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THE HISTORY OF KARTING
I
n the early 1960’s backyard builders in America, with a few feet of steel tube, lawn mower engine, some wheels and a sense of humour, built karts for local use. From these basic origins the sport of karting took off around the world, but the Europeans turned it into an art form.
At first, nobody was sure if the Europeans would take to the sport as enthusiastically as the Americans, but their fears were unfounded. In car clubs, factories, and elsewhere, groups formed to buy karts. The first kart races were run on improvised tracks - car parks, aerodromes and sections of car racing venues - with the first purpose built track in Britain at Tilbury on the Thames and others soon followed. In England alone dozens of major manufacturers were soon flat out catering to 1000 clubs across the country. But when the British government demanded a 50 percent purchase tax on karts, just as if they were full sized cars, few were sold complete and most buyers picked up kits of parts which they assembled themselves. Across the Channel in France they were riding an even bigger boom. The country boasted more than 5000 karters within two weeks of its introduction there. A regional map of karting centres right through from Paris to Marseilles looked like a wall chart after a school ink fight. There, too, manufacturers were quick to step in. Germany already had its fast growing kart centres and its own big business builders, largely using local units in contrast to British makers’ interest in US designed engines, such as the Brigs and Stratton.
Switzerland, too, had its own thriving industry. Italy appears to have been a bit of a late-comer, but once bitten by the bug there was nothing stopping them. The first supplies of British made karts arrived in Milan around mid-1960 and it wasn’t long before local welding shops began creating their own designs. Italian designer craftsmen from the reputable automobile factories turned their collective hands to karting and it gave the sport a boost in Europe, and soon their lightweight construction techniques became unsurpassed anywhere in the world. In Australia, we also had our own kart builders. Clipper Products manufactured the Hot Rod in Calrton, NSW and Ashfords at Hurstville built the Ezy Go-Kart. Lawrence Brothers in Peakhurst created a very solid vehicle called the Alvin, which they said incorporated sound design. It was up against the Furnicraft Mark 1 which had the advantage of twin disc brakes on the rear wheels. This particular kart was manufactured by experts in the field of wrought iron work, but up until then ‘had limited their field mostly to furniture’. At this time the famous Victa was still in the prototype stages. It was a long way from Europe and as the years rolled by it became painfully obvious that our small manufacturers had missed the boat. Over the years, Drew Price Engineering has become Australia’s leading manufacturer of karts through initially the Ace, Demon and now Arrow makes. While there are now a number of Australian manufacturers, even today it is Europe that is classed as the spiritual home of karting and it’s manufacturers.
Karting: A sport for everyone
K
art racing is considered by many to be a young person’s sport, however, it has been proven that it is also one that can be enjoyed by males and females of all ages – the young and the young at heart.
The youngest drivers, in the Cadets category aged between 7 and 10 years, will reach speeds of up to 80 km/h. While karting for these kids is more about fun than winning championships the sport teaches them, both boys and girls, about car control long before they are able to obtain their road licence. Along with the skills they learn on the track, karting teaches these children a lot about being responsible for their own actions, respect for starsofkarting.com.au
other competitors and it’s also an opportunity to bond with their families. For some of the younger generation, the sport can also provide a foundation as they aspire to build a motorsport career - a prime example of this is the fact that all but one V8 Supercar driver on the grid in 2013 started their career in karting. While the sport can teach children many valuable lessons, age is no barrier when it comes to kart racing with the Association having active members well past sixty years of age. There are many categories to cater for a variety of age, weight and budget capacities within the Australian Karting Association. While the youngsters start out in the Cadet, Rookie or Junior National categories - depending on their age, senior drivers (over
16) have several options as an entry level category including Clubman, National and TaG Restricted. The TaG Restricted class has been the most popular entry-level category over the past few years. Drivers in this class compete aboard a kart powered by a restricted 125cc engine. This class was introduced to allow less experienced drivers to race electric start, water cooled engined karts at restricted performance and has proved to be a great way to introduce new people into the sport without the high levels of competitiveness experienced in some other categories. To get involved in the sport visit the Australian Karting Association’s website www. karting.net.au to locate the details of your nearest club. facebook.com/cikstarsofkarting
s r a t s e k a m e W I
n the world of motorsport, all drivers complete their ‘apprenticeship’ in karting before chasing their dreams as a Formula One, NASCAR or V8 Supercar driver.
From Jamie Whincup, Mark Winterbottom, Will Davison, Marcos Ambrose and James Courtney, you don’t need any more proof that a strong grounding during their formative years assisted them to develop their skills and become the champions they are today. In Australia, the modern day breeding ground for the future champions is the country’s elite karting series – the CIK Stars of Karting Series. The CIK (Commission Internationale de Karting) is the specialised Karting commission of the FIA, the governing body of world motor sport It is in this series where drivers compete in equipment identical to that used in the World and European karting Championships. This series once again sees the best rising stars in Australian motorsport competing in world-class equipment in a quest to further their motorsport careers. The honour roll in the CIK Stars of Karting Series reads as a who’s who in Australian motorsport with the likes of three-time V8 Supercar Champion Jamie Whincup, Fujitsu V8 Supercar Champion Andrew Thompson, IndyCar Star Ryan Briscoe, Bathurst 1000 polesitter Mark Winterbottom, V8 Supercar drivers Michael Caruso and Tim Slade all former champions. The highly competitive series consists of five rounds with events being held in Ipswich (QLD), Adelaide (SA), Geelong (Vic), Sydney (NSW) and Melbourne (Vic).
Drivers in the Pro Light category use a 125cc IAME KF specification engine. The Pro Gearbox drivers take to the track powered by a sixspeed 125cc gearbox machine while the Pro Junior drivers use a 125cc Vortex KF specification engine. Competitors in each of the three Pro categories are vying for a Perpetual trophy named in honour of three Australian Karting greats John Pizarro (Pro Gearbox), James Courtney (Pro Light) and Jon Targett (Pro Junior). All Pro competitors use a control compound tyre manufactured in Brazil by MG Tires. TaG 125 Light and Heavy will be held as a support category for the 2013 Series, as will the TaG 125 Restricted class. The Rookies category, for some of the youngest drivers in the sport, will also feature at each round throughout the year.
This Event Program is published by the Australian Karting Association (inc.) and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. Editor/Journalist: Lee Hanatschek Photographers: AF Images, Paul Carruthers, Ash Budd, Real Deal Media twitter.com/starsofkarting
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2012 in review
Titles go down to the wire
Queenslander Chris Hays, Melbourne’s Adam Hughes and Canberra’s Cameron Hill claimed the three national championships up for grabs during the 2012 Castrol EDGE CIK Stars of Karting Series. Pro Light (KF1)
JAM Racing’s Jake Spencer and Adam Hughes was joined by Cian Fothergill and Daniel Rochford in the battle for the podium during Round One at Bolivar Raceway. In the end, it was Spencer who took the win to start his title defence off in the best possible way. At round two in Newcastle, it was Fothergill who appeared to have the measure of the field, but when he suffered a mechanical failure in the final, it allowed Joseph Mawson to take his maiden win in the category. The Ipswich Kart Club in Queensland hosted round three and once again produced some spectacular racing. Fothergill’s his mechanical gremlins from continued to haunt him when he failed to finish the opening final which allowed Hughes to claim a comprehensive victory – his first since winning on debut at the end of 2010. Round Four was another Kosmic kart domination with Fothergill and Rochford coming from the back of the grid to claim the top two positions on the podium. Fothergill also won the Franco Guaitoli Memorial Trophy for his win. Entering the final round Hughes held a slender nine-point lead over fellow Melbourne driver Rochford in the race for the James Courtney Trophy. During the heat races Hughes remained cool under pressure to extend his points lead while Mawson showed that he would be a contender to become the first driver to win two round wins in 2012 with victory in the final heat race. starsofkarting.com.au
Playing a conservative hand in the final day of competition, Hughes crossed the line fifth in the final race to secure the second title in a row for the JAM Racing outfit. Mawson took the round win after fighting back from an opening turn incident in the first final.
