Kiwi Qualifies For Rotax World Final Via Australian Series
Tweetpress release
New Zealand born karter Hamish Leighton has qualified for the upcoming Rotax World Finals in Portugal later this year.
Leighton, 37, secured his place at the World Finals with a 2nd place at the recent Australian Rotax Nationals held at Dubbo. It capped off a spectacular debut year for Leighton, who won three Pro Tour rounds and ended the year on top of the Australian Rotax Ranking DD2 Masters points for 2012.
Above: Hamish Leighton in action
"I am absolutely thrilled to be going to the Rotax World finals", an excited Leighton explained.
"The competition in Australia is very strong, and this was proven with them winning the Nations Cup at last year's world finals. I feel this puts me in a great position to deliver a competitive performance in Portugal."
Leighton grew up in the small New Zealand town of Waikanae racing bikes competitively as a teenager. He feels that his motorcross background has definitely helped him understand the basics of karting.
"Although karting and motorcross are completely different forms of motorsport, I was still lucky enough to learn the basics like racecraft and race lines during my time on bikes."
He did not start racing karts in Australia until 2008, and since then has shown quick improvement to get to where he is today.
Leighton has high aspirations for the Rotax World Finals and hopes to learn as much as he can racing against the world's best Rotax drivers, including fellow Kiwi driver Niki Urwin who he has raced against on several occasions this year in Australia.
"Niki is a very quick driver who I expect to be one of the favourites heading into the World Finals. His speed was highlighted at the Australian Rotax Nationals last week when he qualified on provisional pole and won a heat race."
Leighton would like to thank Tony Kart Australia, Revolution IT, International Karting Distributors and his family for their continued support.
