Stars of Karting Set For Pucka Showdown
| SoK press release | 30 May 2014 |
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For the first time in the 21-year history of the CIK Stars of Karting Championship presented by Castrol EDGE, Victoria's Eastern Lions Kart Club will host a round of Australia’s most prestigious karting Championship on June 14/15.
It is anticipated that more than 150 drivers from all parts of Australia will be assembling for the event that will produce some of the fastest racing ever seen at the Hume International Raceway in Puckapunyal.
Above: Joey Hanssen (#1) leading the KZ2 field at the previous round in South Australia
pic - Coopers Photography
“The Hume International Raceway is one of the fastest and most challenging circuits in the country, the teams and drivers can’t wait to get there and put on a show,” said Championship Coordinator Lee Hanatschek.
“Over the past few years, the Eastern Lions Kart Club have done a fantastic job upgrading the facilities at the venue with a huge clubrooms and great amenities. It’s a great place to be able to showcase the CIK Stars of Karting Championship.”
Drivers are expected to exceed more than 140 km/h in the top level CIK international classes – KZ2, KF2 and KF3 – while racing centimetres from the ground and other competitors.
Following a fourth placing and a runner-up in the opening two rounds, reigning Champion Joey Hanssen – a Dutchman who is a member of the Eastern Lions Club – is leading the chase for the John Pizarro trophy in the KZ2 class.
After a coming together with Hanssen in the final at the previous round, second placed David Sera will be out to topple his rival at Puckapunyal on a circuit that he has enjoyed significant success at during his successful career.
The pair are expected to be joined in the battle near the front of the field by Round Two winner Jason Faint from Gladstone, Sunbury’s Jordie Ford and 2012 Champion Chris Hays from the Gold Coast.
Above: Troy Loeskow is leading Matthew Waters in the KF2 standings
pic - Coopers Photography
In the KF2 class, the racing will be just as intense with Bundaberg driver Troy Loeskow holding a slender four-point lead in the Championship standings over reigning champion Matthew Waters entering the mid-way point of the five-event calendar.
Leading the way for the Victorian drivers will be Adam Willison (Chirnside Park) and Leigh Nicolaou (Taylors Lakes).
Australia’s top junior drivers will be in action in the KF3 class as they attempt to stamp their name alongside former champions such as Indycar driver Ryan Briscoe and V8 Supercar drivers Tim Slade and Michael Caruso.
Along with the three CIK classes, the event doubles as the Victorian Championship for the TAG 125 Light and Heavy classes. There will also be the youngsters in the Rookies class and the newcomers to the sport in Restricted 125 in action.
Above: Darwin driver Bryce Fullwood is the Championship leader in KF3
pic - Coopers Photography
Practice will be held on Friday June 13 ahead of the qualifying heats from 8:30am on Saturday June 14. The finals will be contested from 8:30am on Sunday June 15.
Entry for spectators is free.
The Hume International Raceway is located 1005 Seymour-Tooborac Road (eight kilometres from Seymour), Puckapunyal.