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Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
Kicking off at South Australia’s Bolivar Raceway, a huge field of Pro Gearbox competitors lined up in their KZ2 specification machinery. At the front of the pack, it was Patrizicorse driver Kyle Ensbey, reigning champion Tyler Greenbury and Jason Pringle who led the way for the majority of the weekend before Ensbey took the win. The Top Kart driver continued his form into round two of the championship at Newcastle. However, it was Chris Hays got the jump off the start line in the final and was never headed for his maiden victory in the series. Greenbury struck trouble while Wall charged from the back of the field to finish second. Heading into his home round at Ipswich Hays was the favourite, but it was John Grother, Lee Mitchener and Matthew Wall who showed the way in the early races. In the end it was Greenbury who took the win – his first aboard a CRG kart. After two disappointing rounds, Ensbey had lost the points lead to Hays. However, the Sunshine Coast driver bounced back to claim the round win in round four at Eastern Creek ahead of the consistent Mitchener and Greenbury. Entering the final round Ensbey held a slender 13-point lead over Hays in the standings. This buffer would diminish to a mere one-point after qualifying and the three heat races on the opening day of competition. When Ensbey came together with reigning champion, Tyler Greenbury, in the opening final it all but ended his championship hopes. Greenbury was excluded from the race for his part in the incident.
Pro Junior (KF3)
With Pierce Lehane and Joseph Mawson moving into the senior ranks, it opened the door for a new star in Pro Junior during 2012. During round one at South Australia’s Bolivar Raceway it was debutant Lachlan McHugh who set the early pace before CRG driver Jake Coleman went on to dominate proceedings. When the series headed to Newcastle Coleman was expected to continue his dominance but it was Top Kart driver Cameron Hill’s time to shine as he claimed his maiden twitter.com/starsofkarting
From there, Hays went on to win both 27-lap encounters to secure the championship, along with the $10,000 towards an overseas CIK event that goes with it. His name will also be etched on the John Pizarro perpetual trophy. “This is just an amazing feeling,” said Hays. “It’s been a tough battle all year long but it’s great to have come out on top. I can’t thank Vodafone enough for their continued support, Jon Targett (Hays’ mechanic), Adam Graham from Energy Corse Australia and my Dad for everything he has put in to get me this
championship. “I had some good speed this weekend, you never like to see a championship rival on the sidelines like Kyle was in the opening final but in the end we still showed that I had the speed to get the job done.” Finishing second behind Hays was a pair of Melbourne drivers, Lee Mitchener and Matthew Wall.
round victory. In round three at Ipswich, Joseph BurtonHarris, Kurt Kostecki and Jaxon Evans mixed it near the front of the field but in the end it was Hill who claimed the top honours for his second round win in a row. During the penultimate round at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Brock Plumb and local driver Dimitri Agathos took the challenge to the front runners before Thomas Randle proved victorious for the first time since making his debut in the series at the start of 2011.
Hill entered the final round with an almost insurmountable lead, however, he was determined to finish the year on a high and went out to dominate proceedings – which he duly did. After securing enough points during the heat races to ensure that he couldn’t be caught, the Top Kart driver signed off with a pair of victories in the two finals. He led home Randle and Series debutant Liam McLellan. It is the sixth time that the Tim Craig-led Top Kart outfit has claimed the elite junior championship. youtube.com/user/cikstarsofkarting
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For the love of motorsport
K
osmic Racing Australia team boss Peter Galvin always had a love for motorsport but it continuously fell behind his passion for Rugby League, which he played for much of his youth.
When his body could no longer take the big hits of Rugby League and he hung up the boots, it was time for Galvin to get his motorsport ‘fix’. “I always loved my motorsport but footy (Rugby League) was my number one focus all throughout my younger years,” said the lifelong Parramatta Eels fan. “It wasn’t until eight years ago that I finally got the opportunity to fulfill my motorsport fix and it was in karting because that is the most affordable form of the sport.” After racing for five years, Galvin saw the opportunity to work with the International Karting Council to relaunch the CIK Championship in 2009 in Australia. He took up the Series Co-ordinator role, a position he ‘lived and breathed’ for three years. “To see the Series come from having ten drivers on the grid five years ago, to where it is now – quite possibly the strongest it has ever been, is just fantastic,” said Galvin. “That first year (of the Series returning to twitter.com/starsofkarting
Australian tracks) was a huge struggle, and without the support and dedication of a few people in the industry this series would not have happened and we quite possibly may never have seen the CIK style of racing here in Australia again. “The Series is now providing exactly what the sport here in Australia needed, a true professional image and marketable product. “Much of the marketable side of the sport has to do with the passion, influence and knowledge of this series has to do with the vision of Lee Hanatschek. It was great to work with him, he was always looking to move things to the next level in terms of presentation and professionalism. If it wasn’t for his vision on that side of the series, much of what we have in place today simply wouldn’t be there.” After attending the Asia Pacific Championships with Cian Fothergill at the end of 2011, Galvin was inspired by working with the Kosmic Factory team and from this the Kosmic Racing Australia team was formed. “After going to Japan with Cian and working with the factory team it inspired me to put a factory team here in Australia that was closely linked to the European team. I really felt that it was something that that Australian karting needed,” said Galvin. “Going from the Series to Team
Management my main objective was to create a professionally run team that would be able to give young drivers to aspire to higher echelons of the sport. Last year was a huge year for the team, our first full go as a team and the results that we got in 2012 far and away exceeded our expectations in all forms of kart racing. This year we hope to continue to push the boundaries into the future. “Our relationship with the factory, which has been built up by me travelling to the overseas events, and particularly Remo Luciani, has had a big influence on the team. “In 2013 I’m really looking forward to seeing the group of drivers in the team grow into better drivers, and more importantly better people. I think it is very important as a Team Manger to instill into the drivers in the team that it’s not only about having a good working relationship in the team at the track, but having good relationships with people from all walks of life.” The Kosmic Racing Australia team will field seven drivers in the Pro categories throughout the 2013 championship. Youngsters Tom Chitty and Matthew Foyle will fly the flag for the team in the Pro Junior (KFJ) category while Matthew Waters, Dimitri Agathos, Lachlan Gibbons, Joshua Smith and Billy Foyle will lineup in the Pro Light (KF) category. youtube.com/user/cikstarsofkarting
CRG Australia’s Mattia Madami
T
he CRG Australia team has been a formidable force ever since the CIK Stars of Karting Series began back in 1993 when Mike Hazelton carried the marque to victory in the maiden Pro Junior Championship.
With six titles through the various categories since, CRG sits second on the all-time winners list in the championship – two titles behind Top Kart. As with the majority of teams in the championship, the strength of CRG Australia’s success can be attributed to the ‘team behind the team’. St George Kart Centre boss Chris Dell is the man at the top of the CRG tree in Australia with Darren King and Mattia Madami heading up the Race Team. Between the pair of them, they have more than 40 years of experience in the sport at various levels – King here in Australia while Madami joined the team from Europe at the start of 2012. Having competed at various levels of the sport between 1986 and 1999, King starsofkarting.com.au
CRG Australia’s Darren King
knows what it takes to be a successful racer with victory in the 1996 CAMS National Championship and various other titles throughout his career. After completing his motor mechanic apprenticeship King began his working career in the karting industry 20 years ago. During this time he has seen, and worked with, some of the big names in motorsport at the top level of karting and the Retail and Race Team Manager says that seeing his drivers achieve their goals is what it is all about. “It’s hard to say what is the best thing about what I do, but if I had to say one thing it would be the satisfaction of seeing the drivers achieve their goals. Sometimes that’s not always in the form of victory or a championship but just continual improvement,” said King. “I’ve been around all of the current big names when they were in karts, guys like Jamie Whincup, Mark Winterbottom, Marcos Ambrose and Tim Slade. I worked closely with Tim during his years at Top Kart.” Having worked with numerous drivers throughout his time in the sport when asked about the best drive he’s worked with, King
didn’t hesitate in his answer. “In current times since moving to CRG I’d say that (Pierce) Lehane, (Tyler) Greenbury and (Jason) Pringle are right up there with some of the biggest talents I’ve worked with throughout my career.” His fresh start to join the CRG team two years ago also saw King get a renewal of enthusiasm for the sport, this enthusiasm took another step up when Madami moved to Australia last year. A fresh start to join the CRG team two years ago saw King get a renewal of enthusiasm for the sport, this enthusiasm took another step up when Madami moved to Australia last year. “Working with Skippy has really taught me a lot. He’s got 11 years of experience working in the CRG Factory in Italy, all the little things that he knows really counts, his understanding of the kart set-up and engineering of a kart is just amazing,” added King. The ‘Men in Black’ led the CRG Australia team to second place in Pro Junior and third place in Pro Gearbox and with an expanded team of drivers in 2013, CRG Australia will be a force to be reckoned with throughout the year. facebook.com/cikstarsofkarting
Ready, Set, Go
T
he 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE is shaping up to be the most competitive in the championship’s history.
