Preview: Pro Tour Dubbo
| press release | 27 February 2014 |
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“New challengers and experienced racers prepare for Pro Tour Dubbo”
The Rotax Pro Tour will make its return to the Lincoln County Raceway in Dubbo this weekend for the first time since the Western New South Wales venue hosted the 2012 Rotax Nationals, the scene of a string of close battles fought out over the 1km circuit with a surplus of new challengers also set to make their first appearance at the track.
- Read the official race program online HERE
The winner of DD2 Masters in 2012, Daniel Richert will return and is sure to be amongst many contenders for top spot on the podium. After their top three efforts at the last round in Melbourne, Adam Hunter and Mark Domaschenz are expected to be Richert’s key challengers, with both Richert and Domaschenz having raced in the past alongside each other in the Commodore Cup, while Hamish Leighton also showed some impressive pace on home soil last time out and will fight it out alongside the trio in the two speed gearbox category for drivers aged over 32.
Above: Daniel Richert is expected to be a favourite in DD2 Masters
pic - Cooper's Photography
In its second year on the Pro Tour calendar, the Sodi Junior Max Trophy Class continues to strengthen with a field of 20 for Dubbo. Many of the drivers are yet to experience the circuit, with the category not having contested the 2012 Nationals; as a result the battles are expected to be closely fought out. After victory on debut in Melbourne, Brooke Redden will be out to push for another impressive result, with the fleet of new drivers all keen to be amongst the podium on Sunday afternoon.
Above: Brooke Redden will be looking to replicate his victory on debut in the Sodi Junior Max Trophy Class
pic - Cooper's Photography
As one of the most fiercely contested categories on the Pro Tour, another strong field of drivers in Rotax Light will continue their fight in the rankings battle as the mid-way point of the season approaches. Sydney’s Pierce Lehane was unstoppable throughout the Melbourne events, where he took a very comfortable victory in the final. In one of his final events in Australia for the year, Lehane will be under pressure from third place recipient from Melbourne, Brad Jenner amongst many others. Jordan Boys will enter the event after having made his International debut last weekend as part of the first round of the NZ Rotax Max Challenge and will be one driver who will be determined to make an impression on the top end of the field.
Above: Pierce Lehane will be seeking another impressive result in one of his last appearances in Australia for the year
pic - Cooper's Photography
Junior Max has again delivered the largest field of the event, reflecting the strong growth in young drivers in the Pro Tour. For much of the Melbourne event, Darwin’s Bryce Fullwood looked unstoppable and assured of victory before a flat tyre during the final dashed his hopes of a round win. Jayden Ojeda took the win and will be looking to back up from this in his home state. Callum Walker continues to impress and is expected to be amongst the front runners in Dubbo, while West Australian Nikola Mitic who took his first ever Pro Tour podium in Melbourne will be charging towards replicating his result from last time out.
Above: Jayden Ojeda is hoping a home state advantage will get him his second Pro Tour victory
pic - Cooper's Photography
Lucas Ward secured his first ever win in a Rotax Nationals in Dubbo in 2012 and the Queenslander will be looking to use this experience to improve his standings amongst the Rotax rankings this weekend. Ward is assured to be challenged by Jason Pringle who drove through the field in Melbourne to secure the win, while Joshua Crossingham also rates his chances of a strong follow up result to his podium from Todd Road. Troy Woolston will also be looking to be amongst this group to take it up to the front runners after his third place at round two.
Above: Jason Pringle will be amongst many vying for the DD2 victory
pic - Cooper's Photography
To follow the event online throughout the weekend, Like Rotax Pro Tour on Facebook, Follow Rotax Pro Tour on Twitter and tune into the live audio commentary via Ustream at www.ustream.tv/user/internationalkarting.
