Loeskow: No Extra Pressure As Series Leader


series press release 9 June 2014
 

Nearing the half way mark of 2014, the consistency of Bundaberg driver Troy Loeskow sees him placed on top of the standings in the CIK Stars of Karting Championship presented by Castrol EDGE.

Loeskow, who broke through to claim the win in the final round of 2013 in the KF2 class, holds a narrow four-point lead over reigning champion Matthew Waters heading into this weekend’s third round in Victoria.

While pleased to be in the Championship lead for the first time in his career, Loeskow says he’s not putting himself under any additional pressure as he heads to the Hume International Raceway in Puckapunyal.

At the half way mark in the Championship, Bundaberg driver Troy Loeskow leads the KF2 standings
Above: Approaching the half way mark in the series, Bundaberg's Troy Loeskow leads the KF2 standings
pic - Coopers Photography

“It’s not really much of a lead, so I’m not going into the round thinking that I’m on top,” said Loeskow.

“The championship is very close and the goal will be to once again finish as high up as I can in every race – including the heat races, as any DNF can cost me huge points.

“I tested the other week at the track and also had a race there. When looking at the layout I didn’t think it would be very physical but after spending a couple of days there it is very different to that, there’s a lot of bumps that make it one of the most difficult that we will go to in the championship”.

While he has finished on the podium in both of the opening two rounds, Loeskow is yet to claim a round win, but this isn’t something that worries the 18 year-old, he’s got his eyes on the bigger prize as he aims to etch his name on the James Courtney perpetual trophy as the Champion in September.

“Last year I showed some speed when I really needed the points in the very end but I was taking a bit more of a risk rather the conservative approach I have started this year with,” reflected Loeskow.

“Going into the fourth round last round I was about 60 points behind and thought I had no chance for the championship, but after two really good rounds I fell just short. That shows how much the points can change in just one or two rounds. It’s all about being consistency.”

Along with Waters, Loeskow is expected to face tough opposition from Victorians Adam Willison and Leigh Nicoloau in the battle for the win the KF2 class. Round one winner Scott Sorensen will be hoping to bounce back from a challenging second round while South Australian duo Josh Tynan and Ben Edwards proved last round they have the pace to run at the front of the field.

This weekend will be the first time a round of Australia’s elite karting championship has been held in Puckapunyal with 150 of Australia’s top drivers converging on the venue for the historic event.

Dutchman Joey Hanssen and Australia’s most capped driver of all-time David Sera sit first and second in the KZ2 standings while Darwin driver Bryce Fullwood heads the KF3 points.

Fullwood is just one of Australia’s top junior drivers who 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.

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, Victoria.


 

Home



kartsportnews promo banner