2011 Reef & Beef Titles
from John Grother
Central Queensland Karters on the weekend were treated to magical weather and a brilliantly presented kart track to host the annual running of the Rockhampton REEF & BEEF Titles.
The format of the weekend was designed to give competitors the most amount of laps possible squeezed into a weekend of double direction racing. Saturday afternoon and into the evening was raced over two 10 lap heats and a 20 lap final in a clockwise direction, and then karters returned on the Sunday to do the same in the opposite direction.
Numbers where down unfortunately but the standard of racing certainly made up for it with spectators lining the fence in the excellent viewing area of the grandstand canteen.
Above: Jack Bussey leads the Rookies
Saturday Notes:
Midgets racing provided the crowd with many exciting moments as Rocky regular Joel Jamison was challenged by newcomer to the sport Josh Butler. Josh having only completed 170 laps before the Meeting and really taking it to Joel who managed to hold on for the win on the Saturday. With the two having vast differences of speed over the track and was a credit to both drivers. Rookies is the class that central Queensland is producing some serious talent with 8 quality nominations all trying to get in some track time before the upcoming Qld Closed Championships to be held in Gladstone in the coming weeks. Jack Bussy again proved too strong over Brock Owen who has had John Grother in his corner assisting with driver development and mentoring. Bussy being too strong on the day to take three wins however was pushed all the way in the 20 lap final by Brock and driving very smart to edge out Owen who will learn for future races. Sam Battye was very impressive in the heats and held on for third for the day. Emerald driver Lewis Herwin is steadily improving as is Kayne Bycroft with the benefit of a new kart who finished behind Herwin in the final standings. Nick Butler, Keegan Baker and Rockys youngest lady racer Olivia Bell is gaining experience with the fast boys and will all be capable of winning soon enough.
Above: Matt Dicinoski taking honours in Leopard Heavy
Junior National Light was won by Jake Downs ahead of local Clinton Lewis with Downs putting down some quick laps to eventually gap his rival. Jake also dominated Junior Heavy with another 3 wins ahead of visiting Bundaberg driver Rylee Walton. Jeffery Lancasster and Aiden Newton batteled for the minor positions respectfully.Clubman Over 40's was a battle till the end with some spectacular passing and if the crowd thought these guys where going to go easy on each other they where wrong. Each competitor driving exceptionally well to give the racing room and practise their passing skills and passing till the final flag drops. Peter Buchanan taking the first race with Warren Baker taking the second but it was Local Andrew McMaster who took out the 20 lap final. Leopard Heavy was won by Matt Dicinoski ahead of Elle Brydon who threatened early in day however encountered problems as the day progressed and Local Freddo Watson putting in some solid laps for third. Clubman Heavy was dominated by Brenton Simonds who was using the meeting to gain setup info on his recently donated chassis by a large group of generous friends and karting heavyweights like Remo Luciani and Col Fink and Tracksa Australia.
Above: Junior National Heavy
Open Performance class was a spectacle with the locals getting the opportunity to see the fastest karts in Australia with Bundaberg Driver and current points leader of the Stars of Karting Series Kel Treseder chasing some track time along with locals Jason Faint, Scott Dagen and Mark Jamieson getting the chance to compete on the same track with Kell who drove off into the distance and got some valuable data for the final round to be held in Newcastle in the coming weeks.
With many locals camping at the track for the Saturday night, this provided the opportunity for a great social get together with many racing stories told around the bonfire I am sure.
Sunday Notes:
More glorious weather was the order of the day with blue skies and crisp air and a nice clean track saw laptimes tumble. Many of the leaders in the classes where near or in front of the times set from the Qld titles held in previous years which was great to see.
Midgets saw more great battles between Josh and Joel however the tables would be turned on day 2 with Joel taking the first heat and Josh stepping up to come back in the 2nd heat and eventually prevail in the 20 lap final in a stunning finish. Watch this space as Josh Butler is another exciting youngster hungry for results. Rookies was another fine performance from Jack Bussey with Brock Owen again hot on his heels, Jacks late race pace just enough for him to get a buffer and see the flag first. Lewis Herwin stepped onto the podium and Keegan Baker taking advantage of a DNF from Kayne Bycroft to get the better of Bycroft in the standings. Nothing changed in the Junior Light results with Jake Downs taking the win ahead of Clinton Lewis. Jake however upstaged in Junior National Heavy but Bundabergs Rylee Walton who took 3 classy wins over Jake Downs with Jeffery Lancaster and Aiden Newton keeping their form from the previous day.
Above: Brenton Simonds
Clubman over 40's again provided more spectacular action with Andrew McMaster finishing down the order in the first heat however bounced back to finish with wins in the 2nd heat and the 20 lap final to take overall honours from Warren Baker who took out the first heat and a DNF from Peter Buchanan dropping him to 4th with Stephen Penny making the final step of the podium. Matt Dikinoski continued where he left off on Sunday with another 3 strong wins with Fred Watson getting ahead of Elle Brydon who had a day to forget. Tracksa Clubman pilot Brenton Simmons had another top day improving himself and kart setup ahead of Harleigh Baker.;
Kell Treseder who showed tremendous speed the previous night also showed why he is at the top of the sport with more dominant performances and will be hoping to continue his smooth speedy driving in the coming weeks. Jason Faint continued to gather experience and locals Mark Jamison taking the challenge to Scott Dagan to take the third step of the podium for the day.
Many thanks must go to the Rocky Kart Club and the Volunteers and Officials and visiting drivers who travelled.
Above: Kayne Bycroft leads the Rookies
Above: Elle Brydon
Above: Rockys Mark Jamieson in Open Performance
Above: Kel Treseder was a class act in Open Performance
Above: Emerald driver Murry Hirwin
Above: Olivia Bell looking pretty in pink in the Rookies
Above: CQ Rookies
Above: Scott Dagan on the gas in Open Performance
