Legend's Advice Led Gatt To Karting

AKA press release

A piece of advice from Australian Touring Car legend Jim Richards led Palmerston’s Chris Gatt into a decision he cherishes every time he takes to the race track.

While attending the 'Legends of Motorsport' weekend six years ago Richards, a seven-time Bathurst Champion, said to Gatt – who was racing junior speedway at the time – "if you want to go anywhere in motor racing you need to start racing go-karts."

pic - www.photowagon.com.au

Since that day Gatt (above) has moved from the dirt track to the bitumen, and will this weekend take on some of the best drivers across the country in the Northern Territory Sprint Kart Championships at Hidden Valley.

Over the last two years Gatt has finished on the podium in third place, this year he is determined to break through to secure a championship for the Territory.

“The ‘Legends of Motorsport’ weekend was something I will never forget, not only because of the advice I got from Jim Richards but also because I got to spend time with Peter Brock, George Tatnell, Garry Rush and John Goss,” said 21-year-old Gatt.

“When you have a guy to the calibre of Jim Richards giving you advice you can’t ignore it and I’m very glad that I took it on board and made the move to karting.

“Karting is a sport which can be enjoyed by people of all ages, it is a real family sport and it has taught me a lot, both on and off the track.”

Gatt believes that the sport has provided him with some fantastic lessons, some coming at a very influencial time during his teenage years.

“Racing karts taught me a lot about car control before I was able to get my road licence, it also educated me about the fact that the race track is the place to get your adrenaline rush – not the roads,” said Gatt.

“Another good thing about racing karts is the fact that I get to spend a lot of father/son time with my Dad and we have made some good friendships with people from all across the country.”

Gatt will be joined at the championships by a number of fellow Darwin drivers including Wendy O’Dowd – who is the defending Rotax Light Champion, Jack Dalton and Dane Beamsley.

Practice for this weekend’s championships will be held on Thursday and Friday prior to the opening heat races being held on Saturday. The finals will be contested on Sunday afternoon.

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