Karting Veteran Continues To Prove The Sport Is For All Ages

26 November 2009

Horsham’s Remo Luciani is living proof that karting is not only for the young, but also the young at heart.

Since starting his karting career in 1981 at the age of 21 aboard a Victa-powered kart on a dirt track in his home town, Luciani has developed into one of the country’s top drivers having secured 49 State Championships and six National crowns.

Remo Luciani aims to secure his 50th State Championship
this weekend. (Pic: photowagon.com.au)

During this weekend’s South Australian Championships at the Bolivar Raceway, Luciani has two shots at securing his 50th state crown – Clubman Heavy and Clubman Over 40s.

While his main focus is on securing the win in the Clubman Over 40s category Luciani believes that he will also keep the ‘young blokes’ honest in the Clubman Heavy class.

“I’ve been sitting on 49 state titles since the start of the year and this is my last chance before the end of 2009 to get number 50. Hopefully I can get the job done,” said Luciani.

“I’m realistic about my chances in Clubman Heavy and the battle for the over 40s win is going to be pretty tough as well but I’m here to give it my best shot.”

The Bolivar Raceway is one of his favourite circuits and he has tasted success on numerous occasions, however, Luciani knows the local drivers like Darryl Tolmer, who won the 1987 Australian Championship, and Simon Layne won’t be making his life easy in the Clubman Over 40’s category.

Two years ago, when the event was last held at the venue, Luciani was running in second place during the final behind Tolmer but when the local driver encountered a mechanical issue Luciani took full advantage to claim the win.

“The layout of the Bolivar Raceway is one of the best in the country with a good mixture of tight, flowing and technical sections. It has been very kind to me in the past,” said Luciani.

“Tolmer really had my measure last time I was here but he had some mechanical dramas in the final, sometimes you win them and sometimes you lose them – that time I came out the winner. He will again be tough to beat on his home track, as will Simon Layne.”

Qualifying begins tomorrow morning followed by the opening round of heat races in the afternoon. Racing will be contested on Saturday with the championship finals contested on Sunday.