Whyalla November Races
| by Jeremy Head | 12 November 2013 |
| Tweet | |
Whyalla Kart Club returned to racing on the 9th of November after a month off from racing due to the Masters Games in Victoria.
The morning’s weather was looking a little bleak with dark clouds overhead however the clouds cleared and it was a perfect day for racing.
Above: Bethany Simpson was 1st in the Junior National class at Whyalla on the weekend
pic - Darren Shaw
The Cadets again started proceedings with these young drivers proving that the current V8 Supercar drivers had better watch their backs because these boys and girl are gunning for their jobs.
The kids provided some of the most entertaining racing for the day with a huge 3 kart spin on the first corner of the day. However the racing was very close especially between Whyalla local Cooper Jones and regular drivers to Whyalla Aaron Oliver and Tyler Craig. The three boys fought hard all day with close clean driving. I stated to one of the spectators in the final race that this is how racing should be. Bumper to bumper jostling for position but clean and no one getting taken out.
With close points for the day Cooper Jones took first followed by Tyler Craig and Aaron Oliver in third.
- A range of photos from the event can be found HERE.
Unfortunately the Rookie Class had only one driver this meeting. However Corey Datsun is proving each race meeting he is a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately he had some kart issues towards the end of the day which seen him unable to compete in the final.
The next group out was the combined classes of 125 Restricted/Clubman Heavy. Again the racing was close with Allan Watt returning to racing at a club level after an 18 month break. The guys in this class were fighting tooth and nail for those precious points for the whole weekend. This class fluctuates with numbers however the racing is always worth watching. Brian Sampson again proved that Sportsman SA is a great teething ground for drivers with a convincing overall points win with Allan Watt taking second and Stephen Oliver third place.
The 125 Restricted/Clubman light was even closer with the pre final and final looking like a domestic with husband and wife fighting out for positions on the track. Ellen Cumerlato really took it to the boys in the final two races of the day. Leading her husband into the first corner of the pre-final and then keeping him at bay for 5 laps. Dennis eventually got past with Ellen then holding back young driver Aiden Sossa. The three finishing in these positions for the pre-final. However the final proved to be the proving ground in the battle of the sexes. Ellen again started well leading into the first corner and holding husband Dennis off again for the first 6 laps. Dennis did what he does well and that was push it just that little too hard and spun on the 12th lap. Ellen shot past him as did Aiden. Dennis then had to make up ground. Two laps later he was past Aiden for second however Ellen showed him how it is done and kept him in second place for the final 6 laps. Ellen crossed the line with a fist pump to take her first race win.
Final standing Ellen Cumerlato in first, Dennis Cumerlato in second and Aiden Sossa in third.
The Junior National class is down to two drivers. This does not mean it is not an entertaining class with Whyalla regular handicapping herself to make the first heat interesting however Isabella Cumerlato started to pull away with her near new tyres and Bethany had to work hard to catch her. Bethany did not give her such a strong lead into the next heat. These girls have a blast on and off the track showing to everyone what a close club the Whyalla Kart Club is.
For the record Bethany finished in first with Isabella in Second.
Final race for the day was the Sportsman SA class and again showed some close racing with karts and drivers pushing the limits with tyres that are not forgiving if you make a mistake. Race one seen 3 karts out on the first corner and club president doing a ballet dancing routine spinning on his own. White line fever then set in with drivers pushing the limits. The driver of the day was by far Kade Lawson who at the start of the day was saying he may not race in 2014. However with a convincing 3 corner win in the final I think he might be back.
Final results Kade Lawson first, Aiden Sossa second and on a count back Darrol Jones third.
Whyalla Kart Club would like to thank all of it sponsors over the year without your help the club would not be where it is today.
Next race meeting will be a Sunday meeting on the 1st of December with racing starting at 9am. This will be the final race event for the year with many classes down to this event for driver of the year awards.
