Change of venue for final day of CIK championship

24 October 2009

The final round in the 2009 CIK Australian Karting Championship, held alongside the Rotax Pro Tour, moves from the Ipswich Kart Track to the Greer Park Raceway in nearby Toowoomba tomorrow, after officials deemed the racing surface at Ipswich unsafe for racing this afternoon.

The surface began breaking up in the hot conditions this morning and racing was called to a halt early this afternoon. After inspecting the track and considering all options, AKA officials consulted competitors and have decided to move the remaining heat races, pre-final and final will be held in Toowoomba.

Competitor safety was the key driver of the decision, options to ‘patch’ the circuit and continue racing were considered, however dismissed on the grounds of safety.

The Ipswich Kart Club did everything in its power to rescue the event, however a suitable solution could not be found to allow the event to continue on safely.

“It is the first time in known history of the AKA that a race meeting has been transferred like this,” said Clerk of Course Chris Robinson.

“It is a very unfortunate situation but I think we have made the right decision and would sincerely like to thank everyone who has moved ‘heaven and earth’ to ensure this event continues.

“While everyone has done everything possible to make it happen a huge thanks must go to the National Executive of the AKA and AKA QLD officials, along with Toowoomba for making their track available at such short notice.

“I’m also pleased to know that we will have every single official from today in attendance and 95 percent of the drivers have confirmed they will be there tomorrow.”

An amended program, including extended practice for all competitors will begin at 8am at Toowoomba Kart Raceway.

The Greer Park Raceway is located just off the Lockyer Highway, Toowoomba just past Helidon (heading toward Toowoomba from Brisbane.

Prior to the racing being suspended today, Queenslander John Grother set the pace during qualifying ahead of Gillard team-mate, and championship leader, Hayden McBride, CIK debutant Matthew Waters and South Australian Tyson Pearce. He also took out the first heat race.