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From the drive there, to on board footage and various parts in between, there’s also a guest appearance by Pro Junior (KFJ) driver Jake Klein in the middle of it all.

George Geranis on his way to the Pro Light (KF) victory
(Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Victorian George Geranis broke through for his maiden victory during Round Two of the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE at South Australia’s Bolivar Raceway on Sunday.

After securing a career-first pole position in the Pro Light (KF) category on Saturday, Geranis went on to win the final qualifying heat on Saturday afternoon before crossing the line first in Sunday’s opening final.

Starting from pole position, Geranis claimed a lights to flag victory in the second 34-lap encounter, however, his road to victory wasn’t an easy one. Kosmic Racing Australia driver Matthew Waters pressured Geranis right to the wire, but despite his best efforts, the Sydneysider was unable to find a way past.

“It’s a huge monkey off my back,” said an elated Geranis, who won the South Australian Championship courtesy of his victory in the opening final.

“I’ve been racing this series for three years now, so to finally get a win is just an amazing feeling. I’ve had so much bad luck at times, but to finally have everything go right and end up on top is unreal.

“This weekend I’ve had two great mechanics, Michael Cross and Daniel Rochford, and this win is very much a result for all of their hard work.”

Rounding out the podium was Shamick Racing’s Jordan Nicolaou who held off the Kosmic Racing Australia pair of Lachlan Gibbons and Dimitri Agathos. Gibbons’ impressive run was his best since making his debut at the start of 2012, earning him the adidas All Star Award for the round.

Waters’ second placing moved him to the top of the championship standings on 256 points, five clear of Geranis. Cian Fothergill Karting driver Troy Loeskow enjoyed a strong showing throughout the round and as a result he has moved into third place in the standings on 213 points, Nicolaou is fourth (209) ahead of Brooke Topp (207)

Joey Hanssen leading Chris Hays in Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
(Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Dutch driver Joey Hanssen fought back from his round one defeat to turn the tables on reigning Series Champion Chris Hays and claim the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) win. The pair split the heat race victories on Saturday before Hanssen showed the superior speed in the pair of 34-lap main events on Sunday.

Splitting the pair in the second encounter was PatriziCorse driver Kyle Ensbey in his Birel kart. Ensbey launched off the start from fourth position to pass Hays and Lee Mitchener and slot into second behind Hanssen.

Hays fought back to reclaim second from Ensbey, but by mid-race Ensbey showed superior speed to take back the runner-up spot behind Hanssen mid way through the race.

As the race continued, Ensbey edged closer to Hanssen, but was unable to mount a challenge and halt the Lenzo Kart driver from going one better than the opening round in Ipwsich, where he finished second to Hays.

Ensbey was second ahead of Hays, who now holds a 12-point lead in the chase for the championship. Fourth was Daniel Currey ahead of the hard charging John Grother, who started from position 22 on the starting grid.

The Pro Junior (KFJ) races were a wide-open affair with the likes of Jake Klein, Kurt Kostecki, Liam McLellan and James Abela dicing it out with Series Rookies Jake Kostecki and Bryce Fullwood near the front of the field across the weekend.

Pro Junior (KFJ) winner Liam McLellan on his victory lap
(Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Klein qualified on pole position during qualifying on Saturday but it was Kurt Kostecki and McLellan who shared the spoils on Sunday. Kostecki won a frantic opening final, where the lead changed on numerous occasions throughout the 34-lap affair, before McLellaln proved too good in the second final. It is the second successive round that McLellan has stood a top of the podium.

Abela crossed the line second, while a coming together between Klein and Kurt Kostecki, allowed the younger of the Western Australian brothers to secure his maiden podium finish in the series. Fullwood, the first Territorian to compete in the series, finished fourth ahead of Queenslander Callum Walker. Fullwood’s fourth placing earned him the Blackberry Powerful Award for the round.

In the Dunlop Kartsport TaG 125 Light category it was a Pierce Lehane domination with the New South Wales driver adding the South Australian Championship to his ever-growing list of achievements. Queenslander Brendan Nelson held on for a narrow victory in the Dunlop Kartsport TaG 125 Heavy category aboard his Harrington Doyle Racing-backed KAOS Karting Arrow. Nelson crossed the line narrowly ahead of Michael Saller and local driver Danny Errigo.

Victorian Cooper Murray was the class of the field in the Rookies category to remain undefeated throughout the weekend while Kyle Henry-Smith and Michael Smith-Crossing won TaG 125 Restricted Light and Heavy respectively.

2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE
Round 2 – Bolivar Raceway, South Australia

RESULTS

Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
1. Joey Hanssen (Netherlands) – Lenzo/LKE
2. Kyle Ensbey (Sunshine Coast, QLD) – Birel/IAME
3. Chris hays (Gold Coast, QLD) – Energy/TM
4. Daniel Currey (Perth, WA) – RK Kart/BMB
5. John Grother (Gladstone, QLD) – Energy/TM

Pro Light (KF)
1. George Geranis (Melbourne, Vic) – Kosmic/IAME
2. Matthew Waters (Sydney, NSW) – Kosmic/IAME
3. Jordan Nicolaou (Melbourne, Vic) – CRG/IAME
4. Lachlan Gibbons (Sydney, NSW) – Kosmic/IAME
5. Dimitri Agathos (Sydney, NSW) – Kosmic/IAME

Pro Junior (KFJ)
1. Liam McLellan (Melbourne, Vic) – OK1/Vortex
2. James Abela (Sydney, NSW) – PCR/Vortex
3. Jake Kostecki (Perth, WA) – Tony Kart/Vortex
4. Bryce Fullwood (Darwin, NT) – Birel/Vortex
5. Callum Walker (Brisbane, QLD) – Formula K/Vortex

TaG 125 Light
1. Pierce Lehane
2. Joshua Crossingham
3. Luke Bergens
4. Rocco Ventra
5. Joshua Tynan

TaG 125 Heavy
1. Brendan Nelson
2. Michael Saller
3. Danny Errigo
4. William Yarwood
5. Mason Barbera

Rookies
1. Cooper Murray
2. Jack Hutchins
3. Cooper Hay
4. Ryan Suhle
5. Oscar Piastri

TaG 125 Restricted Light
1. Kyle Henry-Smith
2. Daniel Boorman
3. Christopher Provan
4. Joel Rinaldi
5. Jonah Grindlay

TaG 125 Restricted Heavy
1. Michael Smith-Crossing
2. Peter Buch
3. Cris Buch
4. Daniel Bowden
5. Robert Zoanetti

To view the full results please click here

Championship Points after Round Two of Five
Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
1. Chris Hays 275
2. Joey Hanssen 263
3. Troy Bretherton 203
4. Matthew Wall 197
5. Jason Pringle 193

Pro Light (KF)
1. Matthew Waters 256
2. George Geranis 251
3. Troy Loeskow 213
4. Jordan Nicolaou209
5. Brooke Topp 207

Pro Junior (KFJ)
1. Liam McLellan 235
2. James Abela 220
3. Kurt Kostecki 197
4. Andrew Kahl 192
5. Christopher Sandrone 187

To view the full championship points please click here

Liam McLellan secured pole position for tomorrow’s Pro Junior (KFJ) Final One (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Qualifying day at Round Two of the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE saw a number of new winners across the three pro categories today.

In the Pro Junior (KF) ranks it was Victorian Jake Klein who snared his maiden pole position this morning before going on to record three top three finishes in his heat races.  It was the consistency of Liam McLellan, who won one heat and finished second in the other two, that earned him pole position for tomorrow’s opening final.

Western Australian Kurt Kostecki won two of his three heat races, however, a failing to finish the opening heat will see him start from position seven tomorrow.

Master Karting driver George Geranis secured a career first pole position in the Pro Light (KF) category before crossing the line first in the final 20-lap encounter.  The Victorian was unlucky for it not to be two wins for the day as he was forced to stop while in the lead due to his racing suit coming adrift in the opening heat race.

Matthew Waters will start from pole position in the opening Pro LIght (KF) final tomorrow (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Cian Fothergill Karting driver Troy Loeskow was another driver to win his maiden race in the series with victory in heat two.  Kosmic Racing Australia’s Matthew Waters recorded a first, second and third to secure pole position for tomorrow’s opening final.

In the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) category it was once again Joey Hanssen and Chris Hays who set the pace.  The pair diced it out for pole position before Hanssen secured the top spot on his final flying lap in the Top Five Shootout.  The pair then split the victories in the heat races, however, a mechanical failure in heat one has led to Hanssen lining up fifth on the grid in tomorrow’s opening final.

Hays will start from pole position with Formula K driver Lee Mitchener alongside.  The CRG pair of Jason Pringle and Matthew Wall will occupy the second row.

In the TaG Light category it was Pierce Lehane who dominated proceedings with three victories.  Harrington Doyle Racing-backed driver Brendan Nelson will start from pole position in the TaG Heavy category with surprise-packet Aaron Hindle alongside.

In the TaG Restricted categories it is Kyle Henry Smith (Light) and Michael Smith-Crossing (Heavy) who dominated.  Cooper Murray won both Rookies heats.

The finals will begin from 9am tomorrow morning.

Follow the action on the Stars of Karting Twitter feed (twitter.com/starsofkarting) and Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/cikstarsofkarting)

To view the full results please click here.

Joey Hanssen set the pace in Pro Gearbox (KZ2) (PIc: AF Images/Budd)

Pro Light (KF) polesitter George Geranis

Jake Klein secured the first pole position of his career in Pro Junior (KFJ) (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

The Pro Gearbox (KZ2) field, with a stalled Jordan Ford (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

The TaG 125 Heavy field race into turn one (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

2011 Bathurst 1000 Champion Nick Percat will turn back to the clock during the CIK Stars of Karting round presented by Castrol EDGE at South Australia’s Bolivar Raceway this weekend.

The South Australian will act as mechanic and mentor for reigning Pro Light Champion Adam Hughes, who is this weekend making his debut in the Pro Gearbox category.

Nick Percat assisting Adam Hughes during today’s practice at Bolivar Raceway (Pic: AF/Budd)

“I’ve been summoned by Hughsey to help him out on the tools this weekend as his number one mechanica can’t be here. We’ve formed a pretty good relationship over the past year or so. I’m pretty excited to be here,” said Percat.

“I’ve watched the series for a few years and I’m really enjoying the racing. It’s pretty exciting for me because I love seeing the young guys come through.

Percat, who will drive with Tony D’Alberto Racing in the 2013 Bathurst 1000, spent many of his formative years at the Bolivar Raceway and now uses the sport as a part of his training from his Melbourne base.

“It was here (Bolivar Raceway) and the Go-Kart Club of South Australia that I did a lot of my miles in the Junior Clubman days. It’s an awesome track, I’ve got some really good memories of this place,” said Percat.

“The thing with supercars and the Porsches is that they are not massive physical across your upper body and the go-kart really gives it to you. It is good fitness training, keeps my eye in and my bum in the seat.

“I’ll generally go out three weeks before my next race to keep my hand/eye co-ordination up and prepare for the next race meeting.”

A total of 140 entries, including 69 across the three Pro categories, have been received for this weekend’s second round of the 2013 Championship – where competitors will reach speeds in excess of 120 km/h.

After one round, Chris Hays holds a narrow lead in the Pro Gearbox championship over Dutch driver Joey Hanssen. Western Australian Luke Gabin is the points leader in the Pro Light category while Haase kart driver Damon Strongman is the leader in the chase for the Pro Junior championship. Throughout the year there is more than $40,000 in prizes up for grabs by competitors in the three pro categories, including a $10,000 scholarship to each champion to compete in a karting event overseas.

Practice is being contested today with racing from 9am on both Saturday and Sunday.

2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE
Round 2 – Bolivar Raceway, South Australia

RESULTS: Practice
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Practice 1
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Practice 2
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Practice 3
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Practice 4
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Practice 5

Pro Light(KF) – Practice 1
Pro Light(KF) – Practice 2
Pro Light(KF) – Practice 3
Pro Light(KF) – Practice 4
Pro Light(KF) – Practice 5

Pro Junior (KFJ) – Practice 1
Pro Junior (KFJ) – Practice 2
Pro Junior (KFJ) – Practice 3
Pro Junior (KFJ) – Practice 4
Pro Junior (KFJ) – Practice 5

TaG 125 Light – Practice 1
TaG 125 Light – Practice 2
TaG 125 Light – Practice 3
TaG 125 Light – Practice 4
TaG 125 Light – Practice 5

TaG 125 Heavy – Practice 1
TaG 125 Heavy – Practice 2
TaG 125 Heavy – Practice 3
TaG 125 Heavy – Practice 4
TaG 125 Heavy – Practice 5

A sneak peak at Adam Hughes’ 2013 livery

REIGNING Pro Light (KF) Champion Adam Hughes will make a return to the CIK Stars of Karting Series this weekend for the second round at South Australia’s Bolivar Raceway.

Hughes will make his debut in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) category aboard his IAME powered Kosmic Kart, under the JAM Racing banner.

After missing the opening round due to budget restrictions, Hughes has since found support from CORE IT Solutions, Inline Engineering Services, Freem Racing Apparel and fanfuel.com.au to help get him get back on the grid. He will also have backing from regular sponsors Remo Racing, Kosmic Karts and MKC Engines.

“I can’t wait to get out there and have a crack at racing Pro Gearbox for the first time,” said Hughes.

“I never thought I’d be able to compete in this class but with the help of Adam Garnaut at CORE IT and Nick Percat it has become a reality.

“Pro Gearbox is a new challenge for me, and the competition is really tough, but I was really happy with the kart after initial testing so I’m ready to get amongst it.”

2011 Bathurst 1000 champion Percat will accompany Hughes to Bolivar Raceway this weekend, providing feedback and assisting with kart setup. The pair has been testing together for the past four weeks to get Hughes up to speed in the KZ2, in the hope of obtaining a top 10 result.

“I’ve followed the CIK Stars of Karting Series over the past couple of years with great interest so I’m really looking forward to being involved for the first time,” said Percat.

“I grew up racing karts at Bolivar Raceway so it’s awesome to be heading back there and teaming up with Adam.

“I know how serious he takes his kart racing and while we’re both hoping for a solid result, we understand that there is still a lot of learning to do.”

Percat steps in for Hughes’ regular number one mechanic Josh Brooker for this round of the series.

“Josh spent many hours building the KZ Kosmic Kart package for me, so while he can’t make it to the event I owe him a huge thanks for helping me get back into the CIK Stars of Karting Series this weekend.” said Hughes.

Official practice starts on Friday April 26th, with racing following on the Saturday and Sunday.

Adam Hughes’ 2013 Sponsors
JAM Racing
www.coreitsolutions.com.au
www.freem.com.au
www.inlineeng.com.au
www.remoracing.com.au
www.fanfuel.com.au
www.mkcracing.com.au
www.nickpercat.com

Canberra’s Josh Fife will be the youngest competitor in Australia’s elite championship since Toro Rosso Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo made his debut in 2002
(Pic: AF Images/Budd)

This weekend’s second round of the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE at South Australia’s Bolivar Raceway will see a number of drivers make their debut in Australia’s elite karting championship.

Three drivers will be making their first start in the Pro ranks with Sydney’s Nathan Tigani, Canberra’s Josh Fife and Darwin’s Bryce Fullwood lining up on the grid.

When added to the 23 drivers who made their debut on the grid in the opening round at Ipswich, there are now 26 drivers who are eligible for the KARTX Rookie of the Year Award.

Fife, who is the youngest driver to compete in the series since Toro Rosso Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo made his debut in 2002, is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to get behind the wheel of his Vortex-powered Tony Kart in the Pro Junior (KFJ) category.

“I’m a bit nervous going into the weekend, it’s a big event and the kart is a lot faster than what I have been racing,” said Fife, a Year 7 student at Burgmann Anglican School.

“I’ve done a lot of laps around my home track in Canberra with the higher powered engine but this weekend I’ll be racing against the best young drivers from all across the country on a track that I’ve never raced at before. It’s going to be a big learning experience and I’ll be aiming to improve every time I take to the track.

“With the extra horsepower the driving is really tiring so I’ve been doing a lot of cardio and strength training to help me cope with it.”

It would come as no surprise being from the Nation’s capital who Fife’s motor racing idol is, and he’s even got some tips from him recently.

“Mark Webber is my motor racing idol. I had the opportunity to meet him when he was home over Christmas, we had breakfast with a mutual friend. He was really nice and gave me some tips on my racing,” said Fife.

Darwin driver Bryce Fullwood will make his debut in the CIK Stars of Karting Series this weekend
(Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Fullwood is already the most successful karter from Australia’s Top End having won the Junior National Light Australian crown last month. Now focusing on his next challenge, the Australian Motor Sport Foundation and Fujitsu Cool driver is keen for a solid start to his Pro Junior (KFJ) campaign this weekend.

“I’m feeling pretty confident heading into the weekend, it’s a new experience but something I can’t wait for,” said Fullwood.

“There’s no one that I haven’t raced before in other categories and I’ve raced at Bolivar a few times previously, I won the City of Adelaide Titles there – so I quite like the track.

“The KF engine has a bit more horsepower than I’m used to but I really enjoyed the test day I did the other week. The Birel kart seemed to handle the extra horsepower extremely well and really suited the grippier tyres.

“If I was to set a goal, it would be to finish inside the top five, but the main aim is to continue learning all weekend. After missing the opening round I’m not looking for a championship but more so just using the year as a real learning experience.”

Fullwood will have George Sera, father of 14-time Australian Champion David, as his mechanic during his debut event this weekend.

No less than 139 entries, including 69 across the three Pro categories, have been received for this weekend’s second round of the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series. The event also doubles as the State Championship in the TaG 125 Light and Heavy categories.

After one round, Chris Hays holds a narrow lead in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) championship over Dutch driver Joey Hanssen. Western Australian Luke Gabin is the points leader in the Pro Light (KF) category while Haase kart driver Damon Strongman is the leader in the chase for the Pro Junior (KFJ) championship. Throughout the year there is more than $40,000 in prizes up for grabs by competitors in the three pro categories, including a $10,000 scholarship to each champion to compete in a CIK-FIA karting event overseas.

Practice will be held on Friday from 9:30am with racing from 9am on both Saturday and Sunday.

