Qualifying - Toyota All Japan SL Kart Final

press release

Yamaha’s 2008 entrants in the Toyota All Japan SL Final Jason Burns (Aust. – 28), Karl Wilson (NZ – 24) and John McCleverty (Aust – 49) took to the picturesque Biwako circuit for qualifying today.  The circuit is located just north of Japan’s old capital, Kyoto.

Surrounded by mountains and Japan’s largest fresh water lake, eagle’s were a regular site at the circuit – even swooping down to ground level at times.

Jason and Karl competed in the ultra competitive SS Open class, while John took part in the Super SS class (for over 30 year olds).

This year the international drivers are joined again by female competitors for the first time since 1999.  15 year old Natasha Seatter from Malaysia was the sole female international representative.
 
Jason qualified in 11th position.  Jason said: “The kart feels good but the times just aren’t coming.  We seem to hit a brick wall going down the straight.  We’ll try some different pipe settings in the warm up tomorrow morning to try and find what we’re missing”.

Karl starts tomorrow’s qualification heat from 22nd position.  He said: “We’re struggling to find a set-up for the standard engine.  There’s plenty of grip but the kart digs in and won’t drive off the corners.  We’re going to try some different settings tomorrow”.

John managed to qualify in 17th position and commented: “We can’t get a good balance between straight line speed and corner exit speed.  If we get going on the straights we lose out in the tight stuff.”

Tomorrow’s racing is sure to be hotly contested on the tight and twisty circuit.  All three drivers are hoping to improve on their qualifying positions.

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