Two-time Australian Kart Champion Graham Powles has passed away.
More recently a key figure in the vintage karting scene – particularly with what equated to his own karting museum – Powles started racing in Victoria aged 9, using a kart built by his dad with a Villiers engine.
He won numerous state championships and competed in New Zealand multiple times. He also contested two Hong Kong Kart Grands Prix, arguably karting’s biggest race of the time outside of the world championship.
Powles’ first National Championship was won in Queensland in 1973 in the Limited Light class on a kart he built himself. His second, at the age of 42, was up against the quick kids of the top tier International 100cc Light class in Tasmania in 1990. Significantly, this was aboard one of the first Monza GP karts.
There was much interest in the product, helped by Powles’ meticulous attention to detail and presentation. This soon grew to commercial kart production based from his Numurkah (Vic) workshop with a range of karts from Cadets to Twins being constructed and shipped around the country.
1990 also saw him have a tilt at the World Championship, contesting the event in Italy with the factory PCR team.
After the passing of his own father, Graeme and wife Margaret moved to Queensland where he continued to build and tinker and soon had his collection of karts on display (see Graham Powles Vintage Karts Australia on Facebook HERE). Sadly, Margaret passed in 2018 after a battle with cancer.
Graeme had been unwell again recently and passed peacefully yesterday. He was 76.
RIP Monza GP.
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Statement From Glenn Powles
As a family we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Grandpa Graham Powles. Dad sadly passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Sunday the 22nd of September at his home. Dad gave all his strength and determination to fight cancer over the past 5 years. His lifelong love and devotion for go karting and helping those involved in karting earnt him a lifetime of many great friendships and exciting adventures which he cherished. He was a highly skilled engineer and a jack of all trades, a perfectionist that took pride in his workmanship whether the job was big or small. Dad was an enthusiastic rock and roll dancer and loved to dance to a fast beat with his close friends.
He was a loving and devoted husband to our late mother Margaret, a loving Dad and a fun loving, cheeky Grandpa. We will forever treasure the great memories and moments shared with Dad as we celebrate his life. We will forever love you Dad and thank you for the wonderful life and love you have given us.
Funeral arrangements will be advised as soon as possible.
Statement From Karting Australia
GRAHAM POWLES (1947-2024)
It is with great sadness that Karting Australia acknowledges the passing of one of the sport’s pioneers, Graham Powles.
Powles’ involvement in karting began in 1959, when he had his first race in his hometown of Numurkah, Victoria. Over the years, he went on to claim two Australian Championships, first in 1973 and again in 1990—both achieved aboard karts he designed and built himself (the GP Sprint and Monza).
Throughout his career, Graham also competed internationally, racing in countries such as Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Europe. After retiring from active competition, he mentored his son Glenn, helping him secure the Australian Intercontinental A Championship in 2003.
Having lived on the Gold Coast for almost 20 years, Graham played an important role in mentoring rising stars such as newly announced Alpine Formula 1 driver Jack Doohan and Supercars drivers Bryce Fullwood and Broc Feeney. He also remained passionate about restoring vintage and historic karts, both for his personal collection and for others.
On behalf of the Australian karting community, Karting Australia extends its deepest condolences to Graham’s family and his many friends. His contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.
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