Baldry & Stewart Win Race-For-Jace Enduro

press release

As V8 Supercar driver Jason Richards battles a rare form of cancer, 20 karting teams braved some inclement weather in the “Race for Jase” to raise funds for Richards and his family at Ipswich, Queensland on Saturday night.

Luke BaldryIn a field that featured a number of V8 Supercar endurance and Fujitsu V8 Supercar drivers, it was young karting hotshots Luke Baldry and Ben Stewart (right, Fastlane Media pic) who claimed the victory in the three-hour race.

The Pacific Kartsport-backed pair overtook team-mates Dale Verrall, who grew up in New Zealand racing karts against Richards, and Troy Bretherton late in the race to claim the win.

The winning duo completed 157 laps on their way to victory.

“I was just happy to be here, racing in Luke Baldry’s kart. We had some good pace and a trouble-free run all throughout the race which led us to the win,” said Stewart.

“It’s been a great day, I think everyone here has had a fantastic time and the best thing of all is that it’s been all for a good cause.”

Unfortunately for Verrall and Bretherton, they were handed a post-race penalty for completing one of their compulsory pit stops in under the minimum ten minutes, this relegated them to tenth spot in the final results.

The relegation of Verrall and Bretherton elevated Adam Mercer and Miles Racing Fujitsu V8 Supercar driver Ash Walsh, who was born and bred in Ipswich, to the runner-up place.

Rounding out the podium was two of New Zealand’s brightest young talents in the world of motorsport, Chris Pither and Scott McLaughlin. With both drivers idolising Richards while growing up in New Zealand, they were delighted to finish on the podium in the race for his cause.

Scott McLaughlin“I haven’t been in a kart for a few years now but it was great to get back behind the wheel. It’s a pity about the wet conditions but it was awesome to have a ‘blat’ for Jason Richards, he’s going through a tough time at the moment,” said McLaughlin (right, Fastlane Media pic).

“Like everyone in our sport, I’m happy to do anything I can to help the cause and this race has been a fantastic event to be a part of.”

As with many endurance races, last night’s race had it’s fair share of heartbreaks and drama.

Supercheap Auto Racing’s V8 endurance driver Jack Perkins, who was paired with Tyler Greenbury, made an impressive return to the kart track by charging into the race lead during his opening stint.

Unfortunately though the team’s chances were derailed when their Intrepid kart lost a wheel shortly after Greenbury returned to the circuit – they would eventually finish 11th.

“It was great fun, we started fifth and I got to the lead early in the race only to have a bit of trouble when the wheel fell off after Tyler jumped in,” said Perkins.

“It would be almost ten years since I raced competitively in a kart, the wet was a real equiliser because it brought all of the karting guns back to my level a bit. Overall, it was a great event for a great cause and I’d love to do the event again.”

Porsche Carrerra Cup driver Michael Patrizi and CIK Stars of Karting Series front-runner Kyle Ensbey were on track to challenge for the win, only to have a broken seat end their run 17-minutes from the finish.

Unfortunately, the inclement weather kicked in just as the Corporate Challenge hit the track in their Turn1-prepared karts forcing the cancellation of this event. This event will be now rescheduled for July 29.

In excess of $6,500 was raised at the event, which will be donated to Richards and his family for his treatment.

RACE FOR JASE KARTING ENDURO - Ipswich, Queensland

Results
1. Luke Baldry/Ben Stewart – 157 laps
2. Adam Mercer/Ashley Walsh – 156
3. Chris Pither/Scott McLaughlin
4. Damian Ward/Lucas Ward
5. Klinton Hancey/Michael Gee – 155
6. Jason Lansdell/Luke Brown – 152
7. Luke Anderson/Jack Bellotti – 149
8. James Macken/Damien Lee – 147
9. Zac Kirwan/Mick Kirwan – 143
10. *Dale Verrall/Troy Bretherton – 142
11. Tyler Greenbury/Jack Perkins
12. Scott Coates/Chaz Mostert – 140
13. Damian Godley/Peter Mitchell – 139
14. Peter Virgulti/Cameron Harch – 134
15. Ryan Sanderson/Matt Greenbury – 133
DNF Michael Paritzi/Kyle Ensbey – 140
DNF Luke Lane/Adam Willison – 119
DNF Matt Dicinoski/Alan Gurr – 65
DNF Adam Thompson/Jason Francis – 20
DNF Luke Turner/Patrick Mather – 1

*finished second but were penalised 15 laps for a pit stop being completed in less than the compulsory time

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