NSW Pre-View: Non-Gearbox Superkart Nationals

by Mark Jones

The last two seasons the Australian Championships for non-gearbox Superkarts have been settled at South Australia's Mallala Motor Sport Park, this year the title showdown has been transplanted to the majestic sweeps of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit at the sixth round of the Shannons Nationals Motor Racing Championships.

The contrast between the two circuits could not be more stark for the field of 36 Rotax Superkarts, spread across three divisions, that arrive at Phillip Island this weekend for their shot at an Australian Championship. A strong field of Victorian teams are looking for at their best opportunity to take the title from reigning Rotax Light champion Michael Rogers who last year clean swept all four races at his home track of Mallala.

"Phillip Island is certainly quite different to Mallala, requiring a completely different set-up," said Melbourne based Rogers. The 24 year old mechanical engineer who works for in Product Design for Ford Australia will this weekend attempt to claim his third Australian Superkart title, having previously won the 100cc Light non-gearbox title in 2001 as well as defending his 2007 Rotax Max Light Championship.

"We raced there in May, that was the first time we had run a Rotax Max Superkart at the Island. We had quite a steep learning curve to find what engine set-ups would work, we were off the pace that weekend initially as we run in to the circuit. But it put us in a better position than if we had not raced here, it gives us a general direction with where to go with set-up."

The smooth racing surface and the higher average lap speeds, particularly the high cornering speeds make the technical challenge marked, and a distinct advantage for the locals who are fending off a strong contingent from South Australia. All three championships are currently held by interstate competitors, Rogers the Rotax Light champion and Ron Goldfinch in the Safe Fire Electrical Viper holds the Rotax Heavy title for South Australia while Canberra's Sean Whitfield in the Wild Digital Phoenix defends the Junior Max Championship.

Rogers, driving the Ian Williams Tuning supported Arrow has forseen another challenge being the most paramount for competitors.

"The weather is going to be the big factor. It was sunny and warm back in  May but the forecast this weekend is to be wet," admitted the 24 year old mechanical engineer. "There will be quite a lot of work to find the right set-up to suit the conditions."

The non-gearbox Australian Superkart Championship will face the starting grid four times over the weekend, three five lap sprints starting on Saturday afternoon before a bonus point longer final race on Sunday to decide the three championships, Rotax Max Light, Rotax Max Heavy and Junior Rotax Max.

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