Action in store for fans

Press, 2 June 1989, Page 27

Action in store for fans

By MALCOLM CONDIE Close, and fast action is assured at the New Zealand karting road championships at Ruapuna Raceway on Sunday. Times taken recently clocked lOOcu cm sit up karts at 145km/h (90 miles an hour) down the straight and the flagships of the sport — the superkarts — were timed at 210km/h (130 miles an hour). More than 50 brave contestants have entered the championships in _ five classes — 100 cu cm sit up, lOOcu cm lie down, 125 cu cm gearbox, 250 cu cm national restricted, and the superkarts. Twenty of those contestants have travelled from the North Island. They represent Auckland, Hamilton, Taupo, and Taranaki. Some karters have made the trip

from Nelson and the remaining drivers are from Christchurch. John Gordon, of Wellington, will not be defending his superkart title at the week-end, but several drivers are more than happy to take the title off him. John Hamilton, of Christchurch, tussled closely with Hamilton’s Bruce Weeks in last week’s Christchurch championships and the two will face each other again on Sunday. Kevin Clark, of Tauranga and Jerome Gare, of Hamilton, are the other two most likely candidates for the title. Gare had bad luck last week-end when he broke a gearbox shaft. The closest racing of the day will be among the lOOcu cm sit-up karts. Eighteen karts have entered, and because of engine restrictions

they are very equal machines. This leaves the race up to driver ability and engine tuning. Andrew Bowler, the titleholder of this class, has travelled from Auckland to defend his title but has tough competition. Rhys McKay, of Dargaville, Tony Kinsman, of Auckland, and Nigel Wilkinson, of Christchurch, are the top contenders. The daughter of the top New Zealand motor-cyclist, Ginger Molloy, has also spent the week preparing her machine for the event. Jenny Molloy drove confidently last week-end and will be among the leaders. Each class is decided on an aggregate points system after four races. Each race is four laps. Racing starts at 12.30 p.m. and admission is free. Picture, Back page