Many years prior it was easy to identify who would be the championship favourites in the Pro categories, who might sneak through for a round win and who will be there just to make up the numbers. However, this is certainly not the case in 2013. A massive 54 drivers have registered to compete in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) category throughout the year with 26 set to be on the starting grid for the opening round this weekend. 2011 World Cup Champion Joey Hanssen, who is the series’ first full-time European driver, will obviously start as one of the favourites for the championship. The only thing that may hamper Hanssen’s performance throughout the year would be his lack of knowledge of the Australian circuits. When you add Hanssen to the field fluttered with Australian Champions and Stars, every qualifying session and race will be intense. Last year was somewhat of a breakout twitter.com/starsofkarting
year for Queenslander Chris Hays who broke through to etch his name on the John Pizarro Perpetual Trophy as the champion. However, Kyle Ensbey, Jason Pringle and Matthew Wall will be just a few of the drivers out to stop Hays’ march to claiming back-to-back titles. Just as open as the championship battle in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) category will be the fight for the Pro Light (KF) title where the champion will have their name etched on the James Courtney Perpetual Trophy. The category’s previous three champions setting their sights on other challenges in motorsport throughout 2013 the door is wide open for a new ‘King of KF’. Such is the openness of the Pro Light field, only one driver – Kosmic Racing Australia’s Matthew Waters – has finished on the podium in the Pro Light category. The Kosmic chassis remains as the dominant chassis in the category with eight of the 18 drivers in Ipswich set to suit up aboard the European-made chassis. After last year having South Australian Ben Edwards as its sole representative, CRG will have five drivers entered in the 2013 championship while Energy will have a pair of drivers as well. As has come to be expected in the Pro
Junior (KFJ) ranks, another new year opens the door for another new star. Joseph BurtonHarris is the most experienced of the 20-driver field and should start as the favourite for this weekend’s opening round. Western Australian Kurt Kostecki claimed his career best result at the corresponding round in 2012, armed with the experience of a pair of overseas events late last year, he should also figure prominently this weekend at Ipswich. After last year competing in the CIK-FIA Academy Trophy, James Abela will be one to watch throughout the year aboard his new PCR machine. In fact, 14 of the 20 drivers will be making their debut in Australia’s elite junior category this weekend. So the racing should be actionpacked all throughout the field. In addition to the Pro categories a huge field of drivers will line up in the TaG 125 Light and Heavy categories where they will be battling for the inaugural Queensland State Championship for the category. There will also be some great racing to be seen from the drivers in the TaG 125 Restricted category and also some of the youngest drivers in the sport of karting in the Rookies category. youtube.com/user/cikstarsofkarting
Rookies No. Name
State Kart/Engine Sponsors
2
Declan FRASER
QLD
OTKYamaha
A1 Engines, Coalfield Karts
3
Zac RADDATZ
NSW
Top Kart/Yamaha
Natsoft race results
4
Max ADAMS
QLD
Tony Kart/Yamaha
DPA Transport
5
Ryan SUHLE
QLD
Birel/Yamaha
Ray White North Lakes
6
Jayden GOLLAN
QLD
Kosmic/Yamaha
MG Engines, Remo Racing
8
Jace MATTHEWS
QLD
FA/Yamaha
18
Cody BREWCZYNSKI
NSW
Top Kart/Yamaha
Kart 1,TopGun racing
21
Joel JAMIESON
QLD
Kosmic/Yamaha
Cian Fothergill Karting
24
Samuel BATTYE
QLD
Energy/Yamaha
Energy Karts Australia, Two4 Tuning, JT Motorsport
46
Oliver BAYLISS
QLD
RK Kart/Yamaha
Patrizi Corse
47
Jarrod COSTELLO
QLD
Kosmic/Yamaha
Cosbro, Pacific Kartsport, JT Motorsport
55
Jack WINTER
NSW
Arrow/Yamaha
OTK Race Team
78
Benjamin DEISSLER
QLD
Tony Kart/Yamaha
Wynnum Management
81
Oscar PIASTRI
VIC
FA Kart/Yamaha
JSKC, J&A Tuning
84
Josh RADFORD
QLD
Merlin/Yamaha
Merlin Trailers
97
Harrison HOEY
QLD
Kosmic/Yamaha
Pacific Kartsport, JT Motorsport
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TaG 125 Light No. Name 2 Sharon JAENKE
State QLD
Kart/Engine Monaco/IAME
3
Chris FARKAS
QLD
Rotax
4
JOSHUA CROSSINGHAM QLD
Arrow/Rotax
Kaos Karting
5
James WILKINS
QLD
Tony Kart/IRotax
Flowtek
6
Sean BUTCHER
QLD
Tony Kart/Rotax
Power Republic
8
Chris BURLEY
NSW
OK1/Rotax
KAOS GA Engine, Carsound FX
10
Troy MORRISSEY
QLD
Arrow/Rotax
Pacific Kartsport, Reelax
12
Scott SORENSEN
QLD
Tony Kart/Rotax
ELF OILS , PROMECH
19
Thomas POMROY
QLD
Birel/Rotax
Consultworks
22
Aaron RABJONES
NSW
Arrow/Rotax
28
Gordon WILSON
NSW
CRG/PRD
FIS & CRG
29
Holly PATRIZI
QLD
Kosmic/Rotax
Coolabah Tree Café Coomera
37
Ryan KENNEDY
QLD
/Rotax
41
Adam MERCER
QLD
Arrow/IAME
Pacific Kartsport
42
Dalton ELLERY
QLD
RK Kart/Rotax
Chelgrave Contracting
43
Benjamin HARM
QLD
Exprit/Rotax
Project X Racing
48
Ben STEWART
QLD
Arrow/IAME
Arrow Karts, KTEQ, OMP
57
Bradley SMITH
VIC
Arrow/IAME
Shamick Racing
61
Luke BALDRY
QLD
Tony Kart/Rotax
Pacific Kartsport
66
Jack ROSS
QLD
CRG/Rotax
72
Adam BRIGGS
NSW
Tony Kart/IAME
J & N SALES
75
Mitchell KENNEDY
NSW
Wright Kart/
TopGun, Superior Rubber
79
Courtney GOUGH
WA
RK Kart/IAME
Primepower Engineering
80
Blake WORBOYS
QLD
FA Kart/IAME
AutObarn Noosa Eng
90
Luke FLYNN
QLD
Arrow
Townsville Kart Centre
91
Jaxon EVANS
QLD
Arrow/Rotax
Birel kartsport , N2C
96
Lydon DODGE
QLD
CRG
Kartcity,CRG,MGengines
99
Aaron WILAMOWSKI
SA
Adrenaline Kartsport
95
Brody CHARDON
QLD
Tony Kart
MG Engines
40
Trent MERCER
QLD
RKKart/Rotax
Birel Kartsport Australia
94
Jordan CONDER
QLD
Tony Kart/Rotax
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Sponsors
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TaG 125 Heavy No. Name
State Kart/Engine Sponsors
2
Brendan NELSON
QLD
3
Scott HOWARD
QLD
Pacific Kartsport
7
Michael DOHERTY
QLD
Kosmic/IAME
M Power Trackside Spares
15
Anthony MYERS
QLD
Energy/IAME
City Transmission Service
16
Aron LAWRENCE
VIC
CRG/IAME
Shamick Racing, MetFab
21
Klinton HANCEY
QLD
Tony Kart/IAME
27
Matthew BOYLAN
NSW
Kosmic/IAME
Kosmic Racing Australia
31
Dale CORBETT
NSW
Haase/Rotax
Haase Karts
35
Gaven WHITMORE
QLD
Tony Kart/IAME
G-Force Karting
42
Mason BARBERA
QLD
CRG/Rotax
MBRacing
45
Mitchell BLANCH
NSW
Tony Kart/Rotax
Lion Batteries
48
Bradley DAWSON
QLD
CRG/IAME
54
Jason HRYNIUK
NSW
CRG/IAME
64
Andrew MCLEOD
QLD
CRG/Rotax
68
Kris WALTON
QLD
OTK/IAME
Watchcentral.com.au
69
William YARWOOD
QLD
Exprit/IRotax
Project X Racing / Exprit
76
Patrick MATHER
QLD
Exprit/IAME
Office Products Depot
82
Jeremy MURPHY
QLD
Arrow/Rotax
SBP Australia
90
Ashley LESTER
QLD
OK1/Rotax
Cook the Books Racing
95
Shawn MCNAMARA
QLD
Intrepid/Rotax
97
Christopher AOUN
NSW
CRG/Rotax
99
Steven ELLERY
QLD
RK Kart/Rotax
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Arrow/Rotax
Arrow Karts Kaos Karting
Rainer and Leach
Chelgrave Contracting
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TaG 125 Restricted No. Class Name 6
Light
Grahame HALL
State Kart/Engine Sponsors QLD
Arrow/Rotax
Aussie Home Loans
16
Heavy
Andrew FREEMAN
WA
Formula K/IAME
FMA Motorsport
17
Heavy
Michael OSMOND
NSW
Tony Kart/Rotax
Ozzy Out House
18
Light
Ryan MCKNIGHT
QLD
Arrow/Rotax
Night Owl Calamvale
34
Light
Nigel WARD
QLD
Omega/Rotax
www.supersport.com.
