driver for the rankings season, and subsequently attending in the DD2 class. Retaining the National title he claimed in Geelong in 2011 is another task Woolston is chasing fiercely heading into Warwick.
Above: Having already secured a spot at the World Final with 'Team Australia', Troy Woolston will be focused on retaining the Rotax Heavy National Title
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IKD
The Intrepid driver’s clean sweep of round victories in Rotax Heavy was interrupted at Warwick, with fellow Victorian Aaron Rintoul taking the win. Rintoul is sure to again challenge Woolston at the front of the field at Dubbo; however the entries of Lee Mitchener and Matthew Wall will keep Woolston looking over his shoulder of yet more contenders in the race. Pro Tour regulars William Yarwood, Adam Hunter, Paul Rodgers and Brendan Nelson are all sure to feature prominently, setting up a fascinating race at the front of the field.
FA Kart’s Thomas Randle will return from the Super 1 Series in England having run in the top 5 in Junior Max and make his way directly to Dubbo for the Rotax Nationals. Randle’s strong performances throughout the year have him leading the Junior Max rankings just ahead of English born Exprit driver Joseph Burton-Harris, the two are sure to again run amongst the front drivers in Dubbo.
The battle for the final placing in the junior team in Portugal will come down to the wire, with very little separating Andrew Kahl, Liam McLellan, James Golding and Jordan Boys, their qualifying results on Saturday will be crucial in determining the weekend, with the grid for all 3 heats being set on qualifying.
The largest ever fields for DD2 to date will take to the Dubbo track and the rise of former Commodore Cup racer Daniel Richert in Warwick in DD2 Masters adds to the intriguing battles that are sure to occur. Hamish Leighton in the Revolution IT Tony Kart currently leads the rankings battle on the way to Portugal, marginally ahead of Exprit duo Brent Coghlan and Cameron Harch. Their places at the World Finals aren’t confirmed however, with both John Bailey and Jose Ruiz in striking distance for a competitive weekend.
Above: Exprit driver Thomas Macdonald should be a hot contender in the DD2 category
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IKD
In DD2, CRG’s Jason Pringle holds a minor lead, and his experience is sure to play into his hands by finals time on Sunday. Kyle Ensbey will not make an appearance at the event due to overseas driving commitments, however the Queenslander currently holds down second. Thomas MacDonald sits in 3rd in the rankings with Lucas Ward in 4th.
The rise of Rotax Light’s Shay Mayes, James Macken and Geoff Connell into DD2 aswell as Joshua Crossingham returning from his podium on debut at Warwick will be sure to take up the challenge to the rankings leaders.
Rotax O/40’s rankings leader Shane Karandrews is expected to lead the way in the category, while Warwick front runners Peter Virgulti and Malcolm Walker are sure to keep Karandrews in their sights across the weekend as well as seasoned driver Stable Karting’s Bruce Otter.
To follow the event throughout the weekend, like Rotax Pro Tour, follow Rotax Pro Tour on Twitter and tune into the audio commentary via Ustream at www.ustream.tv/internationalkarting .
A reminder to all competitors of the ‘Official Welcome Party’ to be held at the Savannah Function Centre, Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo where special announcements about the 2013 Rotax Pro Tour will be made.
