Action & Excitement Assured for Pro Tour Newcastle
| press release | 9 April 2013 |
| Tweet | |
In the lead up to the next round of the Rotax Pro Tour, many of the series regular front runners have stepped away from downunder to test their abilities against the World’s best, bringing home some pleasing results, as others return to the series taking on increased duties.
Queensland’s Lane Moore and Sydneysider Michael Saller journeyed to the New Zealand National Karting Championships held across the Easter long weekend, and the pair had an immediate impact on the event. The two visited New Zealand earlier in the year for the opening round of the Rotax Max Challenge and both were seeking further success on their return. With some strong results throughout the weekend for both, and in the close final Moore managed to hold for second ahead of Saller, with New Zealander Zach Zaloum taking victory.
.jpg)
Above: Lane Moore claimed second in the New Zealand National Kart Championships in Rotax Heavy
pic - IKD
Pro Tour regulars Daniel Kinsman and Daniel Connor also recorded success at their home Nationals, the Rotax Light pairing managed to snare first and second respectively, building on the rivalry shared by the two in the hunt for the crucial Rotax Max Challenge Grand Final seat in New Orleans in November. Both Kinsman and Connor will return to the Pro Tour this weekend, and are sure to challenge their Australian opposition. Daniel Connor currently sits third in the Rotax Light rankings for the Pro Tour, while Daniel Kinsman returns after being absent in Lithgow.
Hamish Leighton is the one to chase in the DD2 Masters category this weekend. The 2012 World Finals entrant currently holds a strong lead in the rankings, and is a favourite for the podium. The battle is on in the rankings for the second and third, as less than 200 points separate the four drivers behind Leighton. Cameron Harch, Daniel Richert, Adam Hunter and Michael Robson have all had their share of healthy results so far this season, and will be chasing more points towards their tally and a trip to America.
.jpg)
Above: Kel Treseder will take on double duties in DD2 and Rotax Heavy in Newcastle
pic - IKD
Pierce Lehane made the trip to Belgium as part of his commitment to the Euro Max Karting Series since Pro Tour Lithgow, showing some Australian grit he started the final in fifth before a post-race penalty impeded his chance of taking home some silverware. Lehane is chasing success in Newcastle, currently sitting fourth in the rankings, the Exprit Australia driver is sure to be one to watch in his home state. Pierce currently trails a place in the top three by less than 300 points, as the competition hots up in the approach to the second half of the Pro Tour season. Daniel Rochford leads the rankings ahead of fellow Victorian Andrew Carey and New Zealand’s Daniel Connor.
Bundaberg’s Kel Treseder returns to the Pro Tour for the first time since Todd Road in January, after claiming third in DD2, the vastly experienced Queenslander has stepped up to double duties, adding Rotax Heavy to his weekend’s commitments. Both classes have numerous potential winners, Victorian Troy Woolston leads the Rotax Heavy rankings by a mere seven points over Rick Pringle with the hunt being on to snare the one ticket to New Orleans for the class to join DD2.
.jpg)
Above: Pierce Lehane returns from the Euromax Series in Belgium for Pro Tour Newcastle
pic - IKD
Although he has competed in one round of the Pro Tour this season, Treseder is expected to match it with the current front runners. Jason Pringle returns after an absence at Lithgow, and will be sure to take on current rankings leaders Michael Stewart and Travis Millar.
Junior Max is certain to provide their trademark close racing this weekend in Newcastle. A mixture of winners arose from Lithgow, putting some pressure on the rankings leaders in the quest for a ticket to the World Finals. Very little separates the two current leaders, Joseph Burton-Harris and Liam McLellan while James Abela, Jordan Boys, Zane Morse and Jake Klein all hunt down some crucial points to charge towards the top three. A large entry list awaits the Junior Max category this weekend, as these young stars dice it out to make their mark on the Australian motorsport landscape.
.jpg)
Above: Trophy Class racer Bryce Fullwood has been inducted into the AMSF Rising Star rookie program
pic - IKD
Sodi Junior Max Trophy Class front runner Bryce Fullwood was inducted into the Australian Motor Sport Foundation (AMSF) Rookie rising star scholarship program recently, aimed at supporting young Australian drivers with training, mentorship and financial assistance to help them achieve their goals in the sport. Former Pro Tour regular Joseph Mawson who is now racing full-time in Europe is a recipient of the support and credits its continued influence to his success in achieving his goals in Karting. Bryce currently sits fourth in the Rotax rankings, led by Queensland’s Zane Goddard, with the winner at the completion of the Rotax Nationals in September to receive their Sodi Kart package free of charge.
Round 4 of the 2013 Rotax Pro Tour will take place at the Mount Sugarloaf Circuit, Newcastle, NSW from April 12-14.
- 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.
