Kicking off the 2021 season, Queensland Superkart Club caught up with four-times 250 International Champion Ilya Harpas to see what he has to say about his and his team’s recent achievements in Superkarts.
Q – How did you get into karts/superkarting?
A – Our family went on a holiday trip, where my brother and I could have a crack at hire-karts. From there, our folks agreed to get us a cheap 4th hand kart, and we went recreational karting! Once my brother went racing properly, our fate was set… we went from go-karts to Superkarts, and have loved every minute of it.
What do you enjoy most about Superkarting?
The sheer performance of the machines is what floats my boat the most.
What has been your biggest achievement in Superkarting and why?
Achieving four straight SKA Championships in a row (2016 – 2019 inclusive) is hard to look past!
QSC: How did it feel to win your first championship back in 2016?
Ah, it was such a cool feeling. I felt so proud of the team for how hard they worked and was relieved that I could repay their efforts. It also felt strange, because it was the first year that I moved interstate away from the family. I was not around to help with the preparation, so I am glad I was able to hold up my end of the deal!
What has been your secret to success, and can you go on to eclipse Warren McIlveen’s record of seven 250 Inter titles?
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Perhaps the secret was for me to move interstate! I’d more so equate it to a recipe – you need luck, good preparation and speed. I reckon 90% of the work gets done before you even arrive at the track – the machinery’s preparation is the foundation. Having competitive machinery is also a prerequisite; unfortunately, it is hard to be competitive if your gear isn’t quick enough. Finally, you need a good dose of luck because anything can happen out on track!
What interests do you have outside of Superkarting?
I am an avid cat video enthusiast, spicy meme hunter. I also sometimes dabble in a bit of music when I have
time!
What are your 2021 goals?
I’ll just be happy not to catch COVID.
If there was one person you could meet and chat to who would it be?
I’d love to pick Ayrton Senna’s brain for a little while!
Do you have any good book suggestions?
Jackie Stewart, ‘Winning is Not Enough’ – a fantastic read for fans of motorsports.
- this interview courtesy of Qld Superkart Club
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