Preview - Vic Country Series, Round 5

press release

The Victorian Country Series rolls into Hamilton this weekend (Aug 23) for the penultimate round of the six round series. This event will take on extra significance for the Hamilton Kart Club as it is its second year hosting the Series and for the second year it will be promoted as ‘The Handbury Titles.’

Whilst it is only the second year that the event has been run in conjunction with the Victorian Country Series it is the 12th annual running of the prestigious 'Handbury Titles'.

The Handbury titles started in 1997 in recognition of Mr Geoff and the late Mrs Helen Handbury’s contribution to our Club. Like many local organisations, the Hamilton Karting Club benefited from the couples' wish to financially support the local community. Their continued support through their company ACE Radio Broadcasting has seen the event become well known for its excellent prizes and unrivalled silverware.

Above: Country Series action from the previous round at Ballarat

Buckley Park Raceway is situated 11km from Hamilton, featuring 700 metres of fast flowing circuit, set to a back drop of picturesque Mt. Napier, only 1 and half hours from the Coonawarra vinyards and the majestic Grampians can be seen from almost anywhere around Hamilton.

Like most drivers, the locals will be looking to use their intricate knowledge of the circuit to maximize their results. Hamilton has been particularly strong in two clubman classes in recent years, having good representation in the Over 40's and Super Heavy. With names like Ken Lampard, Ron Taylor, Leon Forrest and Stuart Sparks competitive in the veterans class.

Some of the drivers fightning it out amongst the "big boys" in Super Heavy are Paul Hicks, Troy Hose, Andrew Hayes and Barry Pech who finds Hamilton circuit fast and flowing with plenty of places to pass "I've been competing in the Country Series for the past 3 years and the reason I keep coming back each year is because of the big fields and clean competitive racing, its a great Series".

Amongst other classes, Hamilton has alot of family involvement in a range of classes. When Andrew Stubbs lines up in Leopard Light, he knows he’ll also be looking out for his brother in law Matt Crane in Clubman Heavy and his nephew James Stubbs in clubman light, whilst brothers Mav and Harley Benson will be looking to post good results in clubman light and junior clubman respectively. Peter Sparks will make his senior debut in clubman heavy, whilst Charlie Stonnill is amongst the rookies.

The town is behind its local drivers, but is also very welcoming to visiting drivers and crews. With no less than twelve different options for accommodation and a range of different hotels and restaurants, there is something to cater for everyone.

Entries are open until 8:00am this Sunday morning. Entries have been updated on the official Victorian Country Series website daily.

For more information go to the Official website www.victoriancountryseries.com

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