The Australian Superkart scene has been rocked by an influx of drivers flocking to the 125cc Open category in 2020. With one of the biggest fields anticipated in the last 30 years, Anderson Karts are proving to be the flavour of choice with no less than 13 new and used of the latest ‘Maverick’ models on track this year.
Whilst there is no discounting the performance of the previous ‘Mirage’ model, Anderson Karts will be at the forefront of tackling manufacturers honours in Australia.
Anderson Karts have enjoyed success for over 30 years in England, Europe, the Americas and Australia, and have been prominent in the 250cc International and National fields. The new challenge to create a dominant 125cc chassis proved a challenge, but with the multiple British Championships to the Maverick badge, it looks to be an unbeatable force in Australia. Nick Schembri had a Breakthrough year in 2019 with multiple podium finishes at National and International Level, even taking out a round win of the Superkarts Australia Nationals at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Local Anderson Racing Team Manager Scott Williams has expressed his enthusiasm to start the racing season, “We can’t wait to get on track this year, bringing the best equipment to the biggest events around Aus. Nick proved last year that our drivers and karts are quick, but it will be an even tougher year with so many more drivers jumping on board the Anderson Maverick with us. Our association and support with Russell Anderson in the UK has moved our team up the order in leaps and bounds and we are proud to be selling karts and supporting so many customers in Australia.”
When asked what news, plans and events Anderson Racing Team had this year, Scott emphasised “Championships! As a team we have taken National Titles in Aus and NZ, British GP’s and European Titles, but now we want to get as many drivers up to speed and enjoying that winning feeling with us. We are slowly expanding in the Non-Gearbox categories and hope to get as many drivers into Anderson/Gearbox karts as possible. We may have some international drivers joining us through the year, and can see ourselves at the National Festival of Superkarts, SKA Superkart National Series and Club meetings in Victoria. As big of an effort it is, we will be supporting drivers in almost all categories from Non-Gearbox, 125cc Open and even 250cc International. Having the expertise and knowledge of mechanics Dale Williams, Jordie Ford and Tony Bowden supporting Anderson drivers and customers will certainly raise the bar. On top of all that, we still have another 5 New karts on order from the UK, so we should have plenty of stock for anyone looking to upgrade.”
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After taking out the Manufacturers Cup at the recent New Zealand Nationals, BM Motorsport owner Tony Bowden is bursting to add to the success. “We’re organising logistics and dates with a few Kiwi 250cc International drivers, so we may bring our own Anderson Chassis across the Ditch and work with ART Australia or even work with their equipment. We can’t wait to take on the Aussie’s again after the great racing at our Nationals in NZ. Maybe we can spark some further interest in the Non Gearbox and 125cc Classes!”
When Russell Anderson, Founder of Anderson Karts in England was asked of his thoughts of growth in the 125cc Category and his karts prevalence on the grid, he was keen to comment: “I think the growth in the 125 long circuit scene in Australia is a breath of fresh air. Naturally, we are very happy with the product we developed over here and very happy that the Maverick 3 chassis works equally as well in Australia. The class is very sound as long as we don’t over complicate the rules and regulations. We see the use of CIK KZ engines as key with only minor changes to keep them reliable on long circuits. I’m sure it did not go unnoticed how well young Nick Schembri performed at the UK Grand Prix along with his local performances in Australia. Sure it has taken a lot of courage and work by people like Scott Williams to drive this forward. I notice others updating their equipment and this will only be good for the class. Healthy competition is good for everyone.”
He didn’t stop there, proudly acknowledging the growth of Australian Superkarting, those involved and the level of competition – “The growth of the sport in Australia and in NZ is testimony to the hard work that passionate individuals, Clubs and Organisers are putting in. I am a great believer that the competitor must drive home from race meetings with a smile going upwards. Continue to make this happen and they can’t wait to get out there again. If the smile goes downwards too many times the motivation disappears. This is the same Worldwide. I think there used to be a gap between European competition and the rest of the World but this really has diminished. Personally I have seen the performances of Nick and Jordie Ford in Europe both achieving podium positions. Sure, in Europe we have some very special talent and hopefully in the next season or so we can get some more drivers out to Australia,” a smirk arising while referencing discussions with drivers to make the long trip down under. “Then we can all see how high the bar has been set. I Love what is happening in Aus and will be visiting again soon” Russell stated with eagerness.
Not only are Superkarts taking the next level with more events on the calendar than ever and the biggest fields seen in years, Anderson Karts look to be the Bench mark for all Long Circuit Karting in the flourishing future to come.
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