46
Heavy
Jeromy SONTER
QLD
Tony Kart/IAME
KD Motorworks
56
Light
Cohen ARCHER
QLD
Kosmic/iAME
Emerald Kartsports
62
Light
Nickolas ROSS
QLD
CRG/Rotax
69
Light
Daniel BENEFIELD
QLD
Arrow/Rotax FR125
Pacific Kartsport
72
Heavy
David JOHNSTONE
QLD
Kosmic/IAME
Opposite Lock Northside
72
Light
Nathan WILL
WA
Luxor/Rotax
73
Heavy
Troy WARD
QLD
Tony Kart/IAME
74P
Heavy
Wayne DRURY
QLD
/Rotax
77
Heavy
Milos PAVLOVIC
QLD
Torrismo/Cheetah
83
Light
Donnelle WALDON
QLD
Arrow/Rotax
85
Light
Kyle ZINK
QLD
Intrepid/Rotax
89
Heavy
Ashley RICHARDS
QLD
Omega/Rotax
98
Light
Kyle HENRY-SMITH
NSW
PCR/Rotax
Opposite Lock -Northside
Top-Rpm Karts
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OFFICIAL SIGNAGE SUPPLIER OF THE 2013 CIK STARS OF KARTING SERIES twitter.com/starsofkarting
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Blackberry Powerful Award Pro Junior (KFJ) drivers in the CIK Stars of Karting Series will be vying for more than just victory in the 2013 championship courtesy of a great incentive from the team at BlackBerry. During each of the five rounds, there will be a BlackBerry product presented to a selected driver based on their ‘powerful’ performance. The BlackBerry product line includes the BlackBerry® PlayBook™ tablet, the award-winning BlackBerry smartphone, software for businesses and accessories.
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BlackBerry products and services are used by millions of customers around the world to stay connected to the people and content that matter most throughout their day. The BlackBerry Powerful Award is not one that will necessarily go to a driver who has finished on the podium either. It could be a driver who has shown significant improvement from round to round, a driver who has moved through the field or simply someone who showed good speed but was unlucky across the event.
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Pro Junior (KFJ) No. Name 2
Andrew KAHL
State Kart/Engine Sponsors NSW
Tony Kart/Vortex
Tony Kart, Karting World
3
Callum WALKER
QLD
Formula K/Vortex
Formula K Australia
4
James ABELA
NSW
PCR/Vortex
Horsley Park Gun Shop
5
Damon STRONGMAN
VIC
Haase/Vortex
Haase, Adelaide Fr., Fujitsu
7
Matthew FOYLE
QLD
Kosmic/Vortex
Kosmic Racing Australia
8
Thomas STEELE
QLD
PCR/Vortex
Scuderia PCR
9
Patrick MARTIN
WA
Lenzo/Vortex
Goldfields Compressor Hire
12
Drew RIDGE
NSW
CRG/Vortex
KDR Design & Print, CRG
19
Joshua DENTON
SA
Kosmic/Vortex
TD Racing, Defenceshutters.com.au
25
Torey BLANCH
NSW
Expirit/Vortex
Lion Batteries
32
Joseph BURTON-HARRIS NSW
RK Kart/Vortex
RK Karts, BlackBerry
34
Alexander BARBOUTIS
WA
Zanardi/Vortex
Zanardi Australia
55
Kurt KOSTECKI
WA
Tony Kart/Vortex
Arcoplate, Alloysteel
56
Thomas CHITTY
NSW
Kosmic/Vortex
Kosmic Racing Australia
76
Christopher SANDRONE
NSW
Tony Kart/Vortex
MV Technology Solutions
88
Jacob BRIGHT
QLD
Kosmic/Vortex
Cian Fothergill Karting
92
Josh ROGERS
QLD
Monaco/Vortex
Cian Fothergill Karting
94
William HAWKES
VIC
Arrow/Vortex
J&A Tuning, Shamick Racing, Arrow Karts
96
Jake KOSTECKI
WA
Tony Kart/Vortex
Acroplate, Alloysteel
98
Lachlan SACCARDO
NSW
CRG/Vortex
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GEE MAKES IT THREE FOR HDR Rising Queensland karting and motorsport star, Mitchell Gee will re-join with Harrington Doyle Racing (HDR) to compete in the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE.
Gee, who raced with the Yatala-based HDR team as a junior karter from 2008 to 2010, now re-joins his former team for an energetic and determined assault in the elite Pro Light (KF) category across the five-round championship. Having enjoyed success through victory in the Yamaha Challenge with the HDR team during 2010, the 15 year-old is looking to broaden racing experience throughout 2013 in familiar colours. “I like the way the series runs and it’s attracted an enormous number of registrations this year. Everyone is signing up to race, so the fields will be really competitive and it will be tough”, said Gee. “Being able to fly-in/fly-out with the HDR Team’s logistics support, means that I can Mitchell Gee will reunite with the Harrington Doyle Racing Team in 2013 (Pic: Real Deal Media) do this extra racing relatively easily without needing to take too much time off school.” stellar driving stint with Chris Hays in the enduro; and I think we all just Speaking about his Team’s new recruit, HDR Team Manager, Craig came to the same conclusion at the same time, that Mitchell was a great Doyle said, “We’re pleased to welcome Mitchell and his family back candidate for a rookie year in the Pro Light class and we should do in to our team all of our past drivers remain as family to us and we’re something together.” delighted to be able to have him re-join the team at our highest level.” Gee will join an already strong Pro Light team in Toowoomba’s “We had been actively looking for a third Pro Light driver for our Brooke Topp (sixth outright and 2012 Rookie of the Year) and Mackay’s team for a while and when the Gee’s caught up with us at the recent Jarryd Ebzery (sixth outright in 2012). Both Topp and Ebzery have spent Ipswich Karting Enduro, things just all logically came together. We were the past four months training and practicing for the challenging 5 round talking and reminiscing about old times, Mitch was putting in another national series ahead.