The Bolivar Raceway, home of the Southern Go Kart Club, is located on Summer Road, Bolivar.

Admission for spectators is free.

2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE
Championship Points (After 1 of 5 rounds)
PRO GEARBOX (KZ2)

1. Christopher HAYS (Gold Coast, QLD) 141
2. Joey HANSSEN (Netherlands) 138
3. Troy BRETHERTON (Gold Coast, QLD) 107
4. Kel TRESEDER (Bundaberg, QLD)102
5. John GROTHER (Gladstone, QLD) 99

PRO LIGHT (KF)

1. Luke GABIN (Perth, QLD) 144
2. Brooke TOPP (Toowoomba, QLD) 132
3. Matthew WATERS (Sydney, QLD) 122
4. George GERANIS (Melbourne, VIC) 114
5. Joshua SMITH (Townsville, QLD) 107
=5. Lachlan GIBBONS (Sydney, NSW) 107

PRO JUNIOR (KFJ)
1. Damon STRONGMAN (Melbourne, VIC) 114
2. Christopher SANDRONE (Sydney, NSW) 111
3. Joseph BURTON-HARRIS (Sydney, NSW) 108
4. James ABELA (Sydney, NSW) 105
5. Kurt KOSTECKI (Perth, WA) 97

Series Champions
Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
2012 – Chris Hays (Energy/TM)
2011 – Tyler Greenbury (Intrepid/Maxter)
2010 – Matthew Wall (BRM/TM)
2005 – Bart Price (Arrow/TM)
2004 – Bart Price (Arrow/TM)
2003 – Tyson Pearce (Omega/TM)
2002 – Jason Burns (Mac Minerelli/TM)

Pro Light (KF)

2012 – Adam Hughes (Kosmic/IAME)
2011 – Jake Spencer (Kosmic/IAME)
2010 – Cian Fothergill (Kosmic/IAME)
2009 – Hayden McBride (Gillard/IAME)
2004 – Barclay Holden (Trulli/Parilla)
2003 – Barclay Holden (Trulli/Parilla)
2002 – Adam Graham (Arrow/Rotax)
2001 – Mark Winterbottom (Tony Kart/Vortex)
2000 – Neil McFadyen (Top Kart/Comer)
1999 – Jamie Whincup (Tecno/Parilla)
1998 – Ryan Wlodzinski (PCR/PCR)
1997 – David Clark (Tecno/Atomik)
1996 – Jeremy Lohmann (Tony Kart/Vortex)
1995 – Darrell Smith (PCR/PCR)
1994 – Phillip Scifleet (Haase/Italsistem)
1993 – Richard McLeod (Azzurro/Fox)

Pro Junior (KFJ)

2011 – Cameron Hill (Top Kart/Vortex)
2011 – Pierce Lehane (CRG/Vortex)
2010 – Pierce Lehane (CRG/Vortex)
2005 – Joshua Scott (BRM)
2004 – Kristian Lindbom (Top Kart/Comer)
2003 – Kristian Lindbom (Top Kart/Comer)
2002 – Ben Chong Sun (Top Kart/Comer)
2001 – Tim Slade (Top Kart/Comer)
2000 – Andrew Thompson (Tony Kart/Vortex)
1999 – Adam Graham (Tony Kart/Vortex)
1998 – Neil McFadyen (Top Kart/Comer)
1997 – Michael Caruso (Tony Kart/Vortex)
1996 – Ryan Briscoe (CRG/CRG)
1995 – Ryan Briscoe (CRG/Parilla)
1994 – Christian Jones (CRG/Rotax)
1993 – Mike Hazelton (CRG/Parilla)

Reigning Pro Gearbox (KZ2) Champion Chris Hays (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Reigning CIK Stars of Karting Series Champion Chris Hays has received an opportunity of a lifetime with Energy Corse Team, which is endorsed by the Lotus F1 Team as its junior outfit, in Europe.

The Gold Coast teenager will line up with the Formula One-linked team at the upcoming two-round CIK-FIA European KZ2 Championships, as he chases his dream of becoming one of the stars in the world of motorsport.

Hays’ opportunity came about following his Pro Gearbox (KZ2) victory in Ipswich ahead of 2011 World Cup Champion Joey Hanssen from the Netherlands.

It will be the second time Hays has raced overseas against the world’s best gearbox kart drivers. He made his debut with the Italian-based Energy Corse team at the SuperNationals in Las Vegas, America last November courtesy of a $10,000 scholarship he received from winning the Australian Championship in the category.

“It’s a pretty amazing opportunity and I’m certainly going over there with a very open mind and aiming to make the most of it,” said Hays, who is an apprentice mechanic with Renault Australia.

“It is one thing to go and race over in Europe with a factory team but when that factory team has got a direct link to a Formula One Junior team, it is just something else.

“The opportunity really came out of nowhere, my budget this year limited me to racing here in Australia so when this came up I’ve grabbed it with both hands and we’re doing everything possible to make it a success. You never know where it might lead to.”

For Energy Corse boss Michele Panigada, having Hays join the Energy Corse outfit alongside current KZ2 European Champion Simas Juodvirsis for the two-round CIK European KZ2 Championships is a reward for the Australian’s results in the Italian-made product over the past 18 months.

“Year after year, Energy Corse has always kept true to the mission of investing in young unknown talents to help them grow into international karting champions and thanks to the collaboration with the Lotus F1 Junior Team this mission is now stronger than ever,” said Panigada.

Chris Hays leading Joey Hanssen during Round One of the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

“When we re-launched in Australia at the start of last year Chris was one of the first drivers we announced as a part of our team Down Under, since then he has been instrumental in our success in Australia.

“At the end of last year Chris joined us for the SuperNationals in Las Vegas. The way he handled the pressure of lining up against the world’s best drivers on a circuit that he had never driven before was very impressive.

“All of the reports I’ve heard from the opening round of the Stars of Karting Series was that he has once again stepped his performance up even more. It was following this event when we were able to put together the opportunity for him to join us for the European Championships.”

The opening round of the CIK-FIA European KZ2 Championship will be held at the Wackersdorf circuit in Germany on May 16-19 followed by Round Two at Genk in Belgium on June 27-30.

Hays’ next event in Australia will be Round Two of the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE at South Australia’s Bolivar Raceway on April 27/28. After one round, he is currently leading the championship on 141 points, three clear of Hanssen. Hay’s fellow Gold Coaster Troy Bretherton is third (107) ahead of Bundaberg’s Kel Treseder (102) while Gladstone’s John Grother is fifth (99) to make it four Queenslanders inside the top five.

Chris Hays Statistics
Age: 18
Lives: Gold Coast, QLD
Occupation: Apprentice Mechanic, Renault Australia
Career Achievements
2012 CIK Stars of Karting Champion – Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
2009 Australian Champion – Junior Clubman
Seven-time State Champion

Energy Corse Statistics in European Championships
CIK-FIA European Championships
2003 – KZ2 – Max Colombo – 2nd
2004 – KZ2 – Ricardo Van Der Ende – 1st
2005 – KZ2 – Danny Bleek – 2nd
2006 – KZ2 – Ernst Behrens – 1st
2007 – KZ2 – Danny Bleek – 2nd
2008 – KZ2 – Tony Lavanant – 1st
2010 – KZ2 – Paolo De Conto – 1st
2011 – KZ2 – Joel Johannson – 2nd
2011 – KZ1 – Paolo De Conto – 1st
2012 – KZ2 – Simas Juodvirsis – 1st

WSK Euro Series
2010 – KZ2 – Paolo De Conto – 1st
2011 – KZ2 – Joel Johannson – 1st
2012 – KZ2 – Simas Juodvirsis – 1st

Manufacturers Champions – 2010, 2011 and 2012

One lucky driver receive their choice of a pair of adidas motorsport Kart XLT boots or adistar gloves following each round of the CIK Stars of Karting Series.

Organisers of the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE have announced a new adidas contingency award – the adidas All Star Award.

The Award, which will be awarded to a driver who has put in an outstanding performance in one of the three Pro categories, will see one lucky driver receive their choice of a pair of adidas motorsport Kart XLT boots or adistar gloves following each round.

“The Stars of Karting Series is a perfect fit as we begin to build the adidas motorsport brand in Australia,” said adidas motorsport’s Jack Perkins.

“Coming from a karting background myself, I know what it means to have quality products while competing which is why I’ve recently partnered with team at adidas as their Australian distributor.

“The boots certainly stand out from the crowd and without doubt, the gloves are the best that I’ve worn throughout my racing career.  Now with our partnership with the Stars of Karting Series I can’t wait to share the great products with the karting community.”

The announcement comes fresh from adidas motorsport’s karting ambassador, David Sera, making a successful debut in the karting arena for the adidas motorsport range at the recent Australian National Sprint Kart Championships in South Australia.

The inclusion of the adidas All Star Award adds the adidas brand to the CIK Stars of Karting Series’ ever-growing list of partners including Castrol EDGE, MG Tyres, TransWest Insurance Brokers, Dunlop Kartsport and Blackberry.

For more information on the adidas motorsport range in Australia please visitwww.perkinsmotorsport.com

Round Two of the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE will be contested at the Bolivar Raceway in South Australia on April 27/28.

To view the Supplementary Regulations, please click here.

The categories competing at this in event are:
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) (Round 2 & SA State Championship)
Pro Light (KF) (Round 2 & SA State Championship)
Pro Junior (KFJ) (Round 2 & SA State Championship)
TaG Light (SA State Championship)
TaG Heavy (SA State Championship)
TaG Restricted Light & Heavy
Rookies

Entries Close Friday April 12, 2013

Liam McLellan victorious in Pro Junior (Image: Ash Budd : AF Images)

At Ipswich Kart Club’s round 1 of the CIK Stars of Karting series IPKARTING was represented across a number of classes including OK1 drivers Liam McLellan in Pro Junior and locals Ash Lester and Shawn McNamara in TaG Heavy and Chris Burley from Lismore in TaG Light.  In Pro Gearbox, newly recruited pilot Ricky Capo took to the track in Praga.

Battling hot and humid conditions the team brought home consistent top ten results whilst Liam McLellan contended with engine dramas forcing two DNF’s in his heat races.  The Victorian youngster then turned his troubles around to deliver the standout performance of the event by winning the Final.

McLellan will use his CIK Stars of Karting Pro Junior victory as a confidence springboard into a Euro-series drive with Praga Karts starting next month.

In one of his first CIK appearances, McLellan aboard his OK1 M2 chassis for CC Racing and with thanks to IPKarting and Shamick Racing, displayed his high level of technical skill that he hopes to continue to build upon with European racing opportunities.

McLellan, and his team of dad Mal and Clint Cathcart, had worked hard and believed they were good to go for the pre-final after two disastrous results with race mishaps causing engine dramas in heat 2 and 3.  Good to go they were, Liam started at P16 in the pre-final and finished in second, to start on the front row for the final opposite Damon Strongman in P1.

The final was going to be a hotly contested race with Australia’s leading young guns but after going back to fourth on the start, McLellan took back second and then the lead by lap five and maintained control of the race for the remaining twenty laps.

The win at CIK Stars of Karting is on the back of a strong start to 2013 for McLellan backing up with wins at the Rotax Pro Tour in Junior Max and hopefully carrying further momentum into his return to Pro Tour racing this weekend at Lithgow.

In an exciting development to his career, McLellan will travel to Genk, Belgium in late March to compete at the Rotax Euro Challenge with Josh Hart’s factory-backed Praga race team.

New Zealand’s top kart export Josh Hart is excited at the experience and opportunity that racing in Europe presents for drivers especially given Liam’s age and recent race form.

Also competing at the highest level is 16-year-old Ricky Capo in Pro Gearbox KZ2 aboard a Praga Tacho.

In a field of 27, Capo kept himself in the top ten all weekend with consistent 9^th places and a 7^th place finish throughout the heats.  With the closest of margins separating the top end of the field and some experienced veterans charging hard and fast, Capo finished his weekend with more 9^th place finishes in the pre-final and again in the Final.

Post race Ricky reflected on his performance, “I’m confident we have a lot of room to improve during racing to match some outstanding practise times we achieved at tracks during the summer break.”

“The Stars of Karting series is exciting and you learn new racecraft at every meet, I can’t wait to tackle South Australia’s Bolivar race track at round 2 in April.”

Over Easter, a team of IPK drivers will represent Australia and contest the New Zealand Sprint Championships held at Kartsport Wellington.  Returning to New Zealand as a title contender and former New Zealand champ (2011 & 2^nd place in 2012) is Lane Moore racing in two classes, Yamaha and Rotax Heavy for OK1 and Ricky Capo in KZ2 Gearbox aboard a Praga Tacho.

“We’ve started the year with a bang, we have some more great initiatives on the way and expect some fantastic results for our drivers in OK1 and Praga from club level racing through to the very top level, both here in Australia and overseas” said Ken Bensley from IPKarting Australia and New Zealand.

To join the team or race with our overseas teams contact us at: ken@ipkarting.com.au – 0414 760 965

Energy Corse Australia's Chris Hays on his way to victory (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Reigning Pro Gearbox (KZ2) Champion Chris Hays (Gold Coast, QLD) started his title defense in a winning fashion with victory at the opening round of the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE in Ipswich, Queensland today.

Hays took the round win following a spirited battle with 2011 World Cup Champion Joey Hanssen, who was making his debut in the series after moving to Australia last month to work for Lenzo Kart Australia.

The pair, who set the pace all throughout the preliminary races, were locked nose to tail for much of the 25 lap affair, Hanssen – a Dutchman – threw everything in his extensive international arsenal to get past Hays, however the Energy Corse Australia driver was just too good.

“The pressure this weekend in having Joey in the field just stepped everything up a notch,” admitted Hays. “The racing was tough from the very first practice session. We had to be on the limit to hold Joey out.”

Hanssen paid tribute to the young Aussie.

“It was difficult out there, the weather was hot and I had to work hard just to stay with Chris, let alone try and get around him,” said Hanssen.

“I have to take my hat off to him, he didn’t put a wheel wrong at all. The Ipswich track is very tough – among one of the best I’ve been to – and I did everything I could to get past Chris, but he was too good in the end.”

Earlier in the day, Hanssen took the first final and was awarded the Queensland Championship in the Pro Gearbox category. After leading the early running, Gladstone’s John Grother finished third in the main event ahead of Energy Corse Australia stable-mate Kel Treseder (Bundaberg, QLD) in his Kel’s Karts and Parts entry.  Grother dedicated his podium finish to his Grandfather, who is currently battling some ill-health.

Western Australian Luke Gabin on his way to victory in Pro Light (KF) (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

In the Pro Light (KF1) division, unheralded West Australian Luke Gabin dominated proceedings winning both finals aboard his Lenzo Kart.

“It’s very pleasing to get this result, it’s been hard work over the off-season to try and get everything together. Last year wasn’t a great year for us in the Stars of Karting, but this year couldn’t have started in any better fashion,” reflected Gabin

Gabin led home the Kosmic Racing Australia’s Matthew Waters (Sydney, NSW) and Harrington Doyle Racing’s Brooke Topp (Toowoomba, QLD).

The elite Junior category in Australian karting, Pro Junior (KFJ) was a story of woe for many of the leading contenders.

In the first 25-lap final, Andrew Kahl (Sydney, NSW) held a 2.7 second advantage before a mechanical failure put him to the sidelines. James Abela (Sydney, NSW) crossed the line first, however was later handed a 10 second penalty for a startline infringement handing the win to Damon Strongman (Melbourne, Vic) in his Haase Kart.

Kahl put in a super drive in final two to pass 15 drivers to finish third.

Pro Junior (KFJ) winner Liam McLellan on his victory lap (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Abela was second and the winner was Victorian, Liam McLellan (Melbourne, Vic), who announced after his win that he will compete in several events overseas with the Praga factory team.

It is McLellan’s first full season in the Series and after a troubled day yesterday that saw him battle with engine issues finished second in the first final, then won the second race in emphatic fashion aboard his OK1 chassis.

Exprit driver Chris Sandrone (Sydney, NSW), who started on pole position in today’s opening final before an opening lap skirmish dropped him back, was presented with the BlackBerry Powerful Award for the round.

The two State Championship support events saw Pacific Kartsport driver Adam Mercer (Brisbane, QLD) win the Dunlop TaG Light category while Toowoomba’s Brendan Nelson won Dunlop TaG Heavy. Birel Kartsport Australia’s Jaxon Evans (Gold Coast, QLD) and Chris Farkas (Brisbane, QLD) filled the podium in the Light category. CRG Austrlia’s Jason Hryniuk (Syndey, NSW) and William Yarwood (Cornubia, QLD) filled the minor positions in the Heavy category.

In the Rookies category, Oscar Piastri made the trip from Melbourne a successful one by taking the win ahead of local drivers Harrison Hoey and Ryan Suhle.

PCR driver Kyle Henry-Smith won TaG Restricted Light ahead of female racer Donnelle Woldon, David Johnstone was took good in the TaG Heavy category.

The next round of the CIK Stars of Karting Series will be held at South Australia’s Bolivar Raceway on April 27/18.

CIK STARS OF KARTING SERIES presented by Castrol EDGE
Round 1 of 5
Ipswich, Queensland

RESULTS: Top Five

Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
1. Chris Hays (Gold Coast, QLD) – Energy/TM
2. Joey Hanssen (Netherlands) – Lenzo/LKS
3. John Grother (Gladstone, QLD) – Energy/TM
4. Kel Treseder (Bundaberg, QLD) – Energy/TM
5. Kyle Ensbey (Sunshine Coast, QLD) – Birel/IAME

Pro Light (KF)
1. Luke Gabin (Perth, WA) – Lenzo/IAME
2 Matthew Waters (Sydney, NSW) – Kosmic/IAME
3. Brooke Topp (Toowoomba, QLD) – Kosmic/IAME
4. Dimitri Agathos (Sydney, NSW) – Kosmic/IAME
5. Josh Smith (Townsville, QLD) – Kosmic/IAME

Pro Junior (KFJ)
1. Liam McLellan (Melbourne, Vic) – OK1/Vortex
2. James Abela (Sydney, NSW) – PCR/Vortex
3. Andrew Kahl (Sydney, NSW) – Tony Kart/Vortex
4. Joseph Burton-Harris (Sydney, NSW) – RK Kart/Vortex
5. Damon Strongman (Melbourne, Vic) – Haase/Vortex

TaG Light
1. Adam Mercer
2. Jaxon Evans
3. Chris Faraks
4. Jason Burns
5. Ben Stewart

TaG Heavy
1. Brendan Nelson
2. Jason Hryniuk
3. William Yarwood
4. Dale Corbett
5. Kris Walton

Rookies
1. Oscar Piastri
2. Harrison Hoey
3. Ryan Suhle
4. Max Adams
5. Jayden Gollan

TaG Restricted Light
1. Kyle Henry-Smith
2. Donnelle Waldon
3. Cohen Archer
4. Ryan McKnight
5. Nickolas Ross

TaG Restricted Heavy
1. David Johnstone
2. Jeromy Sonter
3. Michael Osmond
4. Troy Ward
5. Andrew Freeman

To view the full results, please click here.

