from NSW KZ2 Super Series
The NSW State Titles at Eastern Creek Raceway earlier this month served up an unforgettable weekend of high-speed chess — a contest of skill, strategy, and tyre survival under scorching conditions. With the State Title and KZ2 Super Series points both on the line, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
- full results are on MyLaps Speedhive
Friday Practice – Managing Heat and Tyre Wear
Friday featured five demanding practice sessions as the KZ2 drivers fine-tuned setups to suit the fast, abrasive track. This year, the event ran differently: both KZ2 Open (180 kg) and KZ2 Medium (188 kg) classes competed together on track, with the State Title blue plate awarded under Open weight rules. Meanwhile, Super Series points still followed the heavier Medium weight limit — forcing drivers to balance outright pace with series strategy.
Adding to the complexity, the paddock voted to limit tyre allocation to just one set of dry tyres for the entire weekend — instead of the usual two. With the circuit punishing rubber from the first session, every lap counted, and every driver knew tyre preservation would decide the title.
Qualifying – Pushing at Race Pace
When qualifying began, the temperature climbed, and the pace was instantly fierce. Matthew Erdman (#60) executed a near-perfect session, carefully bringing his tyres up to temperature before unleashing three blistering laps to claim pole position by half a second over Matthew Parker (#78), with Will Waters (#22) close behind.
As usual in KZ2, qualifying laps were run at near race pace — the field covered by tenths, setting the tone for an intense weekend.
Saturday Heats – The Long Game
The heats were a masterclass in patience. Every driver managed tyre life while still fighting for track position.
Heat 1: Parker got the jump on Erdman at the start, and the two ran nose-to-tail for the entire 10 laps. In a photo finish, Erdman edged Parker by just 0.002 seconds across the line.
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Heat 2: Erdman started strong and controlled the race from lights to flag, keeping Parker at bay and conserving his tyres.
Heat 3: Erdman looked dominant once more, building a comfortable margin and completing a clean sweep of Saturday’s heats.
Behind them, Waters, Linnett, and Dowd all maintained consistent pace, saving as much rubber as possible for the final showdown.
Sunday Final – Heat, Heartbreak, and a Late Twist
Sunday’s 20-lap final started under brutal mid-30 °C heat, and tyre management became the central storyline. Erdman (#60) launched cleanly and held the early lead, gradually extending his gap each lap. The race settled into a rhythm with Parker (#78) and Waters (#22) battling behind him, and Glenn Linnett (#88) making steady progress after being boxed in off the start.
In the early laps, Linnett executed a clean move on Darren Dowd (#51) through Turns 4–5, a pass that would prove critical later when the race order shook up.
But on lap 12, the race turned upside down. Erdman’s kart lost power due to a spark-plug cap failure, forcing him out from what had been a commanding lead. That elevated Parker to the front, with Waters now giving chase.
Parker continued to push hard but was struggling with fading rear tyres as the heat and wear took their toll. By lap 17, the grip was completely gone — his rear tyres had run out of rubber. Exiting the final corner and into Turn 2, Parker spun out, surrendering the lead and changing the complexion of the race once again.
Will Waters (#22) took full advantage, slipping through cleanly to seize control of the race. From there, Waters managed his remaining tyre life perfectly, maintaining smooth, consistent laps through to the chequered flag. Behind him, Linnett and Dowd fought a tense battle for podium positions as the field strung out in the final laps.
After 20 laps of strategy, skill, and endurance, Waters crossed the line first to claim the NSW State Title and Blue Plate, followed by Linnett in second and Dowd securing third.
Final Results – KZ2 Open (Combined Grid)
1 Will Waters (#22) – Smart, consistent drive rewarded with victory
2 Glenn Linnett (#88) – Strong recovery and smart tyre management
3 Darren Dowd (#51) – Clean, steady run to a well-earned podium
4 Daniel Orsini (#19) – Solid, consistent weekend effort
DNF – Matthew Erdman (#60), Matthew Parker (#78), Jack Lemon (#44), Phillip Stokes (#66), Brett Thompson (#24)
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