Strong NZ Future for PRAGA and OK1
| press release | 13 February 2013 |
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- Exclusive Agreement reached with Lascom Motorsports NZ
- Trans-Tasman Challenge this weekend hosts its best lineup
The competitive New Zealand kartsport year kicks off this weekend with the first round of the 2013 YOGG Rotax Max Challenge at the Manawatu Toyota Raceway and features the annual highlight event the Trans-Tasman Challenge.
Above: Bas Lammers at WSK Masters in Muro Leccese
This year 6 Australian karters will compete against the Kiwis and the anticipation is high for excellent results from the high-calibre of both the Australian and New Zealand Praga and OK1 drivers. The future of the brands in New Zealand has been secured with an exclusive agreement reached with Lascom Motorsports to exclusively sell both brands and receive dedicated support from IPKarting Australia and Italian-based parent company IPKarting S.R.L.
“Lascom Motorsports has a long-time involvement in the New Zealand karting industry and with their track record and relationships with the Praga brand via key alignment with the Hart, Drysdale and Kinsman families this ensures they have a strong platform to grow from,” said Ken Bensley from IPKarting.
“Globally the factory IPKarting S.R.L in Italy has been hugely supportive of the launch and rebranding efforts being undertaken with OK1 and their international program with Praga is second to none.”
Above: Josh Hart works on Lammers' Praga KZ
“Lascom Motorsports will also greatly benefit from strong ties to Josh Hart and his international team and access to the latest technical support and pathways for our drivers. Brendon Hart has provided breakthrough support for the introduction of the brand into New Zealand and has had access to the first karts available in the country for extensive testing alongside Josh over the summer break. The connections for a great team are in place,” said Ken.
New Zealand’s top international driver, Daniel Kinsman has been selected for a global Praga ambassador role and in 2013 will race between both Australia and New Zealand for Praga International.
Strong Trans-Tasman ties will continue with racing and technical opportunity backed up between Lascom Motorsport and Australian distributor, IPKarting and its top Australian teams.
Owners of Lascom Motorsport, Brian Waldmeyer and Snow Mooney are looking forward to 2013 and going from strength to strength.
“We are thrilled to focus all our energies on these two great brands, Praga and OK1. We are focused on providing our customers with the highest level of service and support to achieve results.”
Above: Praga International Race Team setup
“Our familiarity with the product and the advancements provided by the professional operation of the factory will ensure that our customers in Intrepid can continue to be assisted but the scope for growth with the new brands is really exciting,” said Lascom’s Brian Waldmeyer.
“It’s all on from this weekend for Lascom Motorsports,” said Snow, “we go into this weekend’s Tran-Tasman Challenge on strong ground with our jointalliance with IPKarting and an exciting product lineup.”
“The new 2013 chassis will be hitting the ground for us this weekend and we will be exclusively selling the new Praga and OK1 chassis from here on.”
The Aussie contingency flies out to New Zealand across today and tomorrow in preparation of the weekend’s event. The Manawatu Toyota Raceway at Palmerston North plays host to the Trans-Tasman Challenge and is a credit to the event organisers, special mention to Brendon Hart (NZ) and Kerry Moore (Aust) who whole-heartedly embrace the annual “challenge”.
Team Praga
NZ – Daniel Kinsman – New Zealand’s #1 Rotax Light and Praga global ambassador
NZ – Brendon Hart – Rotax Heavy
AUST – Trent Moore – Rotax Heavy
Team OK1
AUST – Ryal Harris – Rotax Light – 2012 Australian V8 Ute Champion& former kart champ will return to his roots racing in RL against NZ’s best.
AUST – Lane Moore – Rotax Heavy - Former NZ Champ and in form after taking out #2 at Aust Pro Tour round in Melbourne.
AUST – Lachlan McHugh – JMAX – highest placed rookie driver of Australia’s CIK series for 2012. First international outing.
NZ – Aaron Hodgson – Rotax Light
A brand-new interactive website and online store for Australia and New Zealand will be launched at www.ipkarting.com.au.
All New Zealand kart sale enquiries to Lascom Motorsports – Ph: (09) 579 7263
Located at 781 Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland
Above: Lammers and Hart
Above: Patrik Hajek on the podium