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
After Round 1 of 5

Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
1. Christopher Hays 141
2. Joey Hanssen 138
3. Troy Bretherton 107
4. Kel Treseder 102
5. John Grother 99

Pro Light (KF)
1. Luke Gabin 144
2. Brooke Topp 132
3. Matthew Waters 122
4. George Geranis 114
5. Joshua Smith 107
=5. Lachlan Gibbons 107

Pro Junior (KFJ)
1. Damon Strongman 114
2. Christopher Sandrone 111
3. Joseph Burton-Harris 108
4. James Abela 105
5. Kurt Kostecki 97

To view the full Championship Points, please click here

Exprit driver Chris Sandrone (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

A pair of new faces led the way in two of the three Pro categories during qualifying day at Round One of the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented Castrol EDGE in Ipswich, Queensland today.

After qualifying second fastest in the Top Five Shootout, Exprit driver Chris Sandrone won his opening heat race in the Pro Junior (KFJ) category before backing this performance up with a pair of second places throughout the day.

As a result, the New South Welshman will start from pole position in tomorrow’s opening final with fellow debutant William Hawkes on his outside.

Local driver Callum Walker, who claimed his maiden heat race victory in the final 15-lap heat race this afternoon, will occupy third place on the Pro Junior grid.

“Coming into the weekend I was really nervous. I hadn’t done a lot of racing at this level and didn’t really know what to expect,” said Sandrone.

“To make the shootout was tops, but to then win the opening heat was even better. It’s already been a huge experience but tomorrow’s going to be really tough with the 25-lap races.”

Polesitter Kurt Kostecki had an engine failure on the opening lap of heat one before winning heat two and finished seventh in the final heat. As a result, he will start from eighth place in tomorrow’s opening 25-lap encounter.

Western Australian Luke Gabin (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

In the Pro Light (KF) category Western Australian Lenzo Kart driver Luke Gabin snatched pole position from Harrington Doyle Racing’s Brooke Topp in the Top Five Shootout.

Gabin then continued this form into the heat races where he won two of the three events contested. Topp won the remaining heat and will start from position two tomorrow.

Master Karting’s George Geranis finished third in all three heat races and will start from third tomorrow ahead of a trio of Kosmic Racing Australia drivers.

In the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) category, Energy Corse Australia’s Chris Hays and Lenzo Kart Australia’s Joey Hanssen shared the victories. As a result, they will occupy the front row for tomorrow’s opening final. Behind them will be Troy Bretherton, Matthew Wall, Jason Pringle and Ricky Capo.

Birel Kartsport’s Jaxon Evans will start from pole position in the Dunlop TaG Light pre-final with Ben Stewart, who had two wins and an eighth placing, alongside. A trio of Queensland karting veterans, Brendan Nelson, William Yarwood and Kris Walton set the pace in Dunlop TaG Heavy.

In the TaG Restricted categories Kyle Henry-Smith (Light) and Michael Osmond (Heavy) will showed the way – as did Ryan Suhle in Rookies.

Tomorrow’s action will get underway at 9am.

To view the full results please click here.

Follow the action from Ipswich on the Series’ Facebook page and Twitter feed, both of which will be updated regularly throughout the weekend.

Luke Gabin (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Chris Hays (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Drivers ready for practice in Ipswich today. (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Toowoomba’s Brooke Topp has finished on top of the timesheets in every session during practice at Round One of the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE today.

The Harrington Doyle Racing driver mastered the mixed conditions to set the fastest time in every 15-minute session for the Pro Light (KF) category. His time of 48.136 seconds was two-tenths of a second faster than his nearest rival – Kosmic Racing Australia’s Matthew Waters (48.467). Joshua Smith was third fastest with a 48.470 second circulation in the final session of the day.

Reigning Pro Gearbox (KZ2) Champion Chris Hays was the fastest driver in the six-gear category with a scintillating 47.223-second lap in the final session of the day. Hays’ time was almost four-tenths of a second clear of the next best set by Formula K driver Lee Mitchener (47.619).

Dutch driver Joey Hanssen was third fastest (47.764) in the Lenzo kart Australia entry while Kel Tresder was fourth fastest in his Energy Kart with a 47.768-second lap.

Exprit driver Chris Sandrone finished with the fastest time of the day in the Pro Junior (KFJ) category (49.723), narrowly edging out fellow Sydneysider Andrew Kahl (49.732). Shamick Racing’s Liam McLellan was third fastest (49.742) closely followed by Kurt Kostecki (49.892), Callum Walker and Patrick Martin who set identical times of 49.975 seconds in the final session of the day.

In the Dunlop TaG Light category RK Karts Australia driver Jaxon Evans (49.697) set the pace while Brendan Nelson was the class of the field in Dunlop TaG Heavy category.

Qualifying will be held from 9am tomorrow morning followed by the heat races in the afternoon. A pair of finals for each catergory will be contested on Sunday.

CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE
Round 1 of 5

RESULTS: Practice (Top Five combined)
To view the full practice times please click on the links below

Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
1. Chris Hays (Energy/TM) 47.223
2. Lee Mitchener (Formula K/TM) 47.619
3. Joey Hanssen (Lenzo/LKE) 47.764
4. Kel Treseder (Energy/TM) 47.768
5. John Grother (Energy/TM) 47.816
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Practice One
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Practice Two
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Practice Three
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Practice Four
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Practice Five

Pro Light (KF)
1. Brooke Topp (Kosmic/IAME) 48.136
2. Matthew Waters (Kosmic/IAME) 48.467
3. Josh Smith (Kosmic/IAME) 48.470
4. Lachlan Gibbons (Kosmic/IAME) 48.476
5. Mitchell Gee (Kosmic/IAME) 48.492
Pro Light (KF) – Practice One
Pro Light (KF) – Practice Two
Pro Light (KF) – Practice Three
Pro Light (KF) – Practice Four
Pro Light (KF) – Practice Five

Pro Junior (KFJ)
1. Chris Sandrone (Exprit/Vortex) 49.723
2. Andrew Kahl (Tony Kart/Vortex) 49.732
3. Liam McLellan (Praga/Vortex) 49.742
4. Kurt Kostecki (Tony Kart/Vortex) 49.892
5. Callum Walker (Formula K/Vortex) 49.975
Pro Junior (KFJ) – Practice One
Pro Junior (KFJ) – Practice Two
Pro Junior (KFJ) – Practice Three
Pro Junior (KFJ) – Practice Four
Pro Junior (KFJ) – Practice Five

Dunlop TaG Light
1. Jaxon Evans 49.697
2. Scott Sorensen 49.788
3. Chris Farkas 49.893
4. Ben Stewart 50.030
5. Adam Mercer 50.035
TaG Light – Practice One
TaG Light – Practice Two
TaG Light – Practice Three
TaG Light – Practice Four
TaG Light – Practice Five

Dunlop TaG Heavy
1. Brendan Nelson 50.531
2. William Yarwood 51.058
3. Kris Walton 51.129
4. Dale Corbett 51.242
5. Klinton Hancey 51.301

TaG Heavy – Practice One
TaG Heavy – Practice Two
TaG Heavy – Practice Three
TaG Heavy – Practice Four
TaG Heavy – Practice Five

Chris Hays set the pace in Pro Gearbox (KZ2) (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Josh Smith – #7 Pro Light (KF) – Kosmic Racing Australia
“Today was pretty good! We ended up second fastest in the final session after testing setup and engine setup throughout the day. Really looking forward to tomorrow.”

Simon Gwilliam – #21 Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – DR Kart
“We’re a bit further away that what we had hoped to be at the end of day one, it’s my first time at the CIK Stars of Karting Series and tomorrow is another day. Hoping to find a bit more speed tomorrow.”

Greg Olsen – #5 Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – CRG Australia
“I had a great first practice day for 2013 and my first trip to Ipswich. I really like the circuit and its layout, though I struggled initially through the slow speed and cambered corners. Thanks to Darren King, Mattia Madami and Daniel Ferry of CRG Australia we made big improvements to the kart each session, so I am optimistic we can have a good day tomorrow.”

Matt Wall – #15 Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Shamick Racing
“We’re still getting our head around the set-up on the new compound of tyre that we’re using this year. I was sixth fastest in the final session, so we’re not that far off.”

Matt Wall and Jason Pringle will be two drivers leading the charge for CRG Australia this weekend (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

CRG Australia will have an expanded line-up for the opening round of the Castrol EDGE CIK Stars of Karting Series in Ipswich, Queensland this weekend.

No less than 20 drivers will take to the circuit aboard the St George Kart Centre imported chassis across five categories at the event.

After finishing in the top three for the past two Pro Gearbox (KZ2) Championships, Jason Pringle will lead the charge for the team in the category. A trio of New South Welshman, Greg Olson, Mathew Erdman and Jake Coleman, will join the Victorian on the Pro Gearbox grid.

After finishing runner-up in last year’s Pro Junior (KFJ) championship chase, Coleman makes the step up into the extremely competitive Pro Gearbox field, which includes the likes of 2011 World Cup Champion Joey Hanssen.

CRG Australia’s satellite team, Shamick Racing, will also field four drivers in CRG chassis at this weekend’s season opener with 2010 Champion Matthew Wall aiming for a speedy start to his championship chase. Jordan Ford, Ben Walter and Matthew Hunt will also be flying the CRG flag under the Shamick Racing banner.

Coleman’s graduation to the senior ranks opens the door for a new junior star in the CRG team with Drew Ridge and Lachlan Saccardo lining up for their first race in the elite junior category.

Jedd Stojakovic won the Australian Leopard Challenge in 2012 aboard a CRG chassis, this year he makes the step up into the Pro Light (KF) ranks alongside fellow rookie Leo LoBianco and the more experienced Ben Edwards and Jordan Nicolaou.

In the Dunlop TaG categories, CRG will also have a strong presence with five drivers spread across the Light and Heavy fields where they will be fighting for the Queensland State Championship.

CRG Australia’s Chris Dell is enthusiastic about the potential of this year’s line-up in Australia’s elite karting championship.

“With 20 drivers using CRG product in this weekend’s opening round is something that the entire team at St George Centre should be proud of and I can’t wait to see them all take to the track this weekend,” said Dell.

“We’ve got a very good mix of youth and experience in the team and I’m confident that they can all learn from each other and take CRG to the top step of the podium throughout the year.”

Practice will be held tomorrow from 10am ahead of qualifying and heat races on Saturday. A pair of 25 lap finals will be contested on Sunday.

CRG AUSTRALIA
Jason Pringle – Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
Mathew Erdmann – Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
Jake Coleman – Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
Greg Olson – Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
Jedd Stojakovic – Pro Light (KF)
Ben Edwards – Pro Light (KF)
Drew Ridge – Pro Junior (KFJ)
Lachlan Saccardo – Pro Junior (KFJ)
Lydon Dodge – TaG Light
Gordon Wilson – TaG Light
Chris Aoun – TaG Heavy
Jason Hryniuk – TaG Heavy
Mason Barbera – TaG Heavy

SHAMICK RACING
Mathew Wall – Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
Jordan Ford – Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
Ben Walter – Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
Matthew Hunt – Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
Jordan Nicolaou – Pro Light (KF)
Leo LoBianco – Pro Light (KF)
Aaron Laurence – TaG Heavy

AF Images and Custom Decals have been confirmed as Series Suppliers for 2013

Organisers of the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE have confirmed the teams at AF Images and Custom Decals as Official Suppliers to the series ahead of this weekend’s 2013 opener in Ipswich, Queensland.

It is the fourth year that the team at AF Images have been appointed to handle the photographic requirements by Australia’s elite karting championship.

“Over the past three years, the team at AF Images have been a great supporter of the series and helped lift the sport to another level with their professionalism of a service to the series’ requirements and media outlets,” said Series Chairman Craig Denton.

“We look forward to having them back on board for 2013.”

AF Images’ Ash Budd is excited about being a part of the series again for 2013 and as a part of the announcement AF Images has a special offer to competitors in the series.

At each round of the 2013 series, two drivers will be selected by AF Images at random to receive a free 12-months subscription to the KARTX Magazine.  As another bonus to competitors lining up on the grid this weekend in Ipswich, every driver will be provided with a download link to receive photos for their personal use – Free of charge from the opening round thanks to AF Images.

“At AF Images we are big supporters of karting all across the country, we are involved with the sport because we love it and we’re delighted to be a part of the Stars of Karting Series again in 2013,” said Budd.

“The KARTX prize for each round and the free personal use of images at this opening round is our way of giving a little something back to those who provide us with the opportunity to be a part of the series.”

Over the past few years Cameron Harch and the team at Custom Decals, the majority of whom are karters themselves, has looked after the series’ signage requirements.  This is a relationship that will continue in 2013.

“As a series we’re continually aiming to improve our image, the Custom Decals team have assisted us immensely in this area with their great trackside banners and our other requirements,” added Denton.

“They are continually working with the series to lift the profile and we’re excited about the next 12 months with them on board.”

As a part of the announcement, Harch is offering any driver competing in the 2013 series discounted prices on a selected range of products from Custom Decals.

The Ipswich Kart Club in Queensland will host the opening round of the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE this weekend.

A total of 160 entries have been received for the series opener with 27 drivers in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) ranks, 18 in Pro Light (KF) and 22 in Pro Junior (KFJ)

In addition to the Pro categories a huge field of drivers will line up in the Dunlop TaG 125 Light and Heavy categories where they will be battling for the inaugural Queensland State Championship for the class.

There will also be some great racing to be seen from the drivers in the TaG 125 Restricted category and some of the youngest drivers in the sport of karting in the Rookies category.

The Ipswich Kart Club is located on Champions Way, Willowbank.

Admission for spectators is free.

To view the event program please click here (Link: http://bit.ly/X1hQSe)

To view the full entry list please click here.

The final timetable for this weekend’s event can be found by clicking here

About the CIK Stars of Karting Series
The CIK Stars of Karting Series is the elite level of karting competition in Australia.

The CIK (Commission Internationale de Karting) is the specialised Karting commission of the FIA, the governing body of world motor sport.

Competitors in the series use identical equipment to that used in the European and World Championships.

There are three Pro Categories in the CIK Stars of Karting Series – Pro Light (KF), Pro Gearbox (KZ2) and Pro Junior (KFJ).  Drivers in the Pro Light category use a 125cc IAME KF specification engine. The Pro Gearbox drivers take to the track powered by a six-speed 125cc gearbox machine while the Pro Junior drivers use a 125cc Vortex KFJ specification engine.  They will reach speeds in excess of 125 km/h while racing centimetres apart.

Competitors in each of the three Pro categories are vying for a perpetual trophy named in honour of three Australian Karting greats – John Pizarro (Pro Gearbox), James Courtney (Pro Light) and Jon Targett (Pro Junior).

Former champions of the Series include the likes of four-time V8 Supercar Champion Jamie Whincup and his fellow V8 stars Mark Winterbottom, Tim Slade and Michael Caruso.

In addition to the three Pro categories there will also be four other categories where drivers from as young as nine will be competing at each round.

The unique Stars of Karting Round trophies that will be first seen this weekend in Ipswich

Competitors in the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE will receive some unique and prestigious rewards for round victories during 2013.

These prestigious rewards are on top of the $40,000 in prizes already up for grabs by competitors in the series, which includes a $10,000 grant to the champions in each of the Pro categories to assist with them in contesting an international CIK KF or KZ event and other bonuses for competitors.

During the off-season, Series Co-ordinator Lee Hanatschek has worked with the team at Metropolitan Trophies to develop a unique hand-made trophy for each round.

“As a series, we’re always looking to present the sport of karting in the best possible manner while providing competitors with memorable experiences and rewards, the new unique round trophies are another example of this,” said Hanatschek.

“When we re-introduced the series in 2010 the ‘Series Stars’ were presented to the Top Three finishers in the Pro classes. These have become some of the most sought after trophies in Australian karting and the new round trophies, made by the team at Metropolitan Trophies are an extension of this pathway.

“My brief to Ingrid (Weber of Metropolitan Trophies) was simple, we wanted something unique and stylish while maintaining an element of a star that signifies the series. What she’s come up with is something pretty cool.”

Ingrid Weber, Managing Director of Metropolitan Trophies, is delighted with the end product that will be first seen during this weekend’s opening round of the series in Ipswich, Queensland.

“We developed the Champion Star in conjunction with one of our other suppliers a few years back, it was probably one of our most unique trophies that we’d done and we’re very proud of them,” said Weber.

“This year we have become more actively involved with the Australian Karting Association which provided us with the opportunity to work with the Stars of Karting Series. Lee’s words to me were ‘we want something that looks good but is also unique to the series’ and after coming up with a number of different options, we have fine tuned the round trophies to be something pretty cool.”

In addition to the unique trophies, for both the Pro and support classes, the round winner in each of the Pro classes will also receive a unique round winners’ embroided badge that they will be able to wear on their racing suit with pride.

The round winner in each of the Pro classes will also receive a unique round winners’ embroided badge

“A round win is something that our drivers should be proud of and want to let people know about. They’re not easy to get – just ask anyone who’s won one in the past,” said Hanatschek.

“Highlighting this is the fact that of the 67 Pro drivers who will be competing in this weekend’s opening round, only seven of them have stood on top of the podium at the end of a round.”

The Ipswich Kart Club in Queensland will host the opening round of the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE this weekend.

