N.Z. KART CHAMPIONSHIPS

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31029, 7 April 1966, Page 15

N.Z. KART CHAMPIONSHIPS

pOR the first time since go- *■ karting became a recognised sport in New Zealand seven years ago, the New Zealand championships are to be held in Christchurch. The championships, on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, have drawn more than 70 entries to contest the 16 classes and 100 races.

The 16 classes give opportunity for all to race, no matter what their equipment. For the first time two Australians are competing, partly because

of the successful international tour of New Zealand by an Australian team.

Since 1962 all New Zealand title events have been held at Easter and organised by one club. Since this system was adopted, all New Zealand championships have been held on sealed circuits. This week-end’s events will be held on the £2500 circuit at Carr’s road, Halswell, and will be organised by the Christchurch Go-Kart Club. The circuit is more than

500yds tong arid is the regulation 30ft wide. Each heat will cover eight laps (two miles and 50 yards). Each entrant will get at least six starts, and has a chance to win a trophy even if engine failure or a bad start mars one heat.

One of the most interesting events will be the 200 c.c. super class series. So far there are 15 entries, including R. Wilkinson (Christchurch), the recent winner of the South Island open grass championship, L. Gudsell (Manawatu), the present titleholder and current holder of the New Zealand open-class trophy, B. Mills (Christchurch), the current South Island 100 c.c. A class champion, and V. Kendall (Foxton), an international-class driver and South Island openclass champion. Other leading drivers are B. Jonathan (Lower Hutt), who has won many titles, and B. Hawkey (Timaru), a former 150 c.c. champion. The 100 c.c. super class is

also expected to be hotly contested. Entrants include A. Long (Christchuch), R. Wilkinson, W. Triptow (Levin), the 1964 winner of the 100 c.c. junior class; G. Tapper (Invercargill), runner-up to the 1956 100 c.c. super-class championship; I. Manssen (Foxton), M. Mitchell (Christchurch), the 1964 New Zealand 250 c.c. class winner; D. Drake (Auckland), J. Clarke (Mossburn) and R. Steedman (Manawatu). A. Coggins (New South Wales) is a competitor in the New Zealand 150 c.c. class, as is Lexia Isaacs, also of Australia, who recently won two North Island women’s titles. Another entrant is C. Bremner (Dunedin), winner of the 1966 Greymouth grand prix of 20 miles. K. McFadzien (Invercargill), said to be the fastest go-kart driver in New Zealand, is entered in the 200 c.c. A class: McFadzien is the driver who lapped the 1.6-mile Teretonga circuit at more than 110 m.p.h.