Blue Plates On The Line at Ipswich Pro Tour


press release 1 June 2016

The fourth round of the 2016 Rotax Pro Tour National Series will see the first of four State titles go on the line as part of the Pro Tour, combined with the contest for series rankings points, increasing the competitiveness for podium positions at the Ipswich Kart circuit this weekend.

Queensland’s corresponding State title event in 2015 formed part of the ‘Rotax Grand Final’ at Ipswich last October that saw a variety of winners across the seven classes, some of which have moved up to different classes.

Jaiden Pope has come off a successful season in Mini Max in 2015 with two state titles to now step up to Junior Max Trophy
Above: Jaiden Pope has come off a successful season in Mini Max in 2015 with two state titles to now step up to Junior Max Trophy
pic - Coopers Photography

Of the reigning blue plate holders; Micro Max – Marcos Flack; Mini Max – Jaiden Pope; Junior Max – Zane Morse; Rotax 125 Light – Pierce Lehane; Rotax 125 Heavy – Chris Farkas; DD2 – Troy Woolston; DD2 Masters – Adam Hunter, four will contest this year’s event with Jaiden Pope stepping up to the Junior Max Trophy category from Mini Max.

Reigning Mini Max Queensland State Champion, Jaiden Pope, took advantage of points acquisition from both the pre-final and final at Ipswich in 2015, taking the blue plate despite finishing second in the final. With a successful year in the Pro Tour last season, he has now turned his attention to the next step in the Rotax program, joining the Junior Max Trophy Class.

“It was a great feeling to claim the State title at Ipswich last year, despite coming across the line in second, I knew I had claimed the blue plate which was a great achievement.”

I gained a lot of confidence from the season, knowing that I could not only win two state titles, but I could gain more successful round results during the 2016 season. I have pushed myself to the limits since stepping up to the Trophy Class this year with everything I have learnt from Mark and Adam from Karting World and Greg from Tony Kart Australia and I look forward to the second half of the season,” Pope said.

Victorian Troy Woolston is by far one of the most experienced drivers competing within the Pro Tour series. The Compkart driver is the reigning DD2 Queensland State title holder and admits the Ipswich circuit presents numerous important aspects that are critical to piecing together not only a fast lap time but a successful overall result.

“I have been in the category for a long while (and it sure feels like it). In fact, we won the first ever DD2 Nationals at Todd Rd back in 2008 and have competed in every single Pro Tour round since its beginning, from that, we've managed to qualify for the World Finals five times.”

Victorian Troy Woolston will defend his DD2 Queensland State title this weekend
Above: Victorian Troy Woolston will defend his DD2 Queensland State title this weekend
pic - Coopers Photography

“Of course, qualifying is critical. But to stay at the pointy end, it takes much more than just pulling one lap together. Ipswich is a track that rewards aggressive driving, late braking and driver endurance. A great combination of fast, flowing series of corners (turn 1 to turn 5), long straights requiring good top speed, and then tight, technical sections containing characteristic bumps and slight off-camber apexes. It has a bit of everything,” Woolston said.

Drivers will contest round 4 of the 2016 Rotax Pro Tour at the Ipswich Kart Circuit, Queensland from 3-5 June with the State Title winners to be presented on Sunday following the finals.

  • To follow the event online throughout the weekend, like Rotax Pro Tour on Facebook, follow Rotax Pro Tour on Twitter and tune into the live audio commentary via Ustream at www.rotax.com.au/streaming.html
  • Timetable and entry list was published yesterday HERE


Home



kartsportnews promo banner