A total of 159 entries have been received for the series opener with 27 drivers in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) ranks, 18 in Pro Light (KF) and 22 in Pro Junior (KFJ)

In addition to the Pro categories a huge field of drivers will line up in the Dunlop TaG 125 Light and Heavy categories where they will be battling for the inaugural Queensland State Championship for the class.

There will also be some great racing to be seen from the drivers in the TaG 125 Restricted category and some of the youngest drivers in the sport of karting in the Rookies category.

The Ipswich Kart Club is located on Champions Way, Willowbank.

Admission for spectators is free.

About the CIK Stars of Karting Series
The CIK Stars of Karting Series is the elite level of karting competition in Australia.

The CIK (Commission Internationale de Karting) is the specialised Karting commission of the FIA, the governing body of world motor sport.

Competitors in the series use identical equipment to that used in the European and World Championships.

There are three Pro Categories in the CIK Stars of Karting Series – Pro Light (KF), Pro Gearbox (KZ2) and Pro Junior (KFJ). Drivers in the Pro Light category use a 125cc IAME KF specification engine. The Pro Gearbox drivers take to the track powered by a six-speed 125cc gearbox machine while the Pro Junior drivers use a 125cc Vortex KFJ specification engine. They will reach speeds in excess of 125 km/h while racing centimetres apart.

Competitors in each of the three Pro categories are vying for a perpetual trophy named in honour of three Australian Karting greats – John Pizarro (Pro Gearbox), James Courtney (Pro Light) and Jon Targett (Pro Junior).

Former champions of the Series include the likes of four-time V8 Supercar Champion Jamie Whincup and his fellow V8 stars Mark Winterbottom, Tim Slade and Michael Caruso.

In addition to the three Pro categories there will also be four other categories where drivers from as young as nine will be competing at each round.

A total of 159 entries have been received for the event, including 67 drivers across the three pro categories.

The break-up of the entries is as follows:
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – 27
Pro Light (KF) – 18
Pro Junior (KFJ) – 22
TaG 125 Light – 32
TaG 125 Heavy – 23
TaG Restricted – 20 (11 Light & 9 Heavy)
Rookies – 17

To view the full entry list please click here.

Practice will be contested for the Pro categories and the TaG 125 classes on Friday February 22 with qualifying and heat races for all categories from 9am on Saturday February 23. The Finals will begin at 9am on Sunday February 24.

The Ipswich Kart Club is located on Champions Way, Willowbank.

Admission for spectators is free.

2011 World Cup Champion Joey Hanssen will make his debut in the CIK Stars of Karting Series in Ipswich next weekend

2011 World Cup Champion Joey Hanssen will lead the charge to Ipswich, Queensland for Round One of the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE next weekend (February 23/24).

The Dutchman, who is currently residing in Perth while working for the Lenzo Kart Australia team, will this year become the first European professional driver to compete in the entire schedule of Australia’s elite karting championship.

“The competition in Australia is very tough. I raced in a state level series here in Western Australia last weekend and it was not easy,” said Hanssen who will compete in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) category.

“Since I raced here in November it seems as though everyone has stepped it up in terms of the equipment – it’s pretty much all on par with the latest we’ve been running in Europe now.

“The only thing about the tracks that we go to in the CIK Series that I know is what sprocket we should have on, from the guys in the team who have been there before, and I’ve looked at some maps and videos but that’s about it.”

While understanding the expectation of him to perform, Hanssen says that he has got the utmost of respect for the high level of competition here in Australia.

“There’s a lot of talent here in Australia, it’s just the experience of racing at the top level that the Europeans are better at than them. In saying that though, the same principles apply, wherever you are racing,” said Hanssen.

“Everybody here thinks that the tracks have no grip, but in Europe we have the same problem when the tracks get hot and slippery, for sure the tracks here are a little bit smaller but that is just a little thing to get used to.”

Gold Coaster Chris Hays leading the field during the 2012 CIK Stars of Karting Series (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Gold Coaster Chris Hays is the reigning champion in the Pro Gearbox ranks and he believes the inclusion of Hanssen adds a new challenge to the already highly competitive championship.

“Next weekend is going to be a great start, along with Joey there’s also a few new guys from the other Pro categories coming into the category so it’s going to be very tough,” said Hays.

“The competition was very intense last year but I think it has stepped up a gear in 2013. Having him in there won’t change the amount of pressure on me as the reigning champion, everyone knows he’s a great driver and I think we can all learn from having him as a part of the series. He’s very used to the hard racing and definitely going to be a tough competitor.

“Ipswich is probably one of my favourite tracks but it never seems to go my way there. Having the series start at my home track should be an advantage, hopefully there will also be a heap of people who come out and see the racing.”

Along with the Pro Gearbox category, the competition will also be extremely tough in the Pro Light (KF) and Pro Junior (KFJ) categories.

With the category’s previous three champions setting their sights on other challenges in motorsport throughout 2013, the door is wide open for a new ‘King of KF’ and Toowoomba’s Brooke Topp is one driver expected to figure prominently.

Brooke Topp in action during the corresponding round at Ipswich last year (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

The Harrington Doyle Racing driver was last year crowned the 2012 KARTX Rookie of the Year and is aiming to secure his maiden podium finish in his home event next weekend.

“I’m really looking forward to the first round and hoping to capitalise on the home track advantage to start the season off well,” said Topp.

“During my first year in the series last year I learnt a lot about the set-up of the kart for the longer races, how to look after the tyre wear and a lot about the tracks that are in the series which should put me in a good position for the year ahead.

“Unlike last year where there are a few guys who stood out among the rest, this year is very open. When looking at the entry list there’s not any real stand out performers and it’s really going to be anyone’s game.”

Such is the openness of the Pro Light field, only one driver – Kosmic Racing Australia’s Matthew Waters – has finished on the podium in the Pro Light category previously.

As has come to be expected in the Pro Junior (KFJ) ranks, another new year opens the door for another new star with a number of drivers looking to make their mark on the category.

New South Wales driver Joseph Burton-Harris is the most experienced of the 20-driver field and should start as the favourite for next weekend’s opening round.

Cornubia teenager Callum Walker will fly the flag for the local drivers next weekend (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Western Australian Kurt Kostecki claimed his career best result at the corresponding round in 2012, armed with the experience of a pair of overseas events late last year, he should also figure prominently this weekend at Ipswich. After last year competing in the CIK-FIA Academy Trophy, James Abela will also be one to watch throughout the year aboard his new PCR machine.

Local hopes will rest with Cornubia teenager Callum Walker and Salisbury’s Thomas Steele. Walker is entering his second year of competition in Australia’s elite junior category while Steele will be making his series debut.

Such is the freshness of the drivers in the Pro Junior category, 14 of the 20 drivers will be making their debut in Australia’s elite junior category next weekend. So the racing should be action-packed all throughout the field.

In addition to the Pro categories a huge field of drivers will line up in the TaG 125 Light and Heavy categories where they will be battling for the inaugural Queensland State Championship for the class.

There will also be some great racing to be seen from the drivers in the TaG 125 Restricted category and also some of the youngest drivers in the sport of karting in the Rookies category.

A total of 152 entries have been received for the event, the largest in the series’ history.

Practice will be contested for the Pro categories and the TaG 125 classes on Friday February 22 with qualifying and heat races for all categories from 9am on Saturday February 23. The Finals will begin at 9am on Sunday February 24.

The Ipswich Kart Club is located on Champions Way, Willowbank.

Admission for spectators is free.

About the CIK Stars of Karting Series
The CIK Stars of Karting Series is the elite level of karting competition in Australia.

The CIK (Commission Internationale de Karting) is the specialised Karting commission of the FIA, the governing body of world motor sport.

Competitors in the series use identical equipment to that used in the European and World Championships.

There are three Pro Categories in the CIK Stars of Karting Series – Pro Light (KF), Pro Gearbox (KZ2) and Pro Junior (KFJ). Drivers in the Pro Light category use a 125cc IAME KF specification engine. The Pro Gearbox drivers take to the track powered by a six-speed 125cc gearbox machine while the Pro Junior drivers use a 125cc Vortex KFJ specification engine. They will reach speeds in excess of 125 km/h while racing centimetres apart.

Competitors in each of the three Pro categories are vying for a Perpetual trophy named in honour of three Australian Karting greats – John Pizarro (Pro Gearbox), James Courtney (Pro Light) and Jon Targett (Pro Junior).

Former champions of the Series include the likes of four-time V8 Supercar Champion Jamie Whincup and his fellow V8 stars Mark Winterbottom, Tim Slade and Michael Caruso.

In addition to the three Pro categories there will also be four other categories where drivers from as young as nine will be competing at each round.

The Pro Gearbox (KZ2), Pro Light (KF) and Pro Junior (KF) categories will form a five-round championship while the TaG Light and Heavy will be a stand alone state championship for the opening four rounds, and the fifth round will be a ‘Shootout’. The Rookies and TaG Restricted categories will also be stand-alone events at each round rather than a series pointscore.

The Supplementary Regulations for the opening round of the series to be held at Ipswich on February 23/24 ware now available on www.starsofkarting.com.au and entries are open through the CM:S system.

TBA signifies a number change is required to the one registered by the competitor. Please email lee@starsofkarting.com.au with your preference of number at your earliest convenience.

Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – 50 registrations
1 Chris Hays
2 Hayden Patrizi
3 Daniel Currey
4 Jason Faint
5 Greg Olson
6 Troy Bretherton
7 Matthew Hunt
8 Anthony Martin
9 Troy Woolston
10 Leigh Nicolaou
11 Leigh Cocker
12 Cian Fothergill
13 Martin Villari
14 Jake Coleman
15 Matthew Wall
16 Kristopher Trotter
17 Mathew Erdmann
18 Ben Walter
19 Blake Mills
20 Jordan Ford
21 Simon Gwilliam
22 Christopher Pratt
29 Kyle Ensbey
31 Jamie Rush
35 Jason Pringle
36 Daniel Rochford
40 Joey Hanssen
41 Daniel Holihan
42 Johnny Grother
47 Sam Houston
58 Aaron Ivermee
59 Scott Taylor
69 Josh Pontello
71 Mark Domaschenz
72 Daimon Goode
75 Kel Treseder
76 Lewis Sutherland
78 Brad Wyatt
85 Josh Mulholland
90 Lee Mitchener
92 Ricky Capo
95 Jake Klarich
99 Cameron Hill
TBA Robert Munnerley
TBA Andy Peever
TBA Stelios Triantafillidis
TBA Chris Farkas
TBA David Brewer
TBA Max Johnston

Pro Light (KF) – 25 registrations
1 Adam Hughes
3 Georgie Geranis
4 Mitchell Gee
5 Brooke Topp
6 Jarryd Ebzery
7 Joshua Smith
8 Willam Foyle
10 Ben Edwards
12 Leo Lobianco
13 Matthew Waters
15 Brock Plumb
16 Shay Mayes
17 Troy Loeskow
18 Lachlan Gibbons
24 Iain McDougall
25 John Martin
28 Jeremy Landt
30 Jedd Stojakovic
32 Ethan Sutherland
34 Jordan Nicolaou
41 Daniel Holihan
66 Dimitri Agathos
76 Brittany Hall
88 Luke Gabin
98 Adam Willison

Pro Junior (KFJ) – 32 registrations
2 Andrew Kahl
3 Callum Walker
4 Damon Strongman
5 James Abela
6 Jake Klein
7 Matthew Foyle
8 Thomas Steele
9 Patrick Martin
10 Roland Legge
12 Drew Ridge
14 Michael Fabri
19 Joshua Denton
26 Harry Hayek
31 Jayden Ojeda
32 Joseph Burton-Harris
34 Alex Barboutis
41 Jordi Marcon
45 Torey Blanch
55 Kurt Kostecki
56 Thomas Chitty
62 Alex Rullo
70 Joshua Fife
76 Christopher Sandrone
79 Jordan Love
88 Jacob Bright
92 Joshua Rogers
93 Zane Goddard
94 Will Hawkes
96 Jake Kostecki
98 Lachlan Saccardo
TBA Nick Mitic
TBA Liam McLellan

TaG Light – 83 registrations
2 Sean Butcher
3 Chris Farkas
4 Reece Davidson
5 James Wilkins
6 Michael Ambelas
7 Louis Ambelas
8 Blake Worboys
9 Rory Symonds
10 Troy Morrissey
11 Pierce Lehane
12 Scott Sorensen
13 Mitchell Gee
14 Jack Richardson
15 Brock Plumb
16 Mathew Nipperess
18 Andrew Worner
19 Thomas Pomroy
20 Dimitri Kozlinski
21 Matthew McLean
22 Aaron Rabjones
23 Kieran Morling
24 Iain McDougall
27 Daniel Wallis
28 Gordon Wilson
29 Holly Patrizi
30 Graham Prajbisz
33 Andrew Gatland
34 Jonathon Mangos
36 Scott Rogers
37 Ryan Kennedy
39 Jake Spencer
41 Adam Mercer
42 Dalton Ellery
43 Benjamin Harm
44 Thomas Mayer
47 Patrick Carter
48 Ben Stewart
51 Harrison Knight
52 Isabella Thomas
55 Cooper Middleton
57 Bradley Smith
58 Stelios Triantafillidis
59 Royce Sutherland
61 Luke Baldry
62 Bryce Davidson
63 Jarrod Spencer-Harper
64 Kyle Sandona
66 Jack Ross
67 Clem O’Mara
68 Mitch Hewitt
69 Josh Pontello
72 Adam Briggs
75 Mitchell Kennedy
77 Jason Dorn
78 Alex Baker
79 Courtney Gough
81 Alex Griffiths
82 Daniel Paronetto
83 Scott Willoughby
85 Geo Caon
86 Rocco Ventra
87 Jackson Evans
88 Josh Dorn
89 James Macken
90 Luke Flynn
91 Jaxon Evans
95 Brody Chardon
96 Lydon Dodge
97 Matthew Smith
98 Nathan Coombs
99 Aaron Wilamowski
TBA Tom Quinlan
TBA Luke James Baldry
TBA Nicklaus Lichtenberger
TBA Scott Kissock
TBA Daniel Holihan
TBA Brett Fortanier
TBA Sharon Jaenke
TBA Harrison Knight
TBA Matthew Villari
TBA Joshua Crossingham
TBA Ryan Blakis

TaG Heavy – 62 registrations
2 Brendan Nelson
3 Scott Howard
4 Philip Smith
4 Michael Griffiths
5 Dominic Albanese
6 Sam Taylor
7 Michael Doherty
9 Lindsay Bunt
13 Shane Wiseman
14 Wayne Bower
15 Anthony Myers
16 Aron Lawrence
17 Luke May
18 clinton marcon
19 Hamish Leighton
20 Pete Virgulti
21 Klinton Hancey
22 David Endres
23 Daniel Creed
24 Travis Martin
25 Chris Wood
26 David Rinaldi
27 Matt Boylan
31 Dale Corbett
31 Kristian Harris
32 Peter Mitchell
33 Michael Smith
33 Scott Goldman
34 Brandon Stillwell
35 Gaven Whitmore
42 Mason Barbera
43 Liam Ferry
45 Mitchell Blanch
46 Pieter Faulkner
48 Matt Parker
54 Marty Ritchie
55 Mark Dickson
56 Giuliano Grieco
58 Brad Dawson
63 Kerry Avramidis
64 Andrew Mcleod
65 Robert Chamberlain
66 Kris Matich
68 Kris Walton
69 William Yarwood
70 Mark Newman
72 Andrew Gibson
74 Matthew Endres
75 Grant Gatland
76 Patrick Mather
77 Thomas Petrovich
79 Simon Layne
82 Jeremy Murphy
90 Ashley Lester
91 Andrew Jericho
93 Nathan Burgess
95 Shawn McNamara
96 Josh Pontello
97 Christopher Aoun
TBA Paul Pittam
TBA James Reynolds
TBA Rick Pringle
TBA andrew mcleod
TBA Nathan Harris
TBA Andrew Farlow
TBA Matthew Fritz
TBA Mikhali Triantafillidis
TBA Tim Barnes
TBA Simon Buch
TBA Jason Hryniuk

Rookies – 33 registrations
2 Declan Fraser
3 Zac Raddatz
4 Jace Matthews
5 Raith Sheerans
5 Ryan Suhle
6 Jayden Gollan
11 Luca Krkovski
12 Jordan Caruso
14 Max Adams
16 Kyle Bonser
16 Cooper Murray
18 Zak Hudson
18 Cody Brewczynski
21 Joel Jamieson
24 Sam Battye
28 Samuel Poulsen
30 Lewis Hodgson
46 Elijah DCruz
47 Jarrod Costello
53 Hayden Jericho
57 Brodie Whitmore
59 Lucas Lichtenberger
78 Aaron Love
81 Oscar Piastri
88 Cooper Hay
96 Keb Evans
97 Harrison Hoey
99 daniel murrell
TBA Jacob Dowson
TBA Nikki Watson
TBA Jack Winter
TBA Samuel Poulsen

TaG Restricted – 38 registrations
3 Andy Peever
5 Craig Holmwood
14 WAYNE BOWER
16 Andrew Freeman
17 Mick Osmond
17 Rishi Sabesan
18 Ryan McKnight
19 Kurt Williams
20 Darren Embrey
20 Darren Embrey
21 Mitch Bayliss
24 Tom Hall
26 Wes Sonter
26 wes sonter
34 Nigel Ward
36 Daniel Bowden
41 Shaun Field
43 Andrew Walter
45 Neil Ritchie
46 Jeromy Sonter
48 Troy Byles
49 Brad Fleetwood
51 Chris Coombe
54 Michael Smith-Crossing
55 Simon Kendrick
62 Phil Curran
77 Milos Pavlovic
78 Jamie Robertson
80 Greg Smith
83 Donnelle Waldon
85 Geo Caon
89 Ashley Richards
96 Daniel Boorman
99 Anastasios Antos
TBA Rachael Dodd
TBA Kyle Henry-Smith
TBA Stephane Majman
TBA James Bower

Spencer will join the team as a mechanic to help bolster an already impressive line up of experience for the drivers to call upon during the five-round series.

