AKC POINTS – The Teams’ and Manufacturers’ Championship points after the opening round of the 2020 AKC are below (the drivers’ points are on speedhive HERE). After the opening round, the Teams’ Championship is really tight at the top. Despite being one of the smaller teams in the series, Tommy Gallo’s Jetpilot Racing leads Parolin Austalia (formerly known as Shamick Racing/Zed Corse) by a single point, with Patrizicorse just one more point away.
In the Manufacturers’ Championship, Parolin holds an 18 point buffer over Kosmic followed by Ricciardo.
DIRTY TYRES – Maxxis’ T-18 dirt kart tyres will be available in Australia soon. Soft – medium compound, the rear tyre is 12x9x6, front tyre is 11x5x5. $400 per set, the tyres will be available from several kart dealers nationally. Stay tuned for updates on when the tyres will be available for sale.
TRACK – Canberra is gearing up for the opening ceremony of it’s re-configured circuit on March 10. Hear from Club President Bob Harnas:
INDUSTRY – CRG management held a ‘business opportunity’ meeting recently with various rental track operators and CRG dealers at its factory in Lonato, Italy. The company was presenting a project in synergy with CRG dealers to develop rental product sales in new geographical areas. A particular focus was dedicated to the E-Drenaline’s potential (the electric kart by CRG) where it is expecting growth in the market, especially for indoor tracks.
TIPS FROM DAVE – David Sera recently sent out a newsletter to davidsera.com.au subscribers: “So you’ve recently taken your kart out to your local track, but noticed it didn’t feel the same as it normally does and your times are slower. Make sure these steps are being taken to give yourself the best chance next time you’re at the race track
- Check your front end alignment – Whether it be from hitting a kerb, placing your kart in the trailer or making contact with another competitor, it doesn’t take much for the front end geometry to move out of place.
- Tyre Pressures – So many times we place our karts in the trailer from a days practice and pull the kart out next time thinking it’s ready to go. Tyres tend to lose some pressure over time, so you could possibly be driving 1-2psi lower than your previous outing.
- Kart Maintenance – Whether it be the grub screws have come loose and your brakes are dragging, the chain tension is too tight, it only takes a small thing to hamper your performance. See your local dealer if you need a service.”
ROTAX STATE BY STATE – The Rotax Pro Tour has had drivers come and race from around Australia. Of all the drivers from all the states, which state or territory has produced the most Rotax Champions since the beginning? Pro Tour posted the breakdown as:
- 🥇Victoria – 25
- 🥈Queensland – 23
- 🥉New South Wales – 20
- 🏅Australia Capital Territory – 4
Want to help your state increase this number? Get your entries in for this years Rotax Pro Tour Series.
VIC CHAMPIONSHIP – Oakleigh is the location for the 2020 Victorian Kart Championship. Drivers from around Victoria and interstate will be putting it on the line to claim a prestigious blue plate and State Champion status. The event runs over three days and Andrew Hayes (AHR Media) will be in the commentary box calling all the action. Supp Regs are HERE. The Metro Series round on Sunday (March 8) will allow a shakedown for many classes.
AKC TEAM – Pro Karting is fielding 16 drivers in its team for the 2020 Australian Kart Championship:
NOISY UPDATE – Hear the latest from Kev and what’s going on in all the classes in this Noisy Tour update:
EVENT – Noisy Tour promo clip:
X30 FEATURES – The Victorian Kart Championship at Oakleigh on April 3-5 is also the second round of the IAME Series Australia X30 Feature class. See the website www.iameseriesaustralia.com . Events for 2020:
- R1 – 28/29 March – Vic Country Series R2 – Cobden
- R2 – 3/4 April – Victorian Kart Championship – Oakleigh
- R3 – 16/17 May – Metro Series Round 2 Geelong
- R4 – 15/16 August – City of Melbourne Titles – Todd Road
- R5 – 3/4 October – Junior Sprint Classic – Puckapunyal
INDUSTRY – IPKarting has appointed Karting HQ as its official NSW Distributor. Consequently, Karting HQ has launched a new website for all things Praga, plus Rotax and Briggs & Stratton – see kartinghq.com.au. Further, Karting HQ has multiple Ex-Rotax Grand Finals Praga/Rotax packages available. In 2020, Karting HQ will be attending all Rotax Pro Tour rounds and test weekends, providing track support for Praga karts and drivers. The HQ team will also be attending other selected events throughout the year. Email sales@kartinghq.com.au or contact Shane Marcusson on 0413 919 169.
CORONA – Recent communications from the Italian Government and ACI Sport concerning precautions to follow for the containment of the COVID-19 (Coronoa virus) emergency in sporting events, the third round of WSK Super Master Series has been confirmed for March 12-15th in La Conca. The other two WSK events scheduled for March have also been confirmed but they must all run without any spectators attending and checks will be made for COVID-19 infection among drivers, technicians, managers and those running the event. Earlier this month the famous Andrea Margutti Trophy was not run due to instructions from the Italian Health Ministry. It has been postponed to April. Meanwhile, the 24 Hours Karting Italy at Adria (March 28-29) has been postponed to a mid-year date yet to be determined. “Over half of the are crews coming from European and non-European countries on the list that, like Italy, are facing limitations concerning sport events and traveling” the organiser, CRG, said.
BOX BOX BOX – Volunteers at the South West Kart Club have been busy building this new timing box for the Cobden circuit. “We can’t thank our wonderful members for volunteering their time over the last 6 months in building our new timing box. If you see Chris Place, Michael Clover or Russell White, take the time to say thank you for your commitment” the club posted. It will be used for the first time on the March 22 club race day.