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Pro Light (KF) No. Name
State Kart/Engine Sponsors
3
George Geranis
VIC
Kosmic/IAME
Master Karting, Remo Racing
4
Mitchell GEE
QLD
Kosmic/IAME
Harrington Doyle Racing
5
Brooke TOPP
QLD
Kosmic/IAME
Harrington Doyle Racing
6
Jarryd EBZERY
QLD
Energy/IAME
Harrington Doyle Racing
7 Joshua SMITH QLD Kosmic/IAME
Kosmic Racing Australia, Zenest Fitness, Aim Sports Systems
8
William FOYLE
QLD
Kosmic/IAME
Kosmic Racing Australia
10
Ben EDWARDS
SA
CRG/IAME
Lightning Karts, CRG Australia
12
Leonardo LO BIANCO
VIC
CRG/IAME
Shamick Racing, J&A Tuning
13
Matthew WATERS
NSW
Kosmic/IAME
Kosmic Racing Australia
17 Troy LOESKOW QLD Kosmic/IAME
Cian Forthergill Karting, Sunfam, Macadamia’s Direct
18
Lachlan GIBBONS
NSW
Kosmic Racing Australia
28
Jeremy LANDT
QLD
Cian Fothergill Karting, Landt Diesel
30
Jedd STOJAKOVIC
SA
Techforce, Pirtek Fluid Solutions
32
Ethan SUTHERLAND
WA
Auto One Kwinana
34
Jordan NICOLAOU
VIC
CRG/IAME
Shamick Racing
66
Dimitri AGATHOS
NSW
Kosmic/IAME
Kosmic Racing Australia
88
Luke GABIN
WA
Lenzo/IAME
Mandurah Panel and Paint
98
Adam WILLISON
VIC
Energy/IAME
Inox Lubricants
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Kosmic/IAME
CRG/IAME
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WORLD CUP CHAMP TO TAKE ON AUSTRALIA’S BEST 2011 KZ2 World Cup Champion Joey Hanssen will be competing in Australia’s elite karting championship, the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE, this year.
Hanssen, who will take up residence in Perth early in January, will be competing under the Lenzo Kart Australia banner in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) category. “The best drivers compete in this series (CIK Stars of Karting). My Dad always taught me to race against the best, they will make you a better driver no matter whether you win or lose – you always learn,” said Hanssen. “I want to thank Brendan Shugg (Lenzo Kart Australia) for giving me the opportunity and my parents for their support all these years and finally have to let me go and also my lovely girlfriend who is so supportive about my passion.” Hanssen’s only visit to Australia came last November when he competed at the Kalgoorlie Dash for Cash event in Western Australia, where he was victorious. It was at this event where he gained an appreciation for the high level of talent in Australia and believes 2013 will be a big challenge for him – both on and off the track. “I think it’s more friendly here (in Australia), it’s easy going and all of the people don’t try to cheat all of the time, in Europe it’s just my job and here the racing seems to be more fun,” said Hanssen. Understandably, Lenzo Kart Australia boss Brendan Shugg is excited about having such a well-credentialed driver join his ever-expanding outfit for 2013. “For Joey to join us at Lenzo Kart Australia its going to take the team to that next level and offer our drivers something no other kart team in Australia can,” said Shugg.
Joey Hanssen during his first race in Australia last November (Pic: Real Deal Media)
“After seeing how he works and the preparation he does before he gets to a race meeting I can see why he has become so successful. It’s a great opportunity for all Lenzo kart drivers to receive first class advice from a former World Champion.” The inclusion of Hanssen on the grid as a part of the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series is something that Australian Karting Association National President and International Karting Committee Chairman Craig Denton believes is further proof of the strength of Australian karting. “Since we rejuvenated the CIK Series, our aim has been to attract the best drivers to race in it and also to one day have an international level event back on Australian soil. With Joey committing to the series in 2013, I’m sure it will open the eyes of more drivers from overseas,” said Denton. “The interest in all three of our Pro categories continues to be strong across the board and we’re working hard on making 2013 even bigger and better than this year. It is the 20th anniversary for the series, so we’re working to make it a special year.”
Fothergill’s new challenge Former Series Champion Cian Fothergill is gearing up for a pair of new challenges during 2013.
Former Castrol EDGE Stars of Karting Series Champion Cian Fothergill is gearing up for a pair of new challenges during 2013. The Queenslander will head up his own team, Cian Fothergill Karting (CFK), where he aims to assist with developing the next group of talented youngsters, he will also take up a new challenge in the driver’s seat. “Over the past couple of years I have probably had more success than ever before in my career, and now it’s time to start to give back to the sport that has given me so much,” said Fothergill, a two-time winner of the Dunlop Drivers Driver of the Year Award. “I will still be racing at the highest level this year, but I’m really keen on sharing the lessons I’ve learnt onto some of the young stars of tomorrow, which is why I’ve started the team.” Fothergill has confirmed Bundaberg’s Troy starsofkarting.com.au
Loeskow will line up in the Pro Light (KF) category under the CFK banner alongside youngsters Josh Rogers and Jacob Bright in the Pro Junior (KFJ) category. “The key to me is not about what chassis these guys drive, but more so being apart of the team environment where everyone learns from each other and develop as not only drivers but people off the track as well,” said Fothergill. “I’m hoping that we’ll end up with four or five juniors in the team along with a couple more Pro Light guys and a couple of Pro Gearbox drivers.” Not content on just the challenge of setting a new team up off the track, Fothergill will also be embarking on a new challenge on the track during 2013. After enjoying enormous success over the past few years in the Pro Light category, including a championship victory and two top three finishes, he recently confirmed his move across to the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) ranks.
Cian Fothergill
CFK will enjoy a partnership with MG Engines along with support by OMP, Sunfam, Remo Racing and Glenn Powles designs throughout the year. facebook.com/cikstarsofkarting
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) No. Name
State Kart/Engine Sponsors
1
Chris HAYS
QLD
Energy/TM
Energy Corse Australia
3
Daniel CURREY
WA
RK Kart/BMB
Patrizicorse, Primepower Engineering
4 5
Jason FAINT
QLD
Energy/TM
Rocksalt, Energy Corse Australia, Chelgrave
Greg OLSON
NSW
CRG/Maxter
St George Kart Centre
6
Troy BRETHERTON
QLD
Energy/TM
Pacific Kartsport, Go Pro, OGIO
7
Matthew HUNT
VIC
CRG/TM
L.F.S, Shamick Racing
8 11
Anthony MARTIN
WA
Lenzo/LKE
Goldfields Compressor Hire
Leigh COCKER
SA
Zanardi/IAME
Star Pharmacy Group
12
Cian FOTHERGILL
QLD
Kosmic/IAME
MG Engines, Remo, Glen Powles Design
14
Jake COLEMAN
NSW
CRG/Maxter
CRG Australia, SPF Construction
15
Matthew WALL
VIC
CRG/Maxter
Shamick Racing
17
Mathew ERDMANN
NSW
CRG/Maxter
CRG Australia, Parsons Engineering
18
Benjamin WALTER
VIC
CRG/Maxter
AWC Motorsport, Shamick Racing
20
Jordan FORD
VIC
CRG/Maxter
Shamick Racing
21
Simon GWILLIAM
WA
DR Kart/TM
Ace Karting
29
Kyle ENSBEY
QLD
Birel/BMB
Patrizicorse, Birel SPA
35
Jason PRINGLE
VIC
CRG/Maxter
CRG Australia, Pro Karting
36
Daniel ROCHFORD
VIC
Formula/TM
RJ Garage Doors
40
Joey HANSSEN
WA
Lenzo/LKE
Lenzo Kart, Luxor, IMAF
42
John GROTHER
QLD
Energy/TM
GJ Karts, Energy Corse Australia
47
Sam HOUSTON
QLD
Tony Kart/TM
Sam Houston Drafting
75
Kel TRESEDER
QLD
Energy/TM
Kel’s Karts & Parts, JT Motorsport
90
Lee MITCHENER
VIC
Formula K/TM
Leevertek, Formula K Australia
92
Ricky CAPO
VIC
Praga/Maxter
Modena Engineering, Bearing
95
Jake KLARICH
WA
Lenzo/LKE
Super Rooster
99
Cameron HILL
ACT
Top Kart/TM
Collin Hill Engineering
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Logistics
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Event Timetable
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 23 8:05
8:20
Driver’s Briefing
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 24 8:05
8:20
Driver’s Briefing
8:30
9:00
Warm-Up
4 Laps
All classes
8:30
9:00
Warm-Up
4 Laps
All classes
9:20
9:28
Qualifying
8 Mins
Pro Junior(KFJ)
9:10
9:28
Pre-Final
16 laps
TaG 125 Light
9:30
9:38
Qualifying
8 Mins
Pro Light(KF)
9:30
9:48
Pre-Final
16 laps
TaG 125 Heavy
9:40
9:48
Qualifying
8 Mins
Pro Gearbox(KZ2)
9:50
10:08
Pre-Final
14 laps
Rookies
9:50
9:56
Qualifying
6 Mins
TaG 125 Light
10:10 10:28
Pre-Final
16 laps
TaG 125 Restricted