Spencer will be working closely with team Manager Peter Galvin. Both Galvin and Spencer have had experience with working in conjunction the Factory team at major international events during 2012. Spencer drove for the Factory team in Japan at the CIK FIA KF2 Asia Pacific Championships, while Galvin has spent time both in Japan with Cian Fothergill and then in Macau at the CIK-FIA World Karting Championships where he led the Kosmic Racing Australia outfit.

“Its great to have Jake join the team in this capacity, he will be working with the Foyle’s mainly but he also will bring his driving experience to the team that he can pass on to all of our drivers” said Galvin.

Along with Spencer the team has enlisted the expertise of Adam Macrow from AMR Kartsport as engine tuner for the team.

“Adam will be tuning our engines this year and also he brings more than just his knowledge of engines. Adam is also a very good driver in his own right and his chassis set up is very good,” added Galvin.

“The team has worked very hard in the off season to build an impressive line up both on the track and off it. We have also worked on building a young team and that is why it is important to have the support off the track for our drivers.”

The CIK Stars of Karting Series begins in Ipswich on February 23/24.

Matthews Waters will once again return to the Pro Light (KF) ranks (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Kosmic Racing Australia is excited about the year ahead with confirmation of its driver line up for the CIK Stars of Karting Series and other major events.

In the CIK Stars of Karting Series, the team will have seven drivers contesting the Pro categories and several others in the supporting TaG and TaG Restricted categories.

Youngsters Tom Chitty and Matthew Foyle will fly the flag for the team in the Pro Junior (KFJ) category while Matthew Waters, Dimitri Agathos, Lachlan Gibbons, Joshua Smith and Billy Foyle will line-up in the Pro Light (KF) category.

Chitty, 13, is returning for his second year in Australia’s elite junior category after competing in three rounds last year. After training hard in the off season, both on and off the track, Chitty has got his sights set high in 2013.

Cairns’ Foyle brothers, Matthew and Billy, will make their debut in the championship with the team at the opening round in Ipswich on February 23/34 in the Pro Junior and Pro Light categories respectively. Both drivers are keen to impress during their ‘Rookie’ year and keen to learn throughout the year.

Waters, the most experienced driver in the team, will once again return to the Pro Light (KF) ranks. After competing at the 2012 KF1 World Championships in Macau last October, Waters comes into 2013 with big expectations of success in the category.

Three youngsters who have made the transition from the junior ranks – Agathos, Gibbons and Smith, will join the 23 year-old Sydneysider on the Pro Light grid. Smith gained valuable experience late last year by competing in the CIK-FIA Asia Pacific KF3 Championships, where he finished a creditable seventh. He hopes to benefit from this experience throughout the year while making the step into the senior ranks.

Matthew Boylan will also continue to fly the flag for the Kosmic Racing Australia team in the TaG Heavy class at each round of the series. He will compete aboard his Kosmic Mercury X30 and plans on making a big impact after his second placing finish in the Leopard Series last year.

The team also has plans to link with the Kosmic Racing Department for the European Championships later in the year.

In other news the team also welcomes Adam Macrow’s AMR Kartsport operation to the team as engine tuner for the year ahead.

Gerald Chait will also join the team in the TaG Restricted category aboard the very popular Kosmic TS30/X30 package. Youngster Kasey Szymcow will also make is debut under the Kosmic Racing Australia umbrella aboard the Kosmic Rocky 900 in the coming weeks.

The team’s first race meeting will be the very popular Brian Farley Memorial at Eastern Creek next weekend (February 2/3).

Mitchell Gee will make it three Harrington Doyle Racing Pro Light (KF) drivers on the grid in 2013

Rising Queensland karting and motorsport star, Mitchell Gee has announced today that he will re-join with Harrington Doyle Racing (HDR) to compete in the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE.

Gee, who raced with the Yatala based HDR team as a junior karter from 2008 to 2010, now re-joins his former team for an energetic and determined assault in the elite Pro Light (KF) category across the five-round championship.

Having enjoyed success through victory in the Yamaha Challenge with the HDR team during 2010, the 15 year-old is looking to broaden racing experience throughout 2013 in familiar colours.

“I like the way the series runs and it’s attracted an enormous number of registrations this year. Everyone is signing up to race, so the fields will be really competitive and it will be tough”, said Gee.

“Being able to fly-in/fly-out with the HDR Team’s logistics support, means that I can do this extra racing relatively easily without needing to take too much time off school.”

Speaking about his Team’s new recruit, HDR Team Manager, Craig Doyle said, “We’re pleased to welcome Mitchell and his family back in to our team all of our past drivers remain as family to us and we’re delighted to be able to have him re-join the team at our highest level.”

“We had been actively looking for a third Pro Light driver for our team for a while and when the Gee’s caught up with us at the recent Ipswich Karting Enduro, things just all logically came together. We were talking and reminiscing about old times, Mitch was putting in another stellar driving stint with Chris Hays in the enduro; and I think we all just came to the same conclusion at the same time, that Mitchell was a great candidate for a rookie year in the Pro Light class and we should do something together.”

Gee will join an already strong Pro Light team in Toowoomba’s Brooke Topp (sixth outright and 2012 Rookie of the Year) and Mackay’s Jarryd Ebzery (sixth outright in 2012). Both Topp and Ebzery have spent the past four months training and practicing for the challenging 5 round national series ahead. The longer race formats and intense three-day competition program of the series (Friday practice, Saturday and Sunday racing) means that the drivers need to be at peak fitness levels to remain competitive.

The 2013 Pro Light field has already attracted 24 registrations from around the country. Couple this with the other 280 competitor’s registered to compete in the other six series racing classes and each of the rounds will be a mass of colour and action not to be missed. Race Teams, Series Organisers and host venues have taken great pride in presenting themselves, the events and the series professionally; and spectators can expect plenty of off track activities and good facilities for their free admission to the venues.

2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series Schedule
Round 1 – February 23/24, Ipswich, QLD
Round 2 – April 27/28, Bolivar, SA
Round 3 – June 15/16, Geelong, VIC
Round 4 – July 27/28, Eastern Creek, NSW
Round 5 – September 21/22, Port Melbourne, VIC

Mitchell Gee during pre-season testing at the Ipswich Kart Club in Queensland yesterday

There has been more than 100 drivers register their interest in the Pro categories (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Registrations for the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE continue to roll in with more than 300 drivers expressing their interest, including 103 drivers in the Pro categories.

The Pro Gearbox (KZ2), Pro Light (KF) and Pro Junior (KF) categories will form a five-round championship while the TaG Light and Heavy will be a stand alone state championship for the opening four rounds, and the fifth round will be a ‘Shootout’. The Rookies and TaG Restricted categories will also be stand-alone events at each round rather than a series pointscore.

The Supplementary Regulations for the opening round of the series to be held at Ipswich on February 23/24 ware now available and entries are open through the CM:S system.

TBA signifies a number change is required to the one registered by the competitor. Please email lee@starsofkarting.com.au with your preference of number at your earliest convenience.

Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – 48 registrations
1 Chris Hays
2 Hayden Patrizi
3 Daniel Currey
4 Jason Faint
5 Greg Olson
6 Troy Bretherton
7 Matthew Hunt
8 Anthony Martin
9 Troy Woolston
10 Leigh Nicolaou
11 Leigh Cocker
12 Cian Fothergill
13 Martin Villari
14 Jake Coleman
15 Matthew Wall
16 Kristopher Trotter
17 Mathew Erdmann
18 Ben Walter
19 Blake Mills
20 Jordan Ford
21 Simon Gwilliam
22 Christopher Pratt
29 Kyle Ensbey
31 Jamie Rush
35 Jason Pringle
36 Daniel Rochford
40 Joey Hanssen
41 Daniel Holihan
42 Johnny Grother
47 Sam Houston
53 Hayden Jericho
58 Aaron Ivermee
59 Scott Taylor
69 Josh Pontello
75 Kel Treseder
76 Lewis Sutherland
78 Brad Wyatt
85 Josh Mulholland
90 Lee Mitchener
92 Ricky Capo
95 Jake Klarich
TBA Andy Peever
TBA Cameron Hill
TBA Chris Farkas
TBA David Brewer
TBA Mark Domaschenz
TBA Stelios Triantafillidis
TBA Max Johnston

Pro Light (KF) – 24 registrations
1 Adam Hughes
3 Georgie Geranis
4 Mitchell Gee
5 Brooke Topp
6 Jarryd Ebzery
7 Joshua Smith
8 Willam Foyle
12 Leo Lobianco
13 Matthew Waters
15 Brock Plumb
16 Shay Mayes
17 Troy Loeskow
18 Lachlan Gibbons
24 Iain McDougall
25 John Martin
28 Jeremy Landt
30 Jedd Stojakovic
32 Ethan Sutherland
34 Jordan Nicolaou
41 Daniel Holihan
66 Dimitri Agathos
76 Brittany Hall
88 Luke Gabin
98 Adam Willison

Pro Junior (KFJ) – 31 registrations
2 Andrew Kahl
3 Callum Walker
4 Damon Strongman
5 James Abela
6 Jake Klein
7 Matthew Foyle
8 Thomas Steele
9 Patrick Martin
10 Roland Legge
12 Drew Ridge
14 Michael Fabri
19 Joshua Denton
26 Harry Hayek
31 Jayden Ojeda
34 Alex Barboutis
41 Jordi Marcon
45 Torey Blanch
55 Kurt Kostecki
56 Thomas Chitty
62 Alex Rullo
70 Joshua Fife
76 Christopher Sandrone
79 Jordan Love
88 Jacob Bright
92 Joshua Rogers
93 Zane Goddard
94 Will Hawkes
96 Jake Kostecki
98 Lachlan Saccardo
TBA Liam McLellan
TBA Nick Mitic

TaG Light – 75 registrations
2 Sean Butcher
3 Chris Farkas
4 Reece Davidson
5 James Wilkins
6 Michael Ambelas
7 Louis Ambelas
8 Blake Worboys
9 Rory Symonds
10 Troy Morrissey
11 Pierce Lehane
12 Scott Sorensen
13 Mitchell Gee
14 Jack Richardson
15 Brock Plumb
16 Mathew Nipperess
18 Andrew Worner
19 Thomas Pomroy
20 Dimitri Kozlinski
22 Aaron Rabjones
23 Kieran Morling
24 Iain McDougall
27 Daniel Wallis
28 Gordon Wilson
29 Holly Patrizi
30 Graham Prajbisz
33 Andrew Gatland
34 Jonathon Mangos
36 Scott Rogers
37 Ryan Kennedy
39 Jake Spencer
41 Adam Mercer
43 Benjamin Harm
44 Thomas Mayer
47 Patrick Carter
48 Ben Stewart
52 Isabella Thomas
55 Cooper Middleton
57 Bradley Smith
58 Stelios Triantafillidis
59 Royce Sutherland
61 Luke Baldry
62 Bryce Davidson
63 Jarrod Spencer-Harper
64 Kyle Sandona
66 Jack Ross
67 Clem O’Mara
68 Mitch Hewitt
69 Josh Pontello
72 Adam Briggs
75 Mitchell Kennedy
77 Jason Dorn
78 Alex Baker
79 Courtney Gough
81 Alex Griffiths
82 Daniel Paronetto
83 Scott Willoughby
85 Geo Caon
86 Rocco Ventra
87 Jackson Evans
88 Josh Dorn
89 James Macken
90 Luke Flynn
91 Jaxon Evans
96 Lydon Dodge
98 Nathan Coombs
99 Aaron Wilamowski
TBA Sharon Jaenke
TBA Matthew Smith
TBA Nicklaus Lichtenberger
TBA Scott Kissock
TBA Tom Quinlan
TBA Luke Baldry
TBA Brett Fortanier
TBA Daniel Holihan
TBA Harrison Knight

TaG Heavy – 56 registrations
2 Brendan Nelson
3 Scott Howard
4 Michael Griffiths
5 Dominic Albanese
6 Sam Taylor
7 Michael Doherty
9 Lindsay Bunt
13 Shane Wiseman
14 Wayne Bower
15 Anthony Myers
16 Aron Lawrence
17 Luke May
18 clinton marcon
19 Hamish Leighton
20 Pete Virgulti
21 Klinton Hancey
22 David Endres
23 Daniel Creed
24 Travis Martin
25 Chris Wood
26 David Rinaldi
27 Matt Boylan
31 Kristian Harris
32 Peter Mitchell
33 Scott Goldman
34 Brandon Stillwell
35 Gaven Whitmore
42 Mason Barbera
43 Liam Ferry
45 mitchell blanch
48 Matt Parker
54 Marty Ritchie
56 Giuliano Grieco
58 Brad Dawson
64 Andrew McLeod
65 Robert Chamberlain
66 Kris Matich
68 Kris Walton
69 William Yarwood
70 Mark Newman
72 Andrew Gibson
74 Matthew Endres
75 Grant Gatland
76 Patrick Mather
77 Thomas Petrovich
79 Simon Layne
82 Jeremy Murphy
90 Ashley Lester
91 Andrew Jericho
93 Nathan Burgess
95 Shawn McNamara
96 Josh Pontello
97 Christopher Aoun
TBA Philip Smith
TBA James Reynolds
TBA Kerry Avramidis
TBA Andrew Farlow
TBA Matthew Fritz
TBA Nathan Harris
TBA Mikhali Triantafillidis
TBA Rick Pringle
TBA Tim Barnes
TBA Paul Pittam

Rookies – 30 registrations
2 Declan Fraser
3 Zac Raddatz
4 Jace Matthews
5 Raith Sheerans
5 Ryan Suhle
6 Jayden Gollan
11 Luca Krkovski
12 Jordan Caruso
TBA nikki watson
14 Max Adams
16 Cooper Murray
16 Kyle Bonser
18 Cody Brewczynski
18 Zak Hudson
21 Joel Jamieson
24 Sam Battye
28 Samuel Poulsen
30 Lewis Hodgson
47 Jarrod Costello
53 Hayden Jericho
57 Brodie Whitmore
59 Lucas Lichtenberger
78 Aaron Love
81 Oscar Piastri
88 Cooper Hay
97 Harrison Hoey
99 daniel murrell
99 Daniel Murrell
TBA Jack Winter
TBA Samuel Poulsen

TaG Restricted – 38 registrations
3 Andy Peever
5 Craig Holmwood
14 WAYNE BOWER
16 Andrew Freeman
17 Mick Osmond
17 Rishi Sabesan
18 Ryan McKnight
19 Kurt Williams
20 Darren Embrey
20 Darren Embrey
21 Mitch Bayliss
24 Tom Hall
26 Wes Sonter
26 wes sonter
34 Nigel Ward
36 Daniel Bowden
41 Shaun Field
43 Andrew Walter
45 Neil Ritchie
46 Jeromy Sonter
48 Troy Byles
49 Brad Fleetwood
51 Chris Coombe
54 Michael Smith-Crossing
55 Simon Kendrick
62 Phil Curran
77 Milos Pavlovic
78 Jamie Robertson
80 Greg Smith
83 Donnelle Waldon
85 Geo Caon
89 Ashley Richards
96 Daniel Boorman
99 Anastasios Antos
TBA Rachael Dodd
TBA Kyle Henry-Smith
TBA Stephane Majman
TBA James Bower

To view the Series Regulations please click here.

To view the Supplementary Regulations specific to Round One in Ipswich on February 23/24 please click here.

As has been the case over the last couple of years, drivers in the CIK categories have the opportunity to receive a discount on their entry fees by paying for the entire series at the opening round.

Entries are NOW OPEN, the only way of entering is via the Australian Karting Association’s CM:S system.

A reminder that Tag Light and Heavy entries will be limited to 100% of track capacity and Restricted 125 Light and Heavy will be combined on the track and limited to 50% of track capacity in each class. Remaining entries will go onto a reserve list. They will run on the track at the same time and will start where they qualify for each race be it based on times, results or points. Rookies will be limited to 100% of track capacity.

Don’t delay, get your entry in today to secure you place on the grid.

Kel Treseder will make the move to an Energy Kart in 2013 (Pic: NewsMail)

Energy Corse Australia has today announced a huge line-up for the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE.

It is anticipated that there will be no less than ten karts from the Italian marque on the grid across the three Pro categories, including some high profile recruits.

Since re-launching the brand into Australia less than 12 months ago, Team Principal Adam Graham is delighted to have a significant number of karters on the grid in his product for 2013.

“I’m very excited about the year ahead and really looking forward to taking the challenge to the bigger teams,” said Energy Corse Australia boss Adam Graham.

“Given the fact that we only re-launched the brand into Australia less than 12 months ago and last year we headed to round one with just one kart on the entry list, to now look like we’ll have at least ten on the grid for round one in 2013 is very pleasing.”

After winning the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) Championship in 2012, Chris Hays will once again lead the way for the brand. However, Hays will have a number of counterparts on the grid in the same chassis.

One of the biggest recruits for the Energy brand is two-time runner-up in the championship Kel Treseder. The Queenslander will campaign an Energy chassis for 2013 under the Kel’s Karts and Parts banner with long-time supporter Ray Fulcher heading the team. The team will be boosted by the fact that one of the world’s leading mechanics Jon Targett will be spinning the spanners for Treseder.

“After only running a limited schedule during 2012, I’m more excited than ever before to be getting back behind the wheel in a big way during 2013,” said Treseder.

“I’ve known Adam Graham (Energy Corse Australia boss) for many years and he understands what it’s like to race at this level. In saying that, I’d also to thank the team at CRG Australia for all of their support over the past three seasons and wish them all the best for the upcoming season.

“My long-time sponsor Kel’s Karts and Parts will remain as the integral part of my program and I will be running under their banner once again for 2013 with the Energy chassis. I’m also really excited about having someone to the calibre of JT in my corner for the 2013 series.

“This year is shaping to be the toughest championship to win for many years, the level of competition is set to be close to a world level with the likes of Joey Hanssen doing the full series and many Aussies competing internationally throughout the year.”

Other Pro Gearbox drivers set to re-unite with Energy Corse Australia in 2013 include Troy Bretherton, Jason Faint and John Grother.

In the Pro Light (KF) ranks Jarryd Ebzery will make the change for Kosmic to Energy while still campaigning under the Harrington Doyle Racing banner. Long-time Leopard Light competitor Adam Willison will make the step up into the Pro ranks while one of Australia’s International open-wheel and Sports car driver John Martin is expected to make a number of guest appearances.

