Chch kart driver wants to put N.Z. on map

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34123, 8 April 1976, Page 32

Chch kart driver wants to put N.Z. on map

(Bu >

ROD DEW

Late last year, the 29-year-old Christchurch driver, John Hamilton, finished thirty-third out of a field of 130 in the world 100 cu. cm rotary light sprint kart championship on the Paul Ricard circuit in France. It was the highest placing achieved in the world championship by a driver from the southern hemisphere. But Hamilton is by no means resting on his laurels. “I don't think it was all that great. I know that I can do better,” he said. Hamilton hopes to do this in the next world championships in West Germany in August. However. before he can be assured of some financial support from the New Zealand Kart Federation he has to overcome one major hurdle — the national championship for his class, which will be held at the Carrs Road circuit at Easter. lhe 100 cu. em rotary' light title will be decided over five 10-lap races on Easter Saturday' and the competition, particularly from the North Island, will be strong. Last season. Hamilton finished second — the only South Islander in the first 13 placings. The defending champion, Murray Adshead (Auckland), will be in the field again, although the two drivers Hamilton will be watching most carefully' are two other Aucklanders, the Haddock brothers, Eric and Keith. “They are real whiz kids as far as engines are concerned in New Zealand,” he said. Hamilton feels that he can win the title for the first time. “I was second last time and I have had a lot of overseas experience since then.” Last year he spent six months racing in England before going to France for the world championships. “They’ drive so much harder overseas. 'S ou have got to improve or get left behind. Every week you drive in a field which would be stronger than we get in the national championship.” He also learned a lot about tuning engines and

how to improi e handling and considers this should help him in his title hid After the world championships, Hamilton com peted in a major international event in Hong Kong. It was his second appearance in the etent — he was a New Zealand rep resentative in 1974 and finished eighth — and he had high hopes, especially after qualifying third fastest. But his chances of a share in the 83000 prize money evaporated w hen he was involved in a maior shunt in the first corner. In the New Zealand event, Hamilton will drive the same English Heat inson sprint kart he used in the world championships It is powered by cither Corsair or Comet two stroke rotary valve engine(be has one of each), both of Italian manufacture. Geared for acceleration on the Carrs Road 550 metres circuit, it is capable of about 70 miles an hour. But with the correct gear ing it will do close to 120 miles an hour. In spite of his success in the sport. Hamilton is a relative newcomer. He started racing in 1968. putting aside a previous interest in yacht racing. "1 got transferred to Invercargill and there was no suitable water for yachts but there was a good kart track,” he explained. “I use*! to follow motor racing and this was one form of the sport 1 could afford — just.” Although he is keen to get to grips with the world’s top drivers in West Germany, he realistically says that lie holds out no hope of actually winning. The amount of money poured into some European teams, especially those from Italy, left the privateer little chance. Francois Goldstein, the Belgian who won the world 100 cu cm title last season, had 80 works engines, each valued at 81000, to choose from at the circuit, he explained. “Goldstein was paid 82000 for driving and a further $2OOO as a bonus for winning, excluding ant prize money.” In tile picture, Hamilton gets the feel of his highh - advanced kart.