9:58
10:06
Qualifying
6 Mins
TaG 125 Heavy
10:30 10:55
Final 1
25 laps
Pro Junior(KFJ)
10:08 10:14
Qualifying
6 Mins
Rookies
10:57 11:22
Final 1
25 laps
Pro Light(KF)
10:16 10:22
Qualifying
6 Mins
TaG 125 Restricted
11:24
Final 1
25 laps
Pro Gearbox(KZ2)
10:24 10:39
Heat One
15 laps
Pro Junior(KFJ)
10:41 10:56
Heat One
15 laps
Pro Light(KF)
10:58 11:13
Heat One
15 laps
Pro Gearbox(KZ2)
11:15
11:27
Heat One
10 laps
TaG 125 Light
11:29
11:41
Heat One
10 laps
TaG 125 Heavy
11:43
11:55
Heat One
10 laps
Rookies
11:57
12:09
Heat One
10 laps
TaG 125 Restricted
Lunch Break/Demonstration
12:35 12:50
Heat Two
15 laps
Pro Junior(KFJ)
12:52 13:07
Heat Two
15 laps
Pro Light(KF)
13:09 13:24
Heat Two
15 laps
Pro Gearbox(KZ2)
13:26 13:38
Heat Two
10 laps
TaG 125 Light
13:40 14:52
Heat Two
10 laps
TaG 125 Heavy
14:54 15:06
Heat Two
10 laps
Rookies
15:08 15:20
Heat Two
10 laps
TaG 125 Restricted
15:22 15:37
Heat Three
15 laps
Pro Junior(KFJ)
15:39 15:54
Heat Three
15 laps
Pro Light(KF)
15:56 16:11
Heat Three
15 laps
Pro Gearbox(KZ2)
11:49
Lunch Break/Demonstration
12:20 12:42
Final
20 laps
TaG 125 Light
12:44 13:06
Final
20 laps
TaG 125 Heavy
13:08 13:20
Final
18 laps
Rookies
13:22 13:44
Final
20 laps
TaG 125 Restricted
13:50
Presentation
14:00
Top Five Introduction
Pro Junior(KFJ)
14:05 14:30
Final 2
Pro Junior(KFJ)
14:35
Top Five Introduction
Pro Light(KF)
14:40 15:05
Final 2
Pro Light(KF)
15:10
Top Five Introduction
Pro Gearbox(KZ2)
15:15 15:40
Final 2
Pro Gearbox(KZ2)
15:45
Presentation
25 laps 25 laps 25 laps
Castrol EDGE Track Map
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Honour Roll Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
2012 – Chris Hays (Energy/TM) 2011 – Tyler Greenbury (Intrepid/Maxter) 2010 – Matthew Wall (BRM/TM) 2005 – Bart Price (Arrow/TM) 2004 – Bart Price (Arrow/TM) 2003 – Tyson Pearce (Omega/TM) 2002 – Jason Burns (Mac Minerelli/TM)
Pro Light (KF)
2012 – Adam Hughes (Kosmic/IAME) 2011 – Jake Spencer (Kosmic/IAME) 2010 – Cian Fothergill (Kosmic/IAME) 2009 – Hayden McBride (Gillard/IAME) 2004 – Barclay Holden (Trulli/Parilla) 2003 – Barclay Holden (Trulli/Parilla) 2002 – Adam Graham (Arrow/Rotax) 2001 – Mark Winterbottom (Tony Kart/Vortex) 2000 – Neil McFadyen (Top Kart/Comer) 1999 – Jamie Whincup (Tecno/Parilla) 1998 – Ryan Wlodzinski (PCR/PCR) 1997 – David Clark (Tecno/Atomik) 1996 – Jeremy Lohmann (Tony Kart/Vortex) 1995 – Darrell Smith (PCR/PCR) 1994 – Phillip Scifleet (Haase/Italsistem) 1993 – Richard McLeod (Azzurro/Fox)
l
Matthew Wal
riscoe
Ryan B
Pro Junior (KFJ)
2012 – Cameron Hill (Top Kart/Vortex) 2011 – Pierce Lehane (CRG/Vortex) 2010 – Pierce Lehane (CRG/Vortex) 2005 – Joshua Scott (BRM) 2004 – Kristian Lindbom (Top Kart/Comer) 2003 – Kristian Lindbom (Top Kart/Comer) 2002 – Ben Chong Sun (Top Kart/Comer) 2001 – Tim Slade (Top Kart/Comer) 2000 – Andrew Thompson (Tony Kart/Vortex) 1999 – Adam Graham (Tony Kart/Vortex) 1998 – Neil McFadyen (Top Kart/Comer) 1997 – Michael Caruso (Tony Kart/Vortex) 1996 – Ryan Briscoe (CRG/CRG) 1995 – Ryan Briscoe (CRG/Parilla) 1994 – Christian Jones (CRG/Rotax) 1993 – Mike Hazelton (CRG/Parilla)
Mark
Wint
erbo
ttom
Intercontinental A
*No longer contested in the championship 2005 - Daniel Ricciardo (Trulli/IAME) 2004 – Ashley Walsh (Trulli/IAME) 2003 – Glenn Powles (Trulli/IAME) 2002 – Luke May (CRG) 2001 – Josh Hunt (Energy/Parilla) 2000 – Brendan May (Mike Wilson/Italsistem) 1999 – Neil McFadyen (Top Kart/Comer) 1998 – Jamie Whincup (Tecno/Parilla) 1997 – Troy Hunt (Top Kart/Rotax) 1996 – John Joyce (Tony Kart/Italsistem) 1995 – Lincoln Mitchell (Top Kart/Comer) 1994 – Sandro Guaitoli (PCR/PCR) 1993 – Shane Wilson (Haase/Italsistem) twitter.com/starsofkarting
earce
Tyson P
Tim Slade youtube.com/user/cikstarsofkarting
Dare to dream What started as a dream for a kid has turned out to be a reality for Harrington Doyle Racing’s Craig Doyle. As a youngster, Doyle had a group of matchbox cars that he painted in the same colour as his Father’s speedway team’s cars and dreamed of one day running his own racing team, something he is now doing as a part of the CIK Stars of Karting Series. “From a young age I’d always been involved in motorsport. Both of my parents, Aunty and Uncle all raced speedway and I was there week in, week out watching them or sleeping in the back of the HQ station wagon at the track,” reflected Doyle. “While I raced motocross and flat track for much of my youth, I always had four wheels in my mind for the future. I dabbled in Karting as well in the mid 1980’s, before turning to Speedway sedans and then later Microsprints. My first mortgage then took over and I turned into a motorsport fan for quite a few years.” Doyle had very little to do with motorsport for over a decade while focusing on his accounting career, but when the time felt right he re-acquainted himself with Karting. He brought a kart for himself, shortly after he also offered to field a kart for his young neighbour David Gledhill and formed a team, which has evolved over time and is now the Harrington Doyle Racing outfit. “It was kind of ironic really, I just started Karting to have some fun and get my motorsport fix, then the opportunity came to be able to give David his first chance to race as well and the team was ‘formed’,” added Doyle. “We then had Travis Edwards (who is now racing in the Aussie Racing Cars Championship) join up. We couldn’t get the go-karts sorted out properly which is when we started to work with Gary, James and Matt Greenwood as part of our Team. “Over the past six years since then we’ve also had drivers such as Brendan Nelson (Arrow Factory driver), Mitchell Gee, Terry Cobb, Trevor and Robbie Beetham, Rodger Korzeniewski, Callum Walker, Harrison Oddie, Brooke Topp and Jarryd Ebzery as a part of the team. We’ve always maintained a great ongoing relationship with all of these drivers and their families throughout the years – as is evident by Mitchell rejoining the team this year.” After two successful years as a part of the series in the support categories, the team moved into the Pro ranks last year and immediately raised the bar in terms of presentation in the pit area at each round of the series. As a result they were presented with the Series’ Best Presented Team Award. Doyle and co-Team Principal Dean starsofkarting.com.au
Harrington understand the fact that presentation is just as important as being fast on the race track – especially when you’ve got national and international companies as corporate partners. “I was always big fan of Mark Larkham and took note of how his long-time sponsor Orrcon Steel leveraged its involvement in his team and the V8 Supercars Championship,” said Doyle. “It was not always about results on the track; for sure they are really important, however, it’s more about the relationships and opportunities you create for your corporate partners and how they can leverage their involvement with the team. “Stewart Smith, who managed Orrcon Steel’s sponsorship program for 11 years, was an inspiration to our team. He took that sponsorship platform to an amazing level. “As a team in the Stars of Karting we understand it is the pinnacle of our sport and it is the product that is marketed to the outside world. We simply do our best to be a good ambassador for the sport and want to help it grow. To be recognised with the award last year was very
humbling.” While many others who own a racing team would probably look at their next challenge such as circuit racing or V8 Supercars, Doyle says that Karting is where his team will always stay. “We’re involved in Karting because we love the friendships, it’s affordable, you can be competitive with equipment that’s off the shelf and you’re not continually trying to re-engineer the world,” said Doyle. “We have absolutely no aspirations of beyond Karting; it has got everything for what we want to achieve – both for us personally and for our corporate partners. “When I was involved back in 1984, the sport was very much on a pinnacle and right now I can see the sport surfing on the upside of the next rise and it’s certainly the way for us to help young people to be actively involved.” Harrington Doyle Racing will field three drivers in the Pro Light (KF) category throughout the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series with Brooke Topp, Jarryd Ebzery and Mitchell Gee flying the HDR flag. facebook.com/cikstarsofkarting
AG: Full of Energy
I
n 1999 a young Adam Graham was on the road to stardom as one of Australia’s brightest motorsport stars.