There are also a couple of junior drivers set to line-up in the ‘red, white and blue’ who are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE will begin in Ipswich, Queensland on February 23/24.

More than 250 registrations have been received for the 2013 series (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Registrations for the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE continue to roll in with more than 250 drivers expressing their interest in this year’s championship.

The Pro Gearbox (KZ2), Pro Light (KF) and Pro Junior (KF) categories will form a five-round championship while the TaG Light and Heavy will be a stand alone state championship for the opening four rounds, and the fifth round will be a ‘Shootout’. The Rookies and TaG Restricted categories will also be stand-alone events at each round rather than a series pointscore.

Drivers wishing to register their interest for 2013, should click here to submit their registration.

The Supplementary Regulations for the opening round of the series to be held at Ipswich on February 23/24 will be available shortly.

TBA signifies a number change is required to the one registered by the competitor. Please email lee@starsofkarting.com.au with your preference of number at your earliest convenience.

More than 250 registrations have been received for the 2013 series (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Registrations for the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE continue to roll in with more than 250 drivers expressing their interest in this year’s championship.

The Pro Gearbox (KZ2), Pro Light (KF) and Pro Junior (KF) categories will form a five-round championship while the TaG Light and Heavy will be a stand alone state championship for the opening four rounds, and the fifth round will be a ‘Shootout’. The Rookies and TaG Restricted categories will also be stand-alone events at each round rather than a series pointscore.

Drivers wishing to register their interest for 2013, should click here to submit their registration.

The Supplementary Regulations for the opening round of the series to be held at Ipswich on February 23/24 will be available shortly.

TBA signifies a number change is required to the one registered by the competitor. Please email lee@starsofkarting.com.au with your preference of number at your earliest convenience.

Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – 47 registrations
1 Chris Hays
2 Hayden Patrizi
3 Daniel Currey
4 Jason Faint
5 Greg Olson
6 Troy Bretherton
7 Matthew Hunt
8 Anthony Martin
9 Troy Woolston
10 Leigh Nicolaou
11 Leigh Cocker
12 Cian Fothergill
13 Martin Villari
14 Jake Coleman
15 Matthew Wall
16 Kristopher Trotter
17 Mathew Erdmann
18 Ben Walter
19 Blake Mills
20 Jordan Ford
21 Simon Gwilliam
22 Christopher Pratt
29 Kyle Ensbey
31 Jamie Rush
35 Jason Pringle
36 Daniel Rochford
40 Joey Hanssen
41 Daniel Holihan
42 Johnny Grother
47 Sam Houston
53 Hayden Jericho
58 Aaron Ivermee
59 Scott Taylor
69 Josh Pontello
71 Mark Domaschenz
75 Kel Treseder
76 Lewis Sutherland
78 Brad Wyatt
85 Josh Mulholland
92 Ricky Capo
95 Jake Klarich
TBA Andy Peever
TBA Cameron Hill
TBA Chris Farkas
TBA David Brewer
TBA Stelios Triantafillidis
TBA Max Johnston

Pro Light (KF) – 23 registrations
1 Adam Hughes
3 Georgie Geranis
4 TBA
5 Brooke Topp
6 Jarryd Ebzery
7 Joshua Smith
8 Willam Foyle
13 Matthew Waters
15 Brock Plumb
17 Troy Loeskow
18 Lachlan Gibbons
24 Iain McDougall
25 John Martin
28 Jeremy Landt
30 Jedd Stojakovic
32 Ethan Sutherland
34 Jordan Nicolaou
41 Daniel Holihan
66 Dimitri Agathos
76 Brittany Hall
88 Luke Gabin
98 Adam Willison
TBA Leo Lobianco

Pro Junior (KFJ) – 27 registrations
2 Andrew Kahl
3 Callum Walker
4 Damon Strongman
5 James Abela
6 Jake Klein
7 Matthew Foyle
8 Thomas Steele
9 Patrick Martin
10 Roland Legge
12 Drew Ridge
19 Joshua Denton
26 Harry Hayek
31 Jayden Ojeda
34 Alex Barboutis
41 Jordi Marcon
45 Torey Blanch
56 Thomas Chitty
62 Alex Rullo
76 Christopher Sandrone
88 Jacob Bright
92 Joshua Rogers
93 Zane Goddard
95 Kurt Kostecki
96 Jake Kostecki
98 Lachlan Saccardo
TBA Liam McLellan
TBA Nick Mitic

TaG Light – 72 registrations
2 Sean Butcher
3 Chris Farkas
4 Reece Davidson
5 James Wilkins
6 Michael Ambelas
7 Louis Ambelas
8 Blake Worboys
9 Rory Symonds
10 Troy Morrissey
11 Pierce Lehane
12 Scott Sorensen
13 Mitchell Gee
14 Jack Richardson
15 Brock Plumb
16 Mathew Nipperess
18 Andrew Worner
19 Thomas Pomroy
20 Dimitri Kozlinski
22 Aaron Rabjones
23 Kieran Morling
24 Iain McDougall
27 Daniel Wallis
28 Gordon Wilson
29 Holly Patrizi
30 Graham Prajbisz
33 Andrew Gatland
34 Jonathon Mangos
36 Scott Rogers
37 Ryan Kennedy
39 Jake Spencer
40 Jim Gorman
41 Adam Mercer
43 Benjamin Harm
44 Thomas Mayer
47 Patrick Carter
48 Ben Stewart
52 Isabella Thomas
55 Cooper Middleton
57 Bradley Smith
58 Stelios Triantafillidis
59 Royce Sutherland
61 Luke Baldry
62 Bryce Davidson
63 Jarrod Spencer-Harper
64 Kyle Sandona
66 Jack Ross
67 Clem O'Mara
68 Mitch Hewitt
69 Josh Pontello
72 Adam Briggs
75 Mitchell Kennedy
77 Jason Dorn
78 Alex Baker
79 Courtney Gough
81 Alex Griffiths
82 Daniel Paronetto
83 Scott Willoughby
85 Geo Caon
86 Rocco Ventra
87 Jackson Evans
88 Josh Dorn
89 James Macken
96 Lydon Dodge
97 Matthew Smith
98 Nathan Coombs
99 Aaron Wilamowski
TBA Nicklaus Lichtenberger
TBA Scott Kissock
TBA Tom Quinlan
TBA Luke James Baldry
TBA Brett Fortanier
TBA Daniel Holihan
TBA Harrison Knight

TaG Heavy – 56 registrations
2 Brendan Nelson
3 Scott Howard
4 Michael Griffiths
5 Dominic Albanese
6 Sam Taylor
7 Michael Doherty
9 Lindsay Bunt
13 Shane Wiseman
14 Wayne Bower
15 Anthony Myers
16 Aron Lawrence
17 Luke May
18 clinton marcon
19 Hamish Leighton
20 Pete Virgulti
21 Klinton Hancey
22 David Endres
23 Daniel Creed
24 Travis Martin
25 Chris Wood
26 David Rinaldi
27 Matt Boylan
31 Kristian Harris
32 Peter Mitchell
33 Scott Goldman
34 Brandon Stillwell
35 Gaven Whitmore
42 Mason Barbera
45 Mitchell Blanch
48 Matt Parker
54 Marty Ritchie
56 Giuliano Grieco
58 Brad Dawson
63 Kerry Avramidis
64 Andrew Mcleod
66 Kris Matich
68 Kris Walton
69 William Yarwood
74 Matthew Endres
76 Patrick Mather
79 Simon Layne
82 Jeremy Murphy
90 Ashley Lester
91 Andrew Jericho
93 Nathan Burgess
95 Shawn McNamara
96 Josh Pontello
97 Christopher Aoun
TBA James Reynolds
TBA Andrew Farlow
TBA Matthew Fritz
TBA Nathan Harris
TBA Andrew Mcleod
TBA Mikhali Triantafillidis
TBA Rick Pringle
TBA Tim Barnes

Rookies – 20 registrations
2 Declan Fraser
3 Zac Raddatz
4 Jace Matthews
6 Jayden Gollan
11 Luca Krkovski
12 Jordan Caruso
14 Max Adams
16 Cooper Murray
18 Cody Brewczynski
24 Sam Battye
30 Lewis Hodgson
47 Jarrod Costello
55 Ryan Suhle
57 Brodie Whitmore
59 Lucas Lichtenberger
81 Oscar Piastri
88 Cooper Hay
97 Harrison Hoey
TBA Jack Winter
TBA Samuel Poulsen

TaG Restricted – 31 registrations
3 Andy Peever
5 Craig Holmwood
14 Wayne Bower
16 Andrew Freeman
17 Rishi Sabesan
18 Ryan McKnight
19 Kurt Williams
21 Mitch Bayliss
24 Tom Hall
27 Stephane Majman
34 Nigel Ward
36 Daniel Bowden
41 Shaun Field
43 Andrew Walter
45 Neil Ritchie
46 Jeromy Sonter
48 Troy Byles
49 Brad Fleetwood
51 Chris Coombe
54 Michael Smith-Crossing
55 Simon Kendrick
62 Phil Curran
78 Jamie Robertson
80 Greg N Smith
83 Donnelle Waldon
85 Geo Caon
89 Ashley Richards
99 Anastasios Antos
TBA Rachael Dodd
TBA Kyle Henry-Smith
TBA James Bower

All drivers, regardless if they have competed in the series previously or not, are required to register for the series for their respective category by clicking here (Link: http://booths.speedcafe.com.au/stars-of-karting/sok-registrations/).

Competitors who were registered for the 2012 championship will have the first right to the race number they used this year until December 31.  After this date any race number that hasn’t been renewed by a competitor through a registration will be made available.  The top three finishers in the 2012 championship also have the first right to use the numbers 1, 2 and 3 in their respective category.

The categories that will be competing at each of the rounds will be as follows:
Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
Pro Light (KF)
Pro Junior (KFJ)
TaG Light
TaG Heavy
TaG Restricted
Rookies

There is also an option for Team Principals, Owners, Mechanics and general supporters to register by selecting the ‘Supporter’ option in the drop down menu in the Category field.

As was the case in 2012, a driver may only compete in either the Pro categories or the Support categories at a respective round i.e. a driver can’t compete in both TaG Light and Pro Light (KF) at the same event.

Please be reminded that by registering for the series, DOES NOT infer an entry for any rounds.  The Supplementary Regulations for the opening round of 2013 will be made available in the coming weeks.

Drivers in the CIK Stars of Karting Series will compete on MG Tyres for the first time in 2013

The CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE will enter a new era in 2013.

For the first time since the series began in 1993, Australia’s elite championship will compete on MG Tyres in the three CIK-specification categories – Pro Gearbox (KZ2), Pro Light (KF) and Pro Junior (KFJ).

The decision by Series Organisers to incorporate the Brazilian-manufactured tyre as the ‘controlled tyre’ for the period 1st January 2013 – 31st December 2015 came after a highly competitive tender process between MG, current tyre supplier Dunlop Kartsport and the Japanese Yokohama brand.

The compounds for the specific categories will be as follows:
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – MG FZ (Yellow)
Pro Light (KF) – MG FZ (Yellow)
Pro Junior (KFJ) – MG HZ (Red/White)

“This decision is one of biggest decisions that we, as a series, have had to make in the 20-year history of the championship and arguably one of the toughest also,” said International Karting Committee Chairman Craig Denton.

“Dunlop Kartsport has been a fantastic supporter of the series over many years, particularly since it was rejuvenated four years ago. On behalf of the committee as series organisers, the karting industry, series teams and drivers, I would like to publicly thank Les, Ann and Luke May for their commitment towards getting the series to where it is today.

“The tender process was an intense one with significant testing going into it, and the committee also put a high priority on the presentation of, and the technical support from, the tyre supplier. Following many hours of deliberation, it was decided that the successful tenderer was Remo Racing with his MG Tyres product.

“Remo (Luciani) has been around the sport for more than 30 years and a big supporter of the series over the years. We welcome Remo as our tyre supplier and look forward to working with him and his team.”

Remo Luciani says that he is a firm believer in the CIK style of racing and has been for many years.  He is pleased to be chosen as the successful tyre supplier.

“Here at Remo Racing we have been a long-time supporter of the CIK Stars of Karting Series, this support will now go to another level with the opportunity to become the tyre supplier for three Pro categories,” said Luciani.

“I really believe in the CIK style of racing and the series and I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

“The MG Yellow tyre is a tried and tested compound in Australian conditions, and we have significant levels of stock ready for distribution now. The HZ (Red/White) compound is the MG’s CIK hard tyre and new to Australia, we will have stock of this product in Australia by January 15.”

The Rookies and TaG Restricted categories are penciled in to join the series as support categories with each round forming a separate event rather than an overall series. Both of these categories will compete only on the Saturday and Sunday of each round to maximize track time and eliminate unnecessary time off school and work for drivers wishing to compete.

However, these categories are both dependent on the level of support shown by the competitors – so drivers are encouraged to register their interest once registrations open next week.

Registrations for all competitors will open soon on www.starsofkarting.com.au

The TaG Light and Heavy categories will be held as support categories for the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series. (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

TaG Light and Heavy will be held as a support category for the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series. The opening four rounds will be a state championship in the respective categories.

The categories of light and heavy will compete on the new Dunlop SL6 tyre, that was ratified as a part of the tyre tender process last weekend. They will not be combined on the track.

“With the implementation of the new tyre for the TaG category, and a national approach to the class by the Australian Karting Association, we believe the TaG category is a perfect fit to compete alongside the CIK Stars of Karting Series,” said International Karting Committee Chairman Craig Denton.

To assist with the develop of young drivers, an interim Provisional A Grade junior KF3 licence will also be implemented as follows.

KF3 Interim Provisional A Grade junior licence
A driver may compete in the KF3 category in the year of their 13th birthday providing they meet the following strict requirements. There shall be no dispensations given outside of this criteria.
– Hold a minimum of a B Grade licence for the past 12 months
– Be a current holder of a junior license
– Display a Green P Plate on the rear of their kart until their 13th birthday or as permitted by the Series Officials
This rule only applies to drivers intending to compete in the KF3 category in the CIK Stars of Karting Series.
This license does not provide the ability to participate in the AKA junior performance categories that require the competitor to be 13 years of age.
This grade of license shall be revoked if a driver,
– Fails to compete in the first available round of the series.
– In the view of the Chief Steward and Clerk of Course the competitor is deemed to have insufficient driving ability for the category.
The drivers will be observed by the Series Clerk of Course and/or Series Chief Stewards and will start at the rear of the field until these officials are satisfied with the performance of the driver and/or the driver attains the age of 13 years.

“Under the international regulations, drivers are unable compete out of their zone until they are 13 years of age – however, they can compete domestically during the year of their 13th birthday. This new interim licence will allow our competitors to gain the experience of the higher-powered kart under controlled conditions and provide them with more experience for when they look to compete internationally,” said Denton.

The tyre selection for the CIK-specification categories will be finalised in the coming days and announced later in the week. Further support categories will also be advised in the near future.

Dutch driver Joey Hanssen will call Australia home in 2013

2011 KZ2 World Cup Champion Joey Hanssen has announced that he will be competing in Australia’s elite karting championship, the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE, next year.

Hanssen, who will take up residence in Perth early in January, will be competing under the Lenzo Kart Australia banner in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) category.

“The best drivers compete in this series (CIK Stars of Karting). My dad always taught me to race against the best, they will make you a better driver no matter whether you win or lose – you always learn,” said Hanssen.

“I want to thank Brendan Shugg (Lenzo Kart Australia) for giving me the opportunity and my parents for their support all these years and finally have to let me go and also my lovely girlfriend who is so supportive about my passion.”

Hanssen’s only visit to Australia came last month when he competed at the Kalgoorlie Dash for Cash event in Western Australia, where he was victorious. It was at this event where he gained an appreciation for the high level of talent in Australia and believes 2013 will be a big challenge for him – both on and off the track.

“I think it’s more friendly here (in Australia), it’s easy going and all of the people don’t try to cheat all of the time, in Europe it’s just my job and here the racing seems to be more fun,” said Hanssen.

Understandably, Lenzo Kart Australia boss Brendan Shugg is excited about having such a well-credentialed driver join his ever-expanding outfit for 2013.

“For Joey to join us at Lenzo Kart Australia its going to take the team to that next level and offer our drivers something no other kart team in Australia can,” said Shugg.

“After seeing how he works and the preparation he does before he gets to a race meeting I can see why he has become so successful. It’s a great opportunity for all Lenzo kart drivers to receive first class advice from a former World Champion.”

Hanssen in action during his Australian debut at the Dash for Cash event last month (Pic: Real Deal Media)

The inclusion of Hanssen on the grid as a part of the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series is something that Australian Karting Association National President and International Karting Committee Chairman Craig Denton believes is further proof of the strength of Australian karting.

“Since we rejuvenated the CIK Series, our aim has been to attract the best drivers to race in it and also to one day have an international level event back on Australian soil. With Joey committing to the series in 2012, I’m sure it will open the eyes of more drivers from overseas,” said Denton.

“The interest in all three of our Pro categories continues to be strong across the board and we’re working hard on making 2013 even bigger and better than this year. It is the 20th anniversary for the series, so we’re working to make it a special year.”

The 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE kicks off on the final weekend in February at Ipswich in Queensland.

Joey Hanssen Racing Career
1997 – 2002
Mini Juniors 60cc
1997: 4th place Maxxis Challange cup
1998: 4th place Maxxis Challange cup
1999: 3rd place Maxxis Challange cup
2000: 3rd place Maxxis Challange cup
2001 : Vice Champion Maxxis Challange cup ( missing 2 meetings )
2002: Vice Champion Maxxis Challange cup ( missing 1 meeting )

2003&2004
100cc Juniors
2003: Maxxis Callange cup champion, Dutch Vice-Champion, Winner German Euro Pokaal
2004: Maxxis Callange cup champion, Dutch Vice-Champion

2005
KZ2 125cc Shifter
- Maxxis Challange cup Champion, Sevral Fastest laps and poles in the Dutch open Championship (79 Drivers in KZ2 )

2006
KZ2 125cc Shifter.
- Dutch Vice-Champion

2007
Karting
KZ2 125cc Shifter
- Dutch Vice-Champion

Touring Cars
- Winner BRL-Light series Round 4 in front of 150.000 people during Champ Car event at ASSEN.
- Rookie of the year.

