Knights Stars Go Karting In Newcastle

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AKA press

Newcastle Knights captain Kurt Gidley and team-mates Kyle O’Donnell and Korbin Sims got a taste of high-speed kart racing today ahead of this weekend’s CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE round in Newcastle.

Above: Reigning Australian Champion Tyler Greenbury (left) with Newcastle Knights players Kurt Gidley (in kart), Korbin Sims and Kyle O'Donnell and current championship leader Kyle Ensbey
pic - AF Images/Budd

Despite being his first time in a race-prepared 125cc kart, Gidley appeared comfortable with his unusual surroundings behind the wheel setting the fastest time of the trio around the undulating 1056-metre circuit.

“That was awesome, I think I’m going to go out and buy a go-kart,” smiled Gidley after his drive.

“I can’t believe how quick they go and how close to the ground you are, there’s not much room for error out there.

“At one stage out there I had a bit of a spin, my heart went in my mouth and I think something came out of my bottom. It was plenty of fun!

“When you hit those blue and white things on the corner (kerbing), your heart is in your mouth every time because it really unsettles the kart. It seems to be a great place to get your adrenaline rush, I’d love to do it more often.”

Above: Kurt Gidley in action behind the wheel of a Rotax powered Top Kart
pic - AF Images/Budd

The trio was also treated to some demonstration laps by some of the series’ leading Pro Gearbox (KZ2) competitors during the morning, which they were suitably impressed by.

“These guys really get up and move, to reach the speeds they do around here is very impressive. I’m sure their body cops a hammering during the racing – it’s a lot more physical behind the wheel than what it looks,” said Gidley.

Fresh from a victory at the opening round of the elite karting Series in South Australia, Queenslander Kyle Ensbey was suitably impressed by the performance of the Knights players behind the wheel.

Above: The three Newcastle Knights players.  Kurt Gidley, Kyle O'Donnell and Korbin Sims at the Mt Sugarloaf karting circuit with Pro Gearbox driver Hayden Patrizi in the background.
pic - AF Images/Budd

“It’s always good to see athletes to the calibre of the Knights players come out and check out the top level karting series in the country, I think they left here with a new appreciation for kart racing,” said Ensbey.

“Kurt appeared to slip straight into the seat and look pretty smooth behind the wheel. I think Kyle and Korbin probably have a bit of work to do to catch him on the kart track.”

Practice for this weekend’s event was held today with qualifying and the heat races starting at 9am tomorrow. The finals will be held on Sunday, including a demonstration by some young drivers in the Castrol Cadet Challenge.

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