2008 GVKC Cup - Just Perfect

from Michael Scott

Perfect racing conditions greeted the 62 karters striving for glory in the 2008 GVKC Cup. Visitors from Geelong, Oakleigh and Bendigo were all keen to mix it with the locals from the Goulburn Valley, Albury/Wodonga and Rochester clubs. Brilliant sunshine gripped up the track and the drivers put on a spectacular display of racing craft.

Junior racers were featured for the event and they did not disappoint organisers, with solid fields in all categories.  Several drivers even cross entered in Junior National light and heavy classes to increase their chances of success. 15 drivers took up grid positions in Junior National light and set about the challenge of finding the top five drivers on the day. When the crackle of the two stroke engines stopped, Joshua Stephens (Bendigo) found himself with enough points to stand on top of the podium, while also attracting the attention of the stewards who declared him the Kart Magazine Fairest and Best Karter for the day. Timothy Smythe took second, Phillip Cubbin (ELKC) third, Christian Harris (GVKC) fourth and Thomas Allen (GVKC) fifth.

Above: Joshua Stevens, voted Fairest & Best karter of the day

Two reverse grid heats set up starting positions for the 12 lap final, although final positions in the final would not decide the result as this was an all points count meeting. 7 starters in Junior National Heavy meant only 2 drivers would miss out on the silverware. 12 laps around the flowing Numurkah Raceway is a test of endurance and young Hayden Dodman (Rochester) proved he had the measure of his competitors using his local knowledge to maximum effect. Standing around him on the podium, and not to be disappointed with their efforts, were Clancy Purdie (ELKC), Bradley Carless (Oakleigh), Ayrton Sudholz (ELKC) and William Donnison (Oakleigh).

GVKC members were pleased to see the future of karting is in good hands with 12 Midgets forming up to contest for the right to hold the number 1 GVKC Cup aloft. Tom Hughes (Rochester) has proven a magician around the Numurkah Raceway circuit with dominant performances in the GVKC Championship Series, however victory in the final didn’t gain him enough points to wrestle the Cup from lady racer Sanae Meyland (GVKC), who pushed hard but protected her heats points position for first outright. Hughes had to settle for second outright, while third went down to the wire in a hot contest. Freshman Thomas Bennett (GVKC) and Brayden Flood (Geelong) repeatedly diced into Empire Trade turn throughout the race, with Bennett finally making the move stick late in the race to grab third from Flood fourth as Justin Carless (GVKC) fought through the rear guard to finish fifth overall.

Above: Midget Sanae Meyland

Rookies presented another Hughes on the grid. James (Rochester) also has an affinity with the circuit with proven 2008 season results. Driving from midfield to first in an earlier heat, rounding up Zackery Phillips (AWKC) in the process, Hughes was able to consolidate in the final and step up to top of the dais beside Phillips, Aaron Cohen (Oakleigh), Madeline Harper (Oakleigh) mixing it with the boys and Dylan Johns (GVKC).

Above: James Hughes, Rookies

In the seniors, Clubman heavy presented another fantastic contest that would come down to the final to decide the result. Peter Cocca (GVKC) carried impressive form into the event and has lead home James Reynolds (AWKC) in the past. Reynolds tuned a quick package early and had Cocca eyeballing his exhaust pipe, however new boy to the track, Ian Branson (ELKC) had everyone’s measure. Solid results in the heats had Branson from pole with the other pair in close company. From the green light, Branson set a cracking pace but the test of 12 laps had Reynolds regain the advantage to move to first bringing Cocca onto Branson’s tail. Geordie McDonald (GVKC) on return from a brief sabbatical, put in a great drive to be a fast finishing fourth. The final points tally saw Branson retain No.1, Reynolds No.2 and Cocca No.3.

Above: Ian Branson

Clubman light had a surprisingly light field contest the class, which locals put there track knowledge to advantage to eventually clear away from bumper to bumper racing. Chris Dodman (Rochester) kept it in the family awarded first overall. Tim Keech improved all day to achieve second ahead of Josh King third. Formula Rotax 125 had multiple Australasian Kart Title holder, Justin Ridell literally toying with his protégé Nicholas Hunter showing him the perfect lines around the circuit. Peter Seeliger backed up for third.

Above: Justin Riddell, Rotax

GVKC Karters are now looking ahead to preparation for the tradition of the 17th annual Australasian Kart Titles this September, but also the excitement of the inaugural Over 40’s Grand Prix / Vintage demonstration coming up in November. This event has created an enormous buzz amongst the earlier generation of karters. Look for the event supp regs to be released shortly. Mark your calendar and book your accommodation earlier, as vacancies are already filling fast.

Above: Midgets: Bennett (56) & Flood (24)

Above: Junior National Light action

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