Formula Cars
- 1st place in Formula Gloria North-Europe Championship.
- Winner Formula Gloria Eurocup.
- 4th place Formula Azzurra race in Monza ( Italy )

2008
Karting
KZ2 125cc Shifter
- 2 Podiums CIK-FIA European Championship KZ2
- 7th in WSK EURO CUP KZ1

Formula Ford
- Winner Last round of the Dutch championship

Formula Gloria
- Winner GP of Spa Francorshamps

2009
NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
- Rookie of the year award
- Finished 13th out of 51 Drivers in the Championship.

2010
- Joined Luxor Racing Team for four wins from six races late in the year

2011
Karting
- KZ2 WORLD CUP WINNER, International Karting Circuit Genk ( Belgium )
- 2nd in WSK FINAL CUP, International Raceway Ortona ( Italy )
- Winner 5 out of 6 Races Dutch championship KZ2 but skipped 1 meeting.

Formula Toyota Oval Series
-Winner Shorttrack Eurocup
-2nd in Championship While missing 2 Meetings out of 5

2012
Professional Go-Kart driver for the Luxor Official Racing Team in the class KZ1 (125cc Shifter)
Karting
- 4th in German open Karting Championship KZ1
- 3rd WSK Euro series , Sarno ( Italy )
- Pole Position WSK Euro series , Val D’Argenton ( France )
- Dash For Cash Race winner, Kalgoorlie ( Australia )
- Winner Dutch championship rounds 3,4 & 5

Tracks Joey Hanssen has driven at throughout his career:
** Tracks with a WIN
* Tracks with a Podium finish

Karting Circuits
1. Berghem (The Netherlands)**
2. Emmen (The Netherlands)**
3. Strijen (The Netherlands)**
4. Amsterdam (The Netherlands)**
5. Venray (The Netherlands)**
6. Eindhoven (The Netherlands)**
7. lelystad (The Netherlands)**
8. Genk (Belgium)**
9. Mariembourg (Belgium)**
10. Spa Francorshamps (Belgium)**
11 Hahn (Germany)*
12. Wackersdorf (Germany)**
13. Kerpen (Germany)**
14. Liedolsheim (Germany)
15. Ampfing (Germany)
16. Emsburen (Germany)
17. Varennes (France)*
18. Angerville (France)*
19. Val d’Argenton (France)
20. La Conca (Italy)
21. Sarno (Italy) *
22. Val Vibrata (Italy)
23. Lonato (Italy)
24. Brolo (Italy)
25.Corridonia (Italy)
26. Ortona V *
27. Tibi (Italy)
28. Portimao (Portugal) *
29. Zuera (Spain)
30. Goodwood (Canada)
31. Kalgoorlie (Australia) **
32. Wanneroo (Australia)

Car Racing:
Roadcourse
1. Zandvoort (The Netherlands)**
2. Assen (The Netherlands)**
3. Spa Francorchamps (Belgium)**
4. Nurbergring (Germany)*
5. Zolder (Belgium)**
6. Quebec City (Canada)
7. Monza (Italy)*
8. Misano (Italy)**
9.Trois Rivireres (Canada)
10. Montreal (Canada)
11. Mosport Road Course (Canada)
12. Edminton indy (Canada)
13. Barbagallo Raceway (Australia)

Oval
1. Raceway Venray (The Netherlands)**
2. Atigonish (Canada)
3. Posterholt (The Netherlands)**
4. Barrie Speedway (Canada)
5. Mosport oval (Canada)
6. Delaware Speedway (Canada)
7. Kawartha Speedway (Canada)
8. Vernon (Canada)
9. Saskatoon (Canada)
10. Ter Apel (The Netherlands)**

Cian Fothergill will lead a new team in the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series (Pic: KSP)

Three-time Australian karting champion Cian Fothergill has announced that he will lead a new team into the 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE.

Fothergill, who was the 2010 champion in the Pro Light (KF1) category, will head up Cian Fothergill Karting (CFK) where he aims to assist with developing the next group of talented young Australian drivers.

“Over the past couple of years I have probably had more success than ever before in my career, and now it’s time to start to give back to the sport that has given me so much,” said Fothergill, a two-time winner of the Dunlop Drivers Driver of the Year Award.

“I will still be racing at the highest level next year, but I’m really keen on sharing the lessons I’ve learnt onto some of the young stars of tomorrow, which is why I’ve started the team for 2013.”

Fothergill has confirmed Bundaberg’s Troy Loeskow will line up in the Pro Light (KF1) category under the CFK banner alongside youngsters Josh Rogers and Jacob Bright in the Pro Junior (KF3) category.  There are also a number of opportunities in these categories for other competitors interested in joining the team.

“The key to me is not about what chassis these guys drive, but more so being apart of the team environment where everyone learns from each other and develop as not only drivers but people off the track as well,” said Fothergill.

“I’m hoping that we’ll end up with four or five juniors in the team for 2013 along with a couple more Pro Light guys and a couple of Pro Gearbox drivers.”

CFK will enjoy a partnership with MG Engines along with support by OMP, Sunfam, Remo Racing and Glenn Powles designs throughout the year.

The 2013 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE will begin at Ipswich in Queensland on the final weekend in February.

This training day will occur at the Newcastle Kart Racing Club.

Joining with the Kosmic Racing Australia will give you the opportunity to compete at the highest level in the world of karting. In 2013 the Kosmic Racing Australia team will be racing in the CIK Stars of Karting Series and selected events overseas – You could be a part of this action.

In 2012, the Kosmic Racing Australia team has also been supported by the Australian Motor Sport Foundation Rookie Rising Star program.

Limited spots for the Test Day are available, to secure your place on the grid please contact Peter Galvin on 0419 971 059.

Pro Gearbox (KZ2) Champion Chris Hays being interviewed by host Chad Neylon after the final at Port Melbourne (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

During November, Friday night will become ‘karting night’ on the SPEED Channel (Foxtel Channel 512), with the 2012 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE, to be featured over four weekly shows.

Filmed at the final round of the 2012 Championship, the 30-minute broadcasts capture all of the action from each of the Pro categories, with a program also dedicated to the three Challenge categories.

The broadcasts will be hosted by Chad Neylon, with commentary by Lee Hanatschek, Jack Perkins and V8 Supercar driver Michael Patrizi.

In addition to the racing, a number of feature pieces will be incorporated into the shows.  Neylon goes behind the scenes of the Drew Price Engineering factory in Melbourne and also has a chat to V8 Supercar star Mark Winterbottom about his karting days.

Neylon also finds out what makes a Pro Light (KF1) kart tick, along with a six-speed gearbox machine; he also discovers how the Dunlop Kartsport team operates.

“After returning to Australian TV late in 2011, for the first time in many years, we’ve stepped it up another notch in 2012 and I’m very pleased with the finished product,” said Series Spokesperson Lee Hanatschek.

“The whole aim of these telecasts is to to present karting in a professional manner and also provide more than just racing on the screen, it’s about the people, the industry and the sport as a whole.

“I for one will be tuning in from 7pm over the next four weeks and hope to hear that as many people as possible are doing the same.

“A huge thanks must go to the Australian Karting Association, Castrol EDGE and all of the other partners in the series for making this happen.  Also thank you to Ian Rawkins and his team at Telesport International, Chad Neylon for his professionalism and dedication to the finished product along with Jack Perkins and Michael Patrizi for their effort into to the shows.

“Without the co-operation and support of the drivers, teams and karting industry, these telecasts would not be possible.  So a special thanks must be given to everyone involved.”

SPEED Channel Manager James Harrison is delighted to be able to have four quality shows of karting to be broadcast on Australia’s dedicated Motorsport Channel throughout November.

“A big part of our goals here at SPEED is having shows where people can not only see great motorsport action but also understand more about the sport, and the people involved in it.  This is something that this year’s Stars of Karting shows do very well.” said Harrison

The first show will go to air at 7pm EDT*check local guides on Friday November 2, replay times will be advised at a later stage.

2012 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE
Television Schedule – SPEED (Foxtel Channel 512)

Friday November 2 – 7:00pm EDT
Castrol EDGE CIK Stars of Karting Series – Pro Light (KF1)
Australia’s rising karting stars battle it out for the Pro Light Championship as the fight for the title will go down to the wire in the Castrol EDGE CIK Stars of Karting Series at Victoria’s Port Melbourne circuit.

Friday November 9 – 7:00pm EDT
Castrol EDGE CIK Stars of Karting Series – Pro Junior (KF3)
Drivers such as Indycar driver Ryan Briscoe, V8 Supercar stars Michael Caruso and Tim Slade won the Pro Junior Championship during their formative years in the Castrol EDGE CIK Stars of Karting Series. Who will it be in 2012?

Friday November 16 – 7:00pm EDT
Castrol EDGE CIK Stars of Karting Series – Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
Described as the Formula One of karting, the Pro Gearbox category is the fastest and most exciting form of the sport in the world. With the Castrol EDGE CIK Stars of Karting Series Title on the line, the high-speed racing is action packed.

Friday November 23 – 7:00pm EDT
Castrol EDGE CIK Stars of Karting Series – Challenge categories
Karting is one of the most affordable and exciting forms of motorsport. Tune in to see some of the best Junior National, Clubman and Leopard drivers battle it out as a part of the final round of the Castrol EDGE CIK Stars of Karting Series.

Cian Fothergill was crowned the Dunlop Driver's Driver of the Year for the second consecutive year (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Kosmic Racing Australia driver Cian Fothergill was crowned the Dunlop Driver’s Driver of the year at the CIK Stars of Karting Series Awards Dinner in Melbourne on Sunday night.

Amongst the 160 attendees were three legends of Australian karting, John Pizarro, Jon Targett and James Courtney, who presented the trophies named in their honour to the champions in each of the Pro categories.

In accepting the Dunlop Driver’s Driver of the Year Award, voted by series drivers on who they believe has been the best and fairest driver of the year and is a great ambassador for the sport of karting, Fothergill was overwhelmed by the accolades from his peers.

“I’m just blown away with this award, to be held in such high regard by my peers is just an amazing feeling,” said Fothergill.

“Last year I was shocked to have won it, so to win it two years in a row was completely unexpected and very surreal.”

In a tight battle for the Trans-West Manufacturers Challenge it was the Tim Craig and Fergus Symes-led Top Kart team that secured a narrow victory over the Kosmic outfit. It is the second year in succession that the Kosmic brand has finished runner-up in the prestigious title. Last year’s Champions CRG Australia, claimed third place.

Tim Craig and Fergus Symes with the Top Kart drivers in attendance (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Tim Craig accepted the award on behalf of the team and dedicated the team’s success to the hard work of all of the team’s drivers, mechanics and supporters.

“This Award is for everyone in the ‘blue’ camp, I thank all of the drivers for making the decision to compete aboard a Top Kart and for all of the hard work by their mechanics throughout the year,” said Craig.

A new team to the Pro ranks this year, Harrington Doyle Racing, took out the Best Presented Team Award while one of their drivers, Brooke Topp, was chosen as the KARTX Magazine Rookie of the Year, narrowly ahead of Lachlan McHugh.

Jace Lindstrom, mechanic for Pro Gearbox (KZ2) competitor Lee Mitchener, took out the Mechanic out the year Award – one point ahead of JAM Racing’s Josh Brooker.

Adam Hughes received the James Courtney trophy as the Pro Light (KF1) champion from the 1995 and 1997 World Karting Champion. Hughes joins the likes of Jamie Whincup, Mark Winterbottom, Barclay Holden and Fothergill as former champions of the category.

Pro Gearbox (KZ2) Champion Chris Hays received the John Pizarro trophy from the 15-time Australian champion while Cameron Hill was presented the Jon Targett Trophy as Champion in the Pro Junior (KF3) category.

All three champions will receive $10,000 to compete in an overseas CIK-FIA accredited event. *Conditions apply.

The championship runner-up and third place getters in each of the three CIK-specification categories will also receive their race tyres (second) and entries (third) for the 2013 series supplied to them.

Adam Hughes being presented with the James Courtney trophy (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Lenzo Kart Australia driver Anthony Martin was presented with the Dunlop Most Improved Driver Award.

The night also celebrated the winners in the Australian Leopard Challenge and Yamaha Challenge.

CRG driver Jedd Stojakovic took out the Leopard Light category, as his prize he will receive the use of an IAME KF1 engine for next year’s series, while Michael Griffiths won the Heavy category. Griffith receives an IAME X30 engine or the value towards an IAME KZ2 engine as his prize.

In the Yamaha Challenge, James Greenwood’s domination of the Clubman category earned him the trip to Japan to compete in the All Japan Yamaha SL final later in the year. Joining Greenwood on this trip will be Justin Ford, who won his ticket from the random draw of competitors who had competed in three or more of the rounds throughout 2012.

Jayden Ojeda was victorious in the Junior National Light category while Torey Blanch was crowned the Junior National Heavy Champion.

2012 CIK Stars of Karting Series – Awards List

Pro Junior (KF3) Qualifier of the Year – Cameron Hill
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) Qualifier of the Year – Jason Pringle
Pro Light (KF1) Qualifier of the Year – Daniel Rochford
Alpine Stars Hard Charger Award – Cian Fothergill
Pro Junior Heat Race Champion – Cameron Hill
Pro Light Heat Race Champion – Cian Fothergill
Pro Gearbox Heat Race Champion – Kyle Ensbey
Mechanic of the Year – Jace Lindstron
KARTX Rookie of the Year – Brooke Topp
Best Presented Team – Harrington Doyle Racing
Dunlop Kartsport Most Improved Driver – Anthony Martin
Yamaha Challenge – Junior National Light Third Place – Justin Ford
Yamaha Challenge – Junior National Light Runner-Up – William Hawkes
Yamaha Challenge – Junior National Light Winner – Jayden Ojeda
Yamaha Challenge – Junior National Heavy Third Place – Reece Davidson
Yamaha Challenge – Junior National Heavy Runner-Up – Mitchell Kennedy
Yamaha Challenge – Junior National Heavy Winner – Torey Blanch
Yamaha Challenge – Clubman Third Place – Samantha Millar
Yamaha Challenge – Clubman Runner Up – Brenton Simmonds
Yamaha Challenge – Clubman Winner – James Greenwood
Australian Leopard Challenge – Leopard Light Third Place – Ben Stewart
Australian Leopard Challenge – Leopard Light Runner-Up – Adam Willison
Australian Leopard Challenge – Leopard Light Winner – Jedd Stojakovic
Australian Leopard Challenge – Leopard Heavy Third Place – Travis Martin
Australian Leopard Challenge – Leopard Heavy Runner-Up – Matthew Boylan
Australian Leopard Challenge – Leopard Heavy Winner – Michael Griffiths

Pro Junior (KF3) – Third Place – Thomas Randle
Pro Junior (KF3) – Runner-Up – Jake Coleman
Pro Junior (KF3) – Champion – Cameron Hill
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Third Place – Jason Pringle
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Runner-Up – Kyle Ensbey
Pro Gearbox (KZ2) – Champion – Chris Hays
Pro Light (KF1) – Third Place – Cian Fothergill
Pro Light (KF1) – Runner-Up – Daniel Rochford
Pro Light (KF1) – Champion – Adam Hughes
Trans-West Manufacturers Challenge – Top Kart
Dunlop Driver’s Driver of the Year – Cian Fothergill

Harrington Doyle Racing's Brooke Topp received the KARTX Magazine Rookie of the Year Award (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Jace Lindstrom was a narrow victor in the Mechanic of the Year Award (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

The top two placegetters in the Leopard Heavy category, Michael Griffiths and Matthew Boylan (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

The 2012 CIK Stars of Karting Series Champions - L-R Cameron Hill, Chris Hays and Adam Hughes

Queenslander Chris Hays (Gold Coast, QLD), Melbourne’s Adam Hughes (Mentone, Vic) and Canberra’s Cameron Hill (Canberra, ACT) claimed the three national championships up for grabs during the final round of the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE in Melbourne on Sunday.

Hays entered the weekend’s round second in the chase for the championship before closing the gap to championship leader Kyle Ensbey to one point entering the final day of competition.

When Ensbey came together with reigning champion, Tyler Greenbury, in the opening final it all but ended his championship hopes. Greenbury was excluded from the race for his part in the incident.

Chris Hays on his way to victory in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) category (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

From there, Hays went on to win both 27-lap encounters to secure the championship, along with the $10,000 towards an overseas CIK event that goes with it. His name will also be etched on the John Pizarro perpetual trophy.

“This is just an amazing feeling,” said Hays.

“It’s been a tough battle all year long but it’s great to have come out on top. I can’t thank Vodafone enough for their continued support, Jon Targett (Hays’ mechanic), Adam Graham from Energy Corse Australia and my Dad for everything he has put in to get me this championship.

“I had some good speed this weekend, you never like to see a championship rival on the sidelines like Kyle was in the opening final but in the end we still showed that I had the speed to get the job done.”

Finishing second behind Hays today was a pair of Melbourne drivers, Lee Mitchener and Matthew Wall.

Adam Hughes made it two championships in a row for JAM Racing (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Hughes’ title in the Pro Light (KF1) category was the second in a row for the JAM Racing outfit. Top Kart driver Joseph Mawson took the round win but fifth place in the final race was enough for Hughes to claim the championship victory and etch his name on the James Courtney perpetual trophy.

“To win the title for the second year running is a huge feather in the cap for the JAM Racing team,” said Hughes.

“All year I’ve had great reliability which has allowed me to be a championship contender and it was a huge relief to know that I’d finally won it.”

In the Pro Junior (KF3) ranks Hill entered the final day of competition with an insurmountable lead before signing off with a pair of victories on the Port Melbourne circuit.

Hill led home Thomas Randle and Liam McLellan, who made his debut in the category this weekend.

Cameron Hill secured the seventh Pro Junior (KF3) title for the Top Kart team on Sunday (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

All three winners in the Pro categories receive a $10,000 grant towards competing in an overseas CIK event while the runner-up receives their race tyres for the use in the series throughout 2013 and third place free entry into next year’s series.

In the Challenge categories, James Greenwood signed off the Clubman category with a win while Jedd Stojakovic and Michael Griffiths were victorious in the Australian Leopard Challenge.