After winning the Junior Championship in the CIK Stars of Karting Series, the Lismore-born driver competed with the famous Tony Kart team in the World Junior Championships in France. It was at this event where he finished a creditable 15th in a field that included the likes of Lewis Hamilton (2nd), Nico Rosberg (4th) and Robert Kubica (5th). Later that year, he returned to compete with the Energy Corse team, formed by Australian Jon Targett and Mick Panigada, for a couple of major events throughout Europe with Targett as his mechanic. Little did he know that some 13 years later he would be re-united with Energy founder Mick Panigada through his latest adventure. Over the next decade, Graham won another CIK Stars of Karting title, finished runner-up in the Ford KartStars Series, which helped launch the careers of Mark Winterbottom and Jamie Whincup. He has also dabbled in the Australian Formula Ford Championship with some respectable results given the limited testing and budget that he has been forced to contend with. Now, he is embarking on a new adventure which he hopes will help the next rising star take the next step in their career by setting up the Energy Corse Australia Team – a fledging outfit that has already started to make the big players in Australian karting sit up and take notice. “After going through all different forms of motorsport, karting is my favourite by far. I want to do something that I enjoy and also it is to try and get into the position where I can help young guys coming through the ranks,” said Graham. “I know how tough it is to get that next opportunity and I’d love to be able to help a young kid through the ranks.” There are a number of other karting manufacturers and importers already on the Australian karting scene, some would even say too many, so why did Graham choose the Energy brand? “I chose to go with Energy for the program for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s because of the relationship I had with Mickey the boss of Energy kart in Europe for over ten years. I qualified fifth way back then (1999 World Junior Championships) with them, ahead current F1 stars Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg,” said Graham “Mickey and his team have got a really good business working ethic, he has brought the business up from absolutely nothing to what it is today. He is now going above and beyond to help me not only get the team up and running but also help improve the professionalism and
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presentation of karting in Australia.” While many other businesses have come into the sport of karting making big promises for their customers in an effort to gain a market share, Graham has a simple philosophy – let the product and service speak for itself. “As I said before, this venture for me is about giving young drivers an opportunity to be a part of something special. It’s not just about the racing but also learning from the experienced people around them,” said Graham. “I’m not going to be giving the hard sell, or be spruiking about how good a product is, I’ll let the drivers, team and service speak for itself.” After a steller return year to Australian shores during 2012, which included capturing the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) title with Chris Hays, the Energy Corse Australia team looks certain to make a big impact in the 2013 Championship. It is anticipated that there will be no less than ten karts from the Italian marque on the grid across the three Pro categories, including some high profile recruits. Hays will once again lead the way for the brand on the Pro Gearbox grid, but he will also be joined by the likes of two-time runner-up in the championship Kel Treseder, Queensland karting veteran John Grother, Gladstone’s Jason Faint and Hays’ fellow Gold Coaster Troy Bretherton. In the Pro Light (KF) ranks Jarryd Ebzery will make the change for Kosmic to Energy while still campaigning under the Harrington Doyle Racing banner. Long-time Leopard Light competitor Adam Willison will make the step up into the Pro ranks while one of Australia’s International open-wheel and Sports car driver John Martin is expected to make a number of guest appearances.
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For the love of karting
Those who have spent any time with Michael Patrizi, know that he is one of the most passionate people going around in motorsport. Whether it be during his days competing in top level karting throughout Australia or Europe, where he drove for the factory Birel team last decade, competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Series or the V8 Supercar Championship – he always wears his heart on his sleeve. It is this passion that continues to drive Patrizi and not just behind the wheel of his Porsche Carrera Cup Car or V8 Supercar either. The proud Western Australian leads the Patrizicorse team in the Castrol EDGE Stars of Karting Series. Team driver Kyle Ensbey finished runner-up in last year’s championship while team-mate Daniel Currey finished seventh overall in the final Pro Gearbox (KZ2) standings. “I enjoy karting more than most, it’s a big passion of mine and I believe some of Australia’s best motor racing drivers are competing in the Stars of Karting championship,” said Patrizi, who is a former Australian karting champion himself. “Patrizicorse is my project which lets me unwind from being a professional driver through staying involved in motorsport, which is what I love.” After driving as a team-mate of Patrizi’s in the Birel Australia team early in his career, Ensbey was re-united with Patrizi two years ago when the later started up the Patrizicorse outfit. “Michael is very passionate about his motorsport, Michael Patrizi in action during the 2002 CIK Stars of Karting Series (Pic: Real Deal Media) especially karting and puts an enormous amount of time into it trying to help others learn from his experience in the “When I raced in Europe at the end of 2010, he helped immensely in sport both here in and in Europe,” said Ensbey. making sure everything ran as smooth as possible given his knowledge “He’s certainly opened my eyes into other aspects of motorsport, he’s of karting at the top level over there. showed me that there’s a lot more to than just than just being fast on a “One of Micheal’s best traits is that he’s not afraid to share his race track. experience with those who want to listen and learn at the same time.” starsofkarting.com.au
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Patrizicorse driver Kyle Ensbey (Pic: Real Deal Media)
Over the past decade Patrizi also has been somewhat of a mentor for Toro Rosso Formula One driver, Daniel Ricciardo, a role that Patrizi now plays for another rising Western Australian star Jake Klarich, who finished third in the 2011 Pro Junior (KFJ) championship. For Klarich, who made his international debut in the final round of the WSK Masters Series last April, and has since moved into the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) ranks, the guidance of Patrizi has been instrumental in his development over the past few years. “Michael has been helping me out for the past few years and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be where I am without his guidance and support,” said Patrizi. “In 2010, which was my debut year in the Stars of Karting Series, he was my mechanic and taught me the CIK style of driving, if it wasn’t for the lessons he taught me in that year
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I think I would have struggled big time. “Over the last couple of years I changed teams but he was still very much watching over me while I was racing and a lot what he had taught me the year before helped me get on the podium and a couple of wins. “Apart from my Dad, I have no doubt in saying that Michael has been the most influential person in my career so far. He’s very passionate about his karting but also seeing young guys like me get the most out of their potential.” With 27 of the current crop of 28 drivers in the 2012 V8 Supercar Championship Series hailing from the sport of karting, it’s no surprise to hear Patrizi call out to other V8 Supercar drivers and team owners to take notice of the country’s elite karting series. “I believe this series is where our future professional drivers will come from,” said
Patrizi. “I get as much satisfaction and thrill from being a team owner for Patrizicorse and driver mentor for Jake Klarich as I do driving in the V8 Supercar Championship. “More V8 supercar owners and drivers need to take more notice on what this championship is doing and the calibre of drivers that are involved. “ Not just content with helping the top-level karters, Patrizi is also heavily involved in another couple of even younger drivers – none more so than Oliver Bayliss. The son of threetime World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss, has been competing on the karting scene for just over 12 months now. Whichever way you look at it, Patrizi is certainly a driver who is putting something back into the sport that has helped him get to where he is today.
