10 Points, 7 Drivers, 1 Title In CIK Pro Gearbox
press release
In terms of motorsport titles, it doesn’t get much closer than this year’s battle for the John Pizarro trophy awarded to the winner of the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) category in the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE.
Entering next weekend’s final round of Australia’s elite series, to be hosted by the North Shore Kart Club at Newcastle, the top seven drivers are separated by a mere ten points.
With a maximum of 85 points up for grabs, there’s little doubt that the champion will not be decided until the chequered flag falls on the final 25-lap encounter next Sunday afternoon.
The ’Magnificent Seven’ is headed by last year’s series runner-up Kel Treseder (right, AF Images/Budd pic) on 229 points. Despite not having won a round so far in 2011, the Bundaberg driver finds himself with a slim four-point gap over last round winner Tyler Greenbury (Toowoomba, QLD) at the top of the standings.
In equal third place behind Treseder and Greenbury in the standings is second-generation racers Macauley Jones (Albury, NSW) and Jason Pringle (Essendon, Vic) on 222 points. Reigning series champion Matthew Wall is in fifth place on 220 points, one marker ahead of South Australian Scott Taylor (Athelstone, SA) and David Sera (Narre Warren, Vic) who missed the opening round due to commitments in America.
Treseder entered last year’s finale with a 14-point buffer before Wall stole the title on his home circuit in Melbourne. While he believes he learnt a lot from last year’s defeat, Treseder is not underestimating the challenge ahead of him if he is going to become the 2011 champion.
“Last year I had 14 points back to ‘Walley’ (Matthew Wall), the difference this year is that there is seven drivers within ten points rather than just one,” said Treseder.
“While I’m in front, I might as well be in seventh, it’s that close. It’s going to all come down to who gets it right on the weekend, who finishes every race and who finishes on the podium.
“It’s also going to be a measured performance – especially in the heat races, then see how much everyone has got left in the tank out on Sunday.”
Greenbury (left, AF Images/Budd pic) broke through to claim his maiden round win at round four of the series in July, however, like Treseder he is very aware that there’s still a very long way to go before the champions name will be engraved on the John Pizarro trophy.
“There’s a fair bit pressure on everyone entering the round but I’m not going to approach it any different to any other event, well I’m trying not to anyway,” said Greenbury.
“I really want to go well for Brain (Hicks), he’s put a lot into my racing over the past year or so and really want to win it for him.”
After completing two rounds in last year’s series, Greenbury entered this round with little expectations given the high quality of opposition in the Pro Gearbox field.
“I came into the year with very little expectations, and didn’t start that well either, but since mid year everything has really fallen into place,” said Greenbury.
“I had a Formula Ford test in June and July, which really sparked my interest in my racing again and probably got me focused and motivated to do well in this series more than anything else.”
CIK STARS OF KARTING SERIES
presented by Castrol EDGE
PRO GEARBOX (KZ2)
Championship Points – After 4 of 5 rounds
1. Kel Treseder 229
2. Tyler Greenbury 225
3. Jason Pringle 222
=3. Macauley Jones 222
5. Matthew Wall 220
6. Scott Taylor 219
=6. David Sera 219
8. Troy Woolston 184
9. Lee Mitchener 183
10. Daniel Currey 181
11. Christopher Hays 179
12. Jordie Lindstrom 177
13. Kyle Ensbey 169
14. Scott Auld 162
15. Justin Ruggier 145
16. John Grother 141
17. Matthew Hunt 115
=17. Troy Bretherton 115
19. Jason Faint 98
20. Hayden Patrizi 93
=20. William Yarwood 93
22. Andrew Budge 91
23. Chris Pratt 89
24. Ben Walter 58
25. Matt Chambers 55
26. Brendan Nelson 54
27. Ricky Capo 48
28. James Sera 41
29. Karl Wilson 39
30. Zeke Edwards 38
31. Hayden Jackson 35
32. Michael Hazelton 31
33. Dean Starling 30
=33. Daniel Orsini 30
=33. Rowan Booth 30
36. Daniel Richert 28
37. Giovanni Fasone 25
=37. Bradley Wyatt 25
=37. Shaun Stevens 25
40. Josh Tynan 25
41. Craig Stauner 25
42. Ryan Gallagher 20
=42. David Brewer 20
44. Tobia Kipper 16
45. Paul Pittam 15
FORMER CHAMPIONS
Pro Gearbox(KZ2)
2010 – Matthew Wall (BRM/TM)
2005 – Bart Price (Arrow/TM)
2004 – Bart Price (Arrow/TM)
2003 – Tyson Pearce (Omega/TM)
2002 – Jason Burns (Mac Minerelli/TM)