CELEBRITY HACKS – Video of the Celebrity Go Kart Challenge at Todd Rd for the F1 AGP:
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INSIDE VIDEO – This is the Patrizicorse race team and shop set up at The Bend for the opening round of AKC:
PRODUCT – WLADOIL K2T is highly recommended by IAME for use in their full range of water cooled engines. Available via Remo Racing.
EVENT – Lismore, round 2. Check out the mix of Junior classes…
KF COLOURS – First look at the new colours and logo of Kip Foster’s KF Kart, which are now being manufactured by Birel ART in Italy.
WEIGHTS (scrapers allowed) – With the season underway, AIDKA has reminded competitors about maximum kart weights:
- Maximum kart weight for J Junior Heavy when a Light Class is offered shall be 70kg or a combined weight of 105kgs when a light class is not offered. A J Junior driver may race in one (1) weight class only on the day.
- Maximum Kart weight for KT Medium and KT Heavy classes when a light class is offered shall be 75kg and 85kg in 125cc Heavy Class when a Light class is offered. Clubs may elect to run 125cc at a combined weight of 150kg where numbers do not allow for split field.
- Maximum kart weight can only be determined before the start of the race as the kart is presented on the out grid. An official, weigh Marshall or Driver can request that mud be scraped from a kart before or after weighing if they think it will have an effect on the weight of the kart or combined weight. The driver only with the use of a scraper has up to 2 minutes with the presence of an official to remove any excess dirt. If the kart fails to comply the driver will be excluded from the race.
NETFLIX? YES & NO – A global deal has been done for the Australian made GO! movie to be released on Netflix, but under the title Go Karts. Unfortunately, the deal excludes Australia and New Zealand (for the time being), where the movie was released in theatres.
EXPANSION – RKA experienced its biggest ever race meet at its recent Oceania Championship meeting at Puckapunyal. The Noise chats with RKA President Vas Filips about the growth of this branch of karting, and what could be its limiting factor.
PRO TOUR – The Rotax Pro Tour kicks off the 2020 season with the Victorian State Title. A reminder that this is a two day event, saving time off school and work. Also, there will be a minimum 4 practice sessions on Saturday morning. Entries are open now! Supp Regs HERE.
RIP KYM RODDA – posted by AIDKA President Tony Dunn:
“It has been devastating news over the weekend with the passing of Kym Rodda. On behalf of AIDKA, our clubs, our members and our supporters I pass on our condolences to Kylie, Ryan, Kali, Chad, Rodda Family and the Port Pirie Go Kart Club.
“Kym to me personally was a great friend and we shared many great times around at go kart meetings and away from the track also. Kym lived for go kart racing and his family. He has karting friends all over Australia and will be sadly missed by all. Kym was always there to lend a hand to may of our clubs as an official and to many in the pits when karters were in need. To not see Kym at a kart meeting will be hard and an even harder spot to fill. Kymbo loved the social side of our sport also and has made many friends over his many years in our sport and as I do regarded him as a true friend.
“On behalf of AIDKA and all our members thanks Kymbo for what you have given to our sport. You will be sadly missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace Kym.”
BIG EVENTS on MAY 24 – RKA Facebook meme…
BEND BRANDING – Victorian karter Steven Tsesmelis has announced a sponsorship deal with The Bend Motorsport Park. “We are honoured to be showcasing The Bend Motorsport Park as part of our Go Kart livery for 2020” Steven informed KartSportNews. “We love what The Bend stands for and we are truly lucky to be associated with this Brand. Not only do they support and showcase the experienced and talented from around Australia and the world, they also support up and coming drivers like myself who would like to make it into the professional motorsport arena one day. Thank you so much to the The Bend Motorsport Park and Peregrine Corporation for making this possible.”
POLITICS #1 – David Filipetto has resigned as Chairman and non-executive director of Karting NSW, effective 28 February. A KNSW media release said that David, who was appointed to the Board in September 2017, had stepped down for personal reasons. “Since his appointment, David has made a significant contribution to the organisation, steering it through times of change and preparing it for its transition as a stand-alone governing entity.”
“It has been an absolute pleasure serving the Grassroots of the sport of Karting in New South Wales over the last two and a half years and of what has been achieved during this time” David stated. “I’d especially like to thank the Membership for their faith, the Officials and Volunteers for their endless contributions and the staff who are just terrific – the Sport is in good shape and will continue to grow in the years ahead. Now is a good time to step back and focus on some personal matters and my family. Good luck to you all.”
POLITICS #2 – Karting NSW has appointed Ilona Alsters as its new Chair, effective 2 March 2020. “Ms Alsters has extensive experience in executive leadership, both as a commercial lawyer and in corporate governance across a variety of organisations including not-for-profit, listed and global organisations” KNSW posted. “She holds a Bachelor and Masters in Law, a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and holds a Certificate in Corporate Governance. Ms Alsters is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and concurrently the President and Chair of Hoxton Industries Limited.
Ms Alsters has been a member of the board of KNSW since September 2017. She steps down from her position as Director of Administration to take up the role of the Chair. Ms Alsters is also a recipient of the Pink Plate – 2015 All-Ladies-Day Combined Districts Kart Club and executive sponsor of the KNSW ‘Race Like a Girl’ initiative. In addition, Ms Alsters’ family remains actively involved in motorsport – all starting from grass-root karting beginnings.
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