Occhipinti Victorian Superkarting's Driver of the Year
press release
Russ Occhipinti is the toast of Victorian karting for the second year running. After collecting his first Driver of the Year Award last year, he made it back to back in 2010, along with a second Max Light Series title.
Making it all the more incredible, Occhipinti continued racing with a kart that is now 18 years old.
pic by Gary Trounson
He beat home a talented field to claim the individual driver’s honour at a special gala presentation on Saturday night. “It’s an absolute honour to win this prize for a second year running and it wouldn’t have been possible without my sponsors at Ace Karts,” Occhipinti said. “It was a long season and it’s nice to be recognized for the hard work put in by the team.”
The style with which Occhipinti wrapped up the series in the final round at Phillip Island tells the tale. It was a clean sweep as he raced home first in every race to seal his fine season.
“It was a nice way to finish,” he said. “It’s always tough to put in a whole weekend of work with the team, so to get the success in that fashion is very rewarding.”
Occhipinti said the highlight of his 2010 campaign was the two-hour relay event he won outright with teammate Albert Cascone at Calder Park, including 125cc and 250cc gearbox karts.
From Melbourne’s west, Occhipinti works as a Workshop Manager at sponsor Ace Karts. He has been at the Albion-based go-karting centre since its establishment in 1994.
“Working in the field I am so passionate about, I couldn’t ask for more,” Occhipinti said. “Ace Karts has been behind me from the start and I’m grateful for their support. The business continues to grow so it’s nice to contribute where I can.”
He thanked long-time friend John Gonzalez for his support in the preparation of the engine. “John’s always helped prior to race day,” Occhipinti said. “For him to help on the ageing kart is quite a tough task.”
Occhipinti has a history of collecting major awards. In 1998, he was awarded the Phillip Island Formula Ford Trophy, awarded to the Victorian champion in the class. It means he is part of a club that includes current and former V8 Supercar drivers Mark Winterbottom, Tony D’Alberto, Marcus Marshall, Adam Macrow and Luke Youlden.
Following his success, Occhipinti remains unsure as to what level he’ll be racing at next season. “I’m not ready to stop yet,” he said. “But at what level, that’s something I’m still unsure about.”
Occhipinti thanked Domenic Albanese from Extreme Karts in Geelong for sponsorship of the team and Joe from Guitar House for his ongoing support. He also thanked the Victorian Super Kart Club for its work in organising the series.