Jayden Ojeda’s consistency earned him the title in the Junior National Light category while Torey Blanch won the Heavy category.

2012 CIK Stars of Karting Series
presented by Castrol EDGE

Round 5 – Port Melbourne, Victoria

PRO LIGHT (KF1)
1. Joseph Mawson (Hinchenbrook, NSW) – Top Kart/IAME
2. Jake Spencer (Wantirna, Vic) – Kosmic/IAME
3. Cian Fothergill (Gladstone, QLD) – Kosmic/IAME
4. Daniel Rochford (Narre Warren, Vic) – Kosmic/IAME
5. Adam Hughes (Mentone, Vic) – Kosmic/IAME

PRO GEARBOX (KZ2)
1. Chris Hays (Gold Coast, QLD) – Energy/TM
2. Lee Mitchener (Greensborough, Vic) – Formula K/Maxter
3. Matthew Wall (Sunbury, Vic) – CRG/Maxter
4. Jason Pringle (Essendon, Vic) – CRG/Maxter
5. Kyle Ensbey (Sunshine Coast, QLD) – Top Kart/TM

PRO JUNIOR (KF3)
1. Cameron Hill (Canberra, ACT) – Top Kart/Vortex
2. Thomas Randle (Narre Warren, Vic) – FA Kart/Vortex
3. Liam McLellan (Melbourne, Vic) – Intrepid/Vortex
4. Jake Klein (Melbourne, Vic) – Top Kart/Vortex
5. James Golding (Warrugal, Vic) – Formula K/Vortex

YAMAHA CHALLENGE
Clubman
1. James Greenwood
2. Bart Price
3. Brenton Simonds
4. Sarron Caddy
5. Samantha Millar

Junior National Light
1. Damon Strongman
2. William Hawkes
3. Justin Ford
4. Jayden Ojeda
5. Bradley Stewart

Junior National Heavy
1. Mitchell Kennedy
2. Adam Capek
3. Alex Hockley
4. Torey Blanch
5. Bradley Marsh-Stepney

AUSTRALIAN LEOPARD CHALLENGE
Leopard Light
1. James Sera
2. Adam Willison
3. Jedd Stojakovic
4. Ben Stewart
5. Andy Simpson

Leopard Heavy
1. Michael Griffiths
2. Hamish Leighton
3. Matthew Boylan
4. Phillip Smith
5. Matt Parker

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS – Top Five after round 5 of 5

PRO LIGHT (KF1)
1. Adam Hughes 636
2. Daniel Rochford 619
3. Cian Fothergill 603
4. Jake Spencer 594
5. Joseph Mawson 561

PRO GEARBOX (KZ2)
1. Chris Hays 627
2. Kyle Ensbey 599
3. Jason Pringle 596
4. Tyler Greenbury 581
5. Lee Mitchener 545

PRO JUNIOR (KF3)
1. Cameron Hill 674
2. Jake Coleman 578
3. Thomas Randle 571
4. Lachlan McHugh 510
5. Joshua Smith 479

YAMAHA CHALLENGE
Clubman
1. James Greenwood 388
2. Brenton Simonds 291
3. Samantha Millar 254
4. Gordon Wilson 233
5. Daniel Nolan 226

Junior National Light
1. Jayden Ojeda 286
2. William Hawkes 277
3. Justin Ford 246
4. Russell Whittaker 142
5. Drew Ridge 113

Junior National Heavy
1. Torey Blanch 249
2. Mitchell Kennedy 231
3. Reece Davidson 140
4. Thomas Chitty 128
5. James Duckworth 125

AUSTRALIAN LEOPARD CHALLENGE
Leopard Light
1. Jedd Stojakovic 345
2. Adam Willison 296
3. Ben Stewart 291
4. Iain McDougall 286
5. Adam Mercer 284

Leopard Heavy
1. Michael Griffiths 373
2. Matthew Boylan 299
3. Travis Martin 227
4. Gaven Whitmore 209
5. Michael Hazelton 207

For the full results please click here.

For the full championship points please click here.

Matthew Wall leading Lee Mitchener during today's second Pro Gearbox (KZ2) heat race. (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

The battle for two of the three pro championships in the 2012 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented Castrol EDGE will go down the wire in Port Melbourne in Victoria tomorrow.

A mere one-point separates Patrizicorse’s Kyle Ensbey and Energy Kart driver Chris Hays at the top of the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) standings while JAM Racing’s Adam Hughes holds a 12-point buffer over Daniel Rochford in the Pro Light (KF1) standings.

Ensbey and Hays were never far apart throughout today’s qualifying and heat race action which saw the CRG pair of Jason Pringle and Matthew Wall qualify one-two.

Hays won two of the three heat races, his second coming after Wall was handed a 10-second penalty for a starting infringement, to secure pole position for tomorrow’s opening final.

Hughes was consistent throughout today’s three Pro Light (KF1) heat races to maintain a slender gap between himself and Rochford in the chase for the James Courtney trophy.

Top Kart driver Joseph Mawson upstaged the championship contenders in the final 16-lap heat race to take the win.

In the Pro Junior (KF3) ranks, Canberra’s Cameron Hill enters tomorrow with the knowledge that he has an insurmountable lead in the title chase.  Victory in the third heat race moved him 66-points clear of his nearest rival, Jake Coleman.

Queenslander James Greenwood won two heat races in the Yamaha Clubman Challenge to seal the series win while the battle in the Junior National titles are still very open between Jayden Ojeda and William Hawkes.

In the Australian Leopard Challenge it was James Sera and Ben Stewart who shared the honours  in the Light category while Michael Griffiths and Hamish Leighton set the pace in Leopard Heavy.

To see the full results please click here.

Joseph Mawson upstaged the championship contenders in the final Pro Light (KF1) heat. (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Liam McLellan has been impressive during his Pro Junior (KF3) debut this weekend. (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

CRG team-mates Tyler Greenbury (#1) and Jason Pringle (#35) during practice today (PIc: AF Images/Budd)

If the lap times during today’s practice sessions are anything to go by, the action at this weekend’s ‘Final Showdown’ of the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE is going to be a scintillating affair.

With all three Championships in the Pro categories still up for grabs during this weekend’s final round in Port Melbourne, today provided a clear indication of a tight battle across the board.

Local driver Jason Pringle set the pace in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) category aboard his CRG kart. The Essendon driver headed a CRG trifecta at the top of the timesheets with new recruit Matthew Wall and reigning Champion Tyler Greenbury setting the second and third fastest times.

Championship leader Kyle Ensbey and second placed Chris Hays rounded out the top five.

The view Cian Fothergill is aiming to give his opposition over the weekend (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

A light shower prior to the final Pro Light (KF1) practice session masked the outright speed of a number of competitors who had planned to do a ‘qualifying’ run during the session. Former Champion Cian Fothergill finished with the fastest time of the day, narrowly ahead of his Kosmic Racing Australia team-mate Matthew Waters.

Championship leader Adam Hughes shadowed his main rival Daniel Rochford throughout the day while posting times inside the top five for the majority of the day.

The final practice session of the day proved to be the fastest of the day with championship leader Cameron Hill posting the fastest time. CRG driver Jake Coleman was second quickest ahead of last round winner Thomas Randle.

Series debutant James Golding posted the fifth fastest time in the Pro Junior (KF3) category today. (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

2012 CIK STARS OF KARTING SERIES
presented by Castrol EDGE

Round 5 – Port Melbourne, Victoria

RESULTS: Practice (Top 5 combined)

Pro Light (KF1)
1. Cian Fothergill 40.892
2. Joseph Mawson 40.965
3. Matthew Waters 40.972
4. Daniel Rochford 41.011
5. Adam Hughes 41.148

Pro Gearbox (KZ2)
1. Jason Pringle 39.630
2. Tyler Greenbury 39.748
3. Matthew Wall 39.805
4. Kyle Ensbey 39.876
5. Chris Hays 39.919

Pro Junior (KF3)
1. Cameron Hill 41.802
2. Jake Coleman 41.867
3. Thomas Randle 41.875
4. Lachlan McHugh 41.917
5. James Golding 41.976

Top Kart are currently leading the way in the chase for the Trans-West Insurance Brokers Manufacturer's Cup (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

The fight for the Trans-West Insurance Brokers Manufacturer’s Cup in the CIK Stars of Karting Series looks set to go down to the wire during the final round of the 2012 series in Melbourne this weekend.

With the Manufacturer’s Cup points system based on the manufacturer’s top two drivers at each round in all three Pro categories, it is the Top Kart brand that currently leads the way entering this weekends final round.

The Italian-made chassis, imported into Australia by Kart 1 Racing, currently leads the way in two of the three Pro categories thanks to Kyle Ensbey and Cameron Hill. As a result, the Top Kart drivers have amassed 2403 points during the opening four rounds of the series.

Currently second in the standings, 90 points adrift of Top Kart, is the Remo Racing-led Kosmic brand.

The CRG brand is currently third in the standings (1492) ahead of Lenzo Kart (1409) with Intrepid (952) rounding out the top five in the standings.

Adam Hughes leading his JAM Racing team-mate Jake Spencer at Eastern Creek (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

The battle lines will be drawn during the final round of Australia’s elite karting championship, the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE, at Melbourne’s Todd Road circuit on September 22/23.

Entering the final event in the five-round schedule, Mentone’s Adam Hughes and Narre Warren’s Daniel Rochford look set to battle it out for the top honour in the Pro Light (KF1) category.

A mere nine points separate the pair at the top of the standings with the current holder of the James Courtney trophy, (awarded to the champion) Jake Spencer (Wantirna, Vic), a further 25 points back in third place.

“I’m super excited to be in contention for the championship going into the last round, especially after last year’s horror run of poor reliability that left me wondering what could have been in 2011,” said Hughes.

“It’s going to be really tough battling it out with Rochford and the other competitors, but that’s what makes it feel so good when I manage to have a win!

“I can only hope the racing is firm but fair and that we all have great reliability throughout the whole meeting.  If I can get the championship, it will make it two Pro Light championships in as many years for the JAM Racing team which would be a huge reward for everyone involved.”

Essendon driver Jason Pringle is right in contention for the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) championship (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

With four drivers separated by only 31 points entering this month’s final round, the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) Championship is also far from being decided. Essendon’s Jason Pringle is currently third in the points standings and with $10,000 to compete in an overseas CIK event to accompany the championship trophy, he will be giving it his all on his home track.

“To be entering the final round with a genuine chance of still taking the win in the series is something that really excites me, it would be a dream come true to be be able to compete in a European KZ race with the CRG factory team,” said Pringle.

“There will be some very tight racing and even though Todd Road is my home circuit, a lot of the other top guys have done a heap of racing here so the home track advantage isn’t as much as what it is for some others on their home track.

“In a lead up event (City of Melbourne Titles) recently I had some good speed and won, so hopefully I can continue this good form and have a bit of luck go my way.”

Second-generation Narre Warren driver Thomas Randle in action (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

While Canberra’s Cameron Hill has already got one hand on the Jon Targett trophy, awarded to the champion in the Pro Junior (KF3) category, Narre Warren’s Thomas Randle will be out to spoil his victory party.

Randle, who currently sits fifth in the standings, has been the hottest property in Australian karting over the past two months having remained undefeated over his past five events. On his home circuit the 16 year-old is confident of enjoying the spoils of victory next weekend.

“Entering the final round I’m very confident as it is on my home track,” said Randle.

“I think the competition is going to be very tough, both (Cameron) Hill and (Jake) Coleman have won rounds this year but where they’re focused on the championship I’ve got nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

“I feel that the championship is still in reach and hope to get some very valuable points. The Todd Road circuit is very tricky, and I think it’s going to be very close racing.”

Each champion in the three Pro categories will receive $10,000 towards competing in an overseas CIK event in their respective categories while the series’ runner-up receives free race tyres for the 2013 series and third place free race entry for the 2013 series.

Also competing at the event will be the Yamaha (Clubman and Junior National) and Australian Leopard Challenges. Entering the final round James Greenwood holds a commanding lead in the Clubman category while the Junior National battles are still wide open with Jayden Ojeda (Light) and Torey Blanch (Heavy) leading the way.

In the Australian Leopard Challenge, South Australian Jedd Stojakovic has been very consistent to lead the way in the Light category while Mount Evelyn’s Michael Griffiths is currently on top in the Leopard Heavy category.

CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS – Top Five after round 4 of 5

PRO LIGHT (KF1)
1. Adam Hughes 510
2. Daniel Rochford 501
3. Jake Spencer 476
4. Cian Fothergill 469
5. Joseph Mawson 431

PRO GEARBOX (KZ2)
1. Kyle Ensbey 498
2. Chris Hays 485
3. Jason Pringle 479
4. Tyler Greenbury 467
5. Lee Mitchener 438

PRO JUNIOR (KF3)
1. Cameron Hill 535
2. Jake Coleman 473
3. Brock Plumb 458
4. Joseph Burton-Harris 452
5. Thomas Randle 437

YAMAHA CHALLENGE
Clubman
1. James Greenwood 303
2. Brenton Simonds 224
3. Samantha Millar 187
4. Daniel Nolan 185
=4. Chris Farkas 185

Junior National Light
1. Jayden Ojeda 217
2. William Hawkes 206
3. Justin Ford 173
4. Russell Whittaker 142
5. Drew Ridge 113

Junior National Heavy
1. Torey Blanch 173
2. Mitchell Kennedy 151
3. Reece Davidson 140
4. Thomas Chitty 128
5. James Duckworth 125

AUSTRALIAN LEOPARD CHALLENGE
Leopard Light
1. Jedd Stojakovic 282
2. Adam Mercer 233
3. Iain McDougall 226
4. Ben Stewart 224
5. Adam Willison 221

Leopard Heavy
1. Michael Griffiths 288
2. Matthew Boylan 230
3. Travis Martin 227
4. Gaven Whitmore 209
5. Michael Hazelton 207

James Greenwood leading Jason Burns during Round Three of the Yamaha Challenge (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

This month’s final round of the 2012 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE will provide the only opportunity this year for Victorian karters to race in Australia’s most professional karting series in their own ‘back yard’.

With the event to be hosted by the Go-Kart Club of Victoria, there will be Australia’s elite drivers competing in the Pro Classes – Pro Light (KF1), Pro Gearbox (KZ2) and Pro Junior (KF3) – while the Challenge categories cater for karters of all levels.

It will also be the only karting event in 2012 that will be broadcast on television across the country with a 30-minute program to be dedicated to the Challenge categories.

Competitors in the Challenge categories will enjoy 71 racing laps, plus qualifying, across the two days of competition, the series provides competitors with a huge amount of track time.

For James Greenwood, who has been simply dominant in the Yamaha Clubman Challenge in 2012, he believes that the series has helped him become a better racer every time he takes to the circuit.

“I’ve been a part of the Yamaha Challenge for a couple of years now and it’s been a fantastic thing to be a part of,” said Greenwood.

“You know exactly when you’re on the track, you get more racing laps than any other event in the country in a race weekend and learn so much every time you take to the track.

“Competing in the series to get the longer races has certainly helped my racing when I come back and race at State Championships or other events, as the long races are far from daunting and you’re a lot smarter about your set-up and racecraft.”

The Australian Leopard Challenge, where Light and Heavy competitors, compete in the same field but for different trophies and prizes has been a big hit with Leopard competitors in the opening four rounds.

The Australian Leopard Challenge sees Leopard Light and Heavy in action at the same time to provide more racing laps for competitors (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Queenslander Steve Lintott has travelled to each of the rounds this year to compete in the Leopard Heavy category. He says that he’s never enjoyed his racing more than he has in the past few months.

“The series is absolutely awesome, the amount of practice and racing laps that you get is unlike anything else in Australian karting, it’s fantastic,” said Lintott.

“The atmosphere at the track really makes you feel like you’re a part of a proper professional race meeting, not just another kart meeting.

“It offers great value for money, you can’t compare it to anything else. Being able to race on your class tyre as well is very good.

“Even though we’re on the track at the same time as the Light guys, we’re racing ourselves and it’s a better spectacle for the spectators having more karts on the track.

“I’d suggest the Leopard drivers get their act together and support their class on the biggest stage in Australian karting.”

The series has this year introduced a new format for the Junior National Challenge with enormous success. There are two weight divisions, Light (120kg) and Heavy (140kg), competing on the circuit at the same time. However, at the end of the weekend there is a presentation for both the Light and Heavy categories.

With the CIK Stars of Karting Series continually looking at ways to improve the karting ‘experience’ for competitors, the Junior National category doesn’t form part of the Friday practice day (entry fee is reduced compared to Clubman and Leopard). The junior driver will instead have two warm-up sessions on the Saturday morning ahead of qualifying and three heat races. Sunday’s format will consist of a pre-final and final.

The next round of the 2012 CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE will be held in Melbourne on September 22/23.

The Supplementary Regulations for the event are available by clicking here.

The decision to leave the engines unchanged brings a level of assurity to the series that is unprecendented for KF categories around the world. While there is a new CIK KF Engine homologation in progress for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 seasons, Australia will be locked into the current engines for another two years.

“The one thing we would like to make very, very clear is that as a series we are very conscious of maintaining stability with engines used in the series,” said Series Technical Officer Richard Erdmann.

“With Europe looking to introduce a new homologation of engines in 2013 through until 2015, when a complete new specification is expected to come, it makes sense for us to continue to use a tried and tested formula.

“Once the new specification for the future engines are known during 2013/2014, throughout 2014 we will conduct a review process for the engine to be used in 2015 and beyond.”

The process to decide the tyre supplier for the period 2013 – 2015 (inclusive) will begin in the coming weeks with Expressions of Interest having recently been called for.

The final round of the 2012 CIK Stars of Karting Series will be contested at Melbourne’s Port Melbourne Karting Complex on September 22/23.

Following this event there will be four 30-minute programs produced that will be broadcast on SPEED (Foxtel/Austar 515) during November.  Theseshows will show highlights from all three Pro categories (Pro Light-KF1, Pro Gearbox-KZ2 and Pro Junior- KF3) along with the Challenge categories (Clubman, Junior National and Leopard).

The Supplementary Regulations for the final round are available by clicking here.  Entries close this Friday September 7.