New Age Karters Lead Local Attack On Pro Tour Lithgow
| press release | 20 February 2013 |
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A fleet of three junior Karters will lead a strong local contingent into the next round of the Rotax Pro Tour to be held at the Lithgow City Raceway Kart track on March 1-3. Christopher Davies, Stephanie Stones and Tyra Maranik all form part of the new Sodi Junior Max Trophy Class and they will be looking to record success on home soil.
After just two rounds of the category forming part of the growing series, the Sodi Junior Max Trophy Class has already developed into one of the most hotly contested events, providing exciting racing right throughout the growing field.
Each of the three young stars have enjoyed the Pro Tour experience, gaining a wealth of experience from the increased intensity of racing. Davies admits the level playing field in Kart setup is definitely an advantage.
Above: Christopher Davies aboard his Trophy Class Sodi kart
“I started racing in Rookies at the age of 10, the chance to join the Pro Tour has been excellent, the Trophy class is a great development category with all the karts the same and limited adjustments means that it comes down to the driver,” said Davies.
Tyra Maranik has been continually complimentary of the introduction of the class into Australian Karting.
“The Trophy Class has been a fantastic introduction to Rotax, and I have learnt so much from the Pro Tour so far. When the helmets go on, we are all racers, and Lithgow will prove to be a very successful Pro Tour round for everyone,” said Maranik.
Above: Tyra Maranik oversees her kart at the first ever round of the Sodi Junior Max Trophy class at Canberra last year
The Lithgow track has long been recognised for its compact and twisty layout, many of its racers also reflect on the positive nature the club possesses and its determination to be recognised as a premier venue in the state. For Stephanie Stones, the track also holds a personal association.
"I'm really excited to be racing such an important and top of the line race meeting at a track that is so close to my heart. Lithgow holds a lot of personal history for me, my Mum & Dad started going out together at Lithgow 20 years ago this year, they have regularly competed there and all 3 of my grandparents have also race there and it was the first track that I ever race on,” the Penrith teenager added.
An opinion echoed by Tyra Maranik. “Combined District Kart Club is the Birthplace of Champions. It is friendly, and the Club has been working hard to make sure the track will be at its best for the Pro Tour. The layout can be challenging at times, but incredibly rewarding when you get it right,” Maranik added. With a heavy emphasis on driver development forming the cornerstone of the Sodi Junior Max Trophy Class, many of the drivers have goals to use this year as a springboard to success into the future. Christopher Davies credits the chance to race at some of the nation’s best tracks as ideal preparation for this future behind the wheel.
Above: Stephanie Stones on the grid at Round 2 of the Rotax Pro Tour at Todd Road, Melbourne
“My aim this year is to finish as high as possible and gain more experience. The Rotax Pro Tour takes us up and down the east coast visiting many different circuits although Lithgow will always be one of my favourites,” said Davies.
Round 3 of the 2013 Rotax Pro Tour will take place at the Lithgow City Raceway, Marangaroo, NSW from March 1-3.
To follow the event throughout the weekend, like Rotax Pro Tour on Facebook, follow Rotax Pro Tour on Twitter and tune into the audio commentary via Ustream at www.ustream.tv/user/internationalkarting.
