Preview: Pro Tour Lithgow
| press release | 27 February 2013 |
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‘Fresh front-runners set to challenge established stars at Pro Tour Lithgow’
With a range of mixed results being delivered at the last round of the Rotax Pro Tour, it has guaranteed the racing will be hotly contested with the arrival of Australia’s Premier Karting series in NSW central west.
After an unstoppable performance at Todd Road, Daniel Richert will be looking to return with a vengeance at Lithgow, and take another round win. The former Commodore Cup racer will need to keep an eye on drivers such as Hamish Leighton, Jose Ruiz, Cameron Harch and former V8 Supercar driver Steven Ellery. Team Australia representative Brent Coghlan also returns on home soil, and will be looking to make his mark following an absence in Melbourne.
Above: Liam McLellan drove away to a comfortable win on home soil in Juniors MAX at Pro Tour Melbourne
In some of the best racing ever seen as part of the Pro Tour, Rotax Heavy will again provide a wealth of excitement for on-lookers in Lithgow. Victorian Troy Woolston made sure he would challenge to return to the World Final this year with a win at Todd Road, while New Zealand Rotax Max Challenge opening round winner and Queensland’s Lane Moore and fellow Victorian Rick Pringle made up the final steps on the podium, the Lithgow field is filled with drivers that are capable of standing on top by the end of the weekend. Brendan Nelson, Travis Kodric, Michael Saller, Paul Rodgers, William Yarwood and Matthew Greenbury are all assured to vie for a top three position.
Darwin’s Bryce Fullwood returns to the Sodi Junior Max Trophy Class field in Lithgow, the inaugural round winner from Canberra is sure to not have it all his own way however. Following his first Rotax Pro Tour round win in Melbourne, Zane Goddard is filled with confidence alongside Whitsundays driver Jordan McGregor who finished a close second to Goddard. Local track experience will be in the hands of Stephanie Stones, Christopher Davies and Tyra Maranik, while Jack Black will definitely be looking to back from his two podiums from the first two rounds.
Above: Victorian Daniel Rochford (Rotax Light) continues to succeed in his new FK Kart with a win at Pro Tour Melbourne
Despite a DNF in the final at Todd Road, reigning National Rotax Light Champion Pierce Lehane is expected to take full advantage of returning to his home state this weekend. Daniel Rochford went back to back at Todd Road for round victories for 2012 and 2013, in light of him holding the lead in the Rotax rankings; the Victorian will be looking to continue his strong run of form. An impressive category debut by Matthew Smith has given him a wealth of confidence heading to Lithgow. The talent pool flows immensely in the category, Tyler Greenbury returns along with Brad Jenner. A week out from his debut in Formula Ford, Thomas Randle will return to the Rotax Pro Tour with a key focus on keeping his eye in and securing some more strong results.
An extensive Junior Max field will face the complex Lithgow layout, with some intriguing battles at Todd Road, they are assured to return. Round winner Liam McLellan will look to back up with some more success, while home state hero Joseph Burton-Harris will be looking to impress from his third place in Melbourne. Gold Coast’s Mitchell Griffin returns after a hiatus at the Melbourne event, and in new colours, joining with Exprit Karts Australia and Project X Racing. Todd Road hard chargers, Nicholas Andrews and Callum Walker will also make an appearance, while West Australian duo Kurt and Jake Kostecki will be looking to improve their results from their Pro Tour debut in Melbourne.
A feature of the Rotax Pro Tour is the World renowned DD2 category, with Melbourne front runners Jason Pringle and Matthew Wall absent from the round, it is sure to be a hot contest at the front of the field. Reigning National Champion Lucas Ward is expected to be amongst those challenging for a podium position, along with Brendan Nelson who will be on double duties with Rotax Heavy. Nelson himself scored more recent success, claiming the TAG 125 Heavy State Title on home soil in Ipswich last weekend. Local track experience for Thomas MacDonald will hold him in good stead for a tilt at the podium, while Canberra young gun Michael Stewart will be looking to mark his presence at the front of the field on the back of success in Canberra and Todd Road.
Round 3 of the 2013 Rotax Pro Tour will take place at the Lithgow City Raceway, Lithgow, NSW from March 1-3.
To follow the event throughout the weekend, like Rotax Pro Tour on Facebook, follow Rotax Pro Tour on Twitter and tune into the audio commentary via Ustream at www.ustream.tv/user/internationalkarting.