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g n i k a e p s y l l a c i n h c e T e, ieces of pip s of a few p st si n co is e chass a - after all th pit area for machinery f o is it? r ce o ie p stand by a le le is p e, p o xl m m d a si si r to e e a b ft e can b ears to try a so you have ated, a kart ould like to system app it gets. All iti w g d in n y te n ri e a u e th e e lic t st p a th r e m th co Fo nd th , say rts, the more spension a or less grip there’s no su more you look at the ka r a driver ask for more . d e in la e exp hea However, th n and you’ll f that jargon re’s some o fter a sessio e a H s te s. u b in u h m few e rear camber or th change the
The steering geometry can be regarded at the movement and displacement of the front wheels as the steering wheel is turned and is possibly the most important and complicated areas of the kart. This steering movement is quite complex, and involves a number of different settings. There is one thing in common though, and that is the reason why they need a complicated geometry - karts MUST lift the inside wheel while cornering. The inside wheel lift is what enables a kart to go round a corner without using a differential. Because of this lack of a differential, a karts natural direction of travel, forwards, is very difficult to change. This is down to the differing radii of turn experienced by the inner and outer rear wheels while turning a corner. The inside wheel is actually travelling a shorter distance than the outside, so therefore is needs to take fewer revolutions to go round the corner. However, the two rear wheels are attached by a solid axle, and must therefore move together, so in order to turn, one of the wheels need to skid over the track surface. In a car, the differential will allow the wheels to turn at different rates, without this skidding action. This skidding action, or indeed the lack of it, is what make a stationary kart so difficult to turn round - you have to overcome the grip of one of the tyres, and with the sticky tyres used in many kart classes this can expend a lot of energy. This is the reason for lifting the inside wheel and it effectively turns the kart into a tricycle during the cornering process! The steering geometry causes the inner rear wheel to lift off the ground while cornering, which means the wheel can rotate faster than it is passing over the ground. The rear inner wheel is no longer touching the track, and we therefore no longer need to overcome the grip from that tyre in order to turn. In fact, depending on the power of the engine, a driver be able to allow some scrub. For example, some engines may need to entirely lift the inner wheel, because it does not have enough power to overcome the scrub, a more powerful kart may have power to spare in the corner, meaning that the power loss to scrub can be overcome. However, any scrub will start to cause understeer when entering a corner, so even though the engine may be powerful, it may still be necessary to completely lift the inner rear to maintain decent handling. But how does the front geometry can affect the rear wheel lift, and in order to do this, here’s a few terms used when describing front end geometry.
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Camber - This is the degree to which the front wheel lean in (or out) from each other. A camber setting of 0 means that both tyres sit flat on the track. Maximising the amount of rubber on the track is one of the aims of kart setup. Caster - This is the angle of the kingpin, which is the point around which the stub axles rotate. This is one of the most important settings for inducing wheel lift during cornering. Toe In/Out - This is the angle at which the front wheels either point in towards each other, or away from each other. Zero degrees toe in/out means that the wheels are parallel. Toe in/out is set by changing the length of the tie rods. Scrub Radius - This is distance from the centre of the tyre to the point where a line down the kingpin axis intersects the ground. Along with caster this affects wheel lift during cornering. Scrub radius is set using spacers on the stub axle. King Pin Inclination - This is the inward lean of the kingpin, and it modifies the amount of camber change caused by the caster when steering. It is not usually possible (or necessary) to adjust the KPI although some camber adjust systems may let you do it. Ackermann Steering - Ackermann steering uses the angle of the stub axle arms (and often an offset on the steering column) to make the inner wheel on a corner turn more than the outside wheel. With cars this is used to reduce tyre scrub on corner, but of more importance to karts is the greater wheel lift effect caused by increasing the inner wheels turn when compared to the outer.
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While still complex, but not as much as the front end of the kart, is the rear end. The adjustments in the rear of the kart can be broken down to a few key areas - rear track, ride height, axle and wheel hubs. Rear Track By narrowing the rear track of the chassis while leaving the front track untouched the chassis will become more effective at releasing the inside rear tires during cornering. This can initially improve the chassis performance as well as through the entire corner. However, as grip levels change a narrow rear track can also create too much ‘Side Bite’ thus, giving the chassis too much grip in the middle of the corner and decreasing its effectiveness. It is also recommended when the grip levels are low to test the rear track width narrower due the potential increase in ‘Side Bite’ from the tire. Rear width can sometimes be complicated in regards to the effects it has on the chassis performance, therefore, make minuet changes when adjusting. And one of the major factors with rear width is chassis balance ‘Feel’. Some drivers do not like to drive on a chassis with a narrower rear track width, so mechanics must really have a good understanding with their driver.
Rear Ride Height Most karts are equipped with a three position rear carriage adjustment. This is a nice feature with gives the owner ample room to adjust the rear axle of their chassis. Each chassis comes standard with the axle placed in the centre position of holes. Most manufacturers highly recommend starting with the rear ride height in the centre and adjusting as needed once at the track. Typically the adjustments here are not very frequent, however, when adjustments are made and in the right direction positive gains will be found on the stopwatch. Lowering the rear ride height essentially means raising the axle to the top set of holes, which will conversely lower the chassis position to the track surface. The typical reasoning behind this move is to ‘free’ the back of the chassis, therefore, reducing the grip level. How does this work? Essentially by doing so you have reduced the chassis effort to release or lift the inside rear tyre during cornering, which can be crucial in optimizing a racing Karts performance but lifting the inside rear tire too much, will cause more negative problems than being a benefit. The benefit of this move will be noticed under braking also, with the chassis closer to the track surface, general braking will result in a less nervous chassis. Raising the rear ride height is an option than can yield effective results, but rarely. This change will increase the chassis rear grip level.
Axle Axles are very much talked about regarding tuning a kart and rightfully so. The ‘softness’ of the axle is determined by the thickness of the wall and the construction of the material it is manufactured from, generally there is around six common steps between the ‘softest’ and ‘hardest’ compounds. So, which is the best axle to use when? Typically it is recommended to use a harder axle when the grip levels increase. Softer axles are recommended more for use when the grip levels are low. Why is this true? This holds true mainly due to the fact the chassis are made of soft 30mm tubular steel. With a soft chassis and a softer axle you will essential create the tire to work more creating “Side Bite” or the sidewall of the tire to rollover. This will cause the chassis to ‘Hop’ and therefore lose its effectiveness throughout the race. Many drivers will start with a medium compound and as the grip level they will then increase the axle to a harder one to suit the changing track conditions. The axle doesn’t simply work outside the chassis either, it also creates balance between the frame rails, and therefore, increased stiffness on the axle selection will give the chassis more balance as well. Rear Wheel Hubs The possible options for rear hubs are very large. They range from different lengths to different material stiffiness. Many manufatcurers recommend magnesium hubs since they are stiffer than the optional soft aluminium hubs. This creates added consistency as well as improved handling and driver feel as well Most karts come standard with a medium length rear hub. This hub is recommended for as a general starting point by most manufacturers. Using either a shorter or longer rear hubs are great options as well. The shorter rear hub will allow the wheel and tire to flex more creating the potential for a better outcome on lower horsepower applications. The longer hubs are recommended for use in gearbox applications. This hub adds more rear grip and stability, which are often times required by larger horsepower applications.
So you hear a driver speak about understeer or oversteer, what’s that all about? Understeer is where on turning the wheel, the kart immediately and is slow to change direction, the rear end overrides the front end, which results in the driver not being able to follows the correct racing line. This is down to excessive rear end grip - as the turn is started, the inside doesn’t lift and effectively pushes the kart straight ahead. Oversteer is where on turning the wheel, the kart immediately and rapidly changes direction, the rear end breaks away, which results in a spin, or rear end slide. This is down to insufficient rear end grip - as the turn is started, the inside wheel lifts, but the outside rear is unable to cope with the extra cornering forces involved, and breaks away. So we either have approached the corner too fast - and hence corner forces have overcome the grip of the tyre, or the tyre isn’t producing the required grip level. twitter.com/starsofkarting
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