Athelstone Kart Racer Aiming For State Glory

25 November 2009

Athelstone teenager Todd Hazelwood likes to go fast, but only on a karting circuit.

While he is still two years away from sitting for his road licence, the year eight student at Charles Campbell Secondary College has been racing karts for seven years and has got his sights set on winning the State Championship this weekend.

Todd Hazelwood is confident of a top result at this
weekend's Championships (Pic: photowagon.com.au)

“I’ve pretty much been a petrol head since I was little, race motorbikes for a while then dirt karts from when I was seven years old and at the start of last year changed to racing karts on the bitumen tracks,” said Hazelwood.

At this weekend’s South Australian Karting Championships, at the Bolivar Raceway, Hazelwood will take on some of the best young drivers from across the country in the Junior National Light and Formula JMA categories.

Despite competing against drivers who are more experienced in the craft on the bitumen than what he is, Hazelwood is confident of a top result this weekend.

“Since moving from dirt karts I’ve done a lot of racing all across the country, which I think has helped me develop as a driver,” said Hazelwood.

“This will be my second state title in South Australia but I have also competed in the Northern Territory Titles, the Victorian and New South Wales State Championships.

“During last year’s SA Championships at Whyalla I was running strongly but had a few dramas which meant I ended up finishing fifth.

“This year on my home track I’m confident that I can be right up there again and hopefully break through for the win.”

Hazelwood will take to the circuit for qualifying on Friday followed by racing on Saturday and Sunday.

The Bolivar Raceway is located on Summer Road, just off Port Wakefield Road, Bolivar.