New Queensland Karting Series to Hit the Track in Ipswich This Weekend

25 May 2009

Queensland karting will enter a new era this weekend with the Supercheap Auto Kart Series kicking off at the Willowbank Karting complex in Ipswich this Sunday.

Former Australian Champion Ryan Wlodzinski will be lining up
in this weekend's opening round of the Supercheap Auto Kart Series.
(Pic: photowagon.com.au)

The series will combine some of the best categories of karting in a new and exciting race format which is designed to produce some of the most exciting races ever seen in the sport. During each of the rounds a total of seven categories, for various weights, engine capacities and ages, being contested with youngest drivers competing in the Midgets class.

It is in this category where the drivers, both boys and girls, will not only race for the victory but also be learning some valuable lessons along with the way in the form of car control and driving techniques, well before they are old enough to obtain their road licence.

Ipswich Kart Club members such as Ethan OFarrell, Jarred Lane, Sean Butcher, Mitchell Gee, Brock Plumb and Ashlon Crocket Gardener are all expected to figure prominently in the junior category, Junior National Light, for drivers between aged 12 and 16 years.

Local drivers will also be well represented in the Senior categories with former Australian Champion Ryan Wlodzinski, Peter Richards and three-time King of the Nationals winner Trent Mercer set to fly the local flag.

Series organiser John Lane expects to see drivers from all around the state, and even some from interstate, converge on the Ipswich region for this weekend's opening round of the five round series.

"When coming up with the concept for the Supercheap Auto Series I was aiming to make it attractive for drivers from all across the state and I think that we've certainly made sure this is the case," said Lane.

Trent Mercer in action behind the wheel of his Kosmic kart.
(Pic: photowagon.com.au)

"We're expecting that there will be people coming from as far North as Townsville and also some drivers from New South Wales, it's going to be very exciting.

"Karting has such a wide variety of categories and I think we've selected to run seven classes that will not only attract some of the best drivers to compete but also provide some sensational action for the spectators."

Thirty competitors in the series, including the overall winners in each of the categories, will receive the opportunity to spend a day at the Supercheap Auto Racing team workshop hosted by Russell Ingall and Paul Morris. The Junior drivers will also go for a hot lap with Ingall while the senior drivers will complete a full day of driver training at the Holden Performance Driving Centre.

The Willowbank Karting Complex is the home of the Ipswich Kart Club and is located on Champions Way, Willowbank.