Grother - There Is A Long Way To Go

15 April 2010

While he may have had a disastrous opening round, Tracksa Racing’s John Grother hasn’t given up on claiming the 2010 CIK Stars of Karting Series Championship.

Grother, winner of both rounds he contested during the 2009 series, is currently languishing down in 13th place on the points standings but the Gladstone driver believes he can still figure prominently in the Pro Light (KF1) title.

Tracksa Racing's John Grother in action at the
opening round of the 2010 CIK Stars of Karting Series
in Newcastle. Pic: photowagon.com.au

“I was very much behind the eight ball going into the opening round with all of the rain in Central Queensland but then I had a few things that went wrong meaning I am a lot further down in the standings than what I would have liked,” said Grother.

“To win the championship is certainly harder now than what it was six weeks ago but it’s not out of the question and I certainly haven’t given up.

“I only raced in two rounds last year, won them both and finished up in a good position in the overall standings, there is still a long way to go yet.”

While some onlookers were surprised by the pace shown by Grother’s tracksa team-mate, Cian Fothergill, on route to victory in the opening round, Grother was not.

“I’ve known, and raced against, Cian for a lot of years. We’ve both raced throughout Central Queensland for as long as I can remember and he’s always been fast – no matter what category of karting,” said Grother.

“I always knew that he would be one of the drivers to beat, not only in round one but during the entire series – as is Hayden McBride, Simon Roberts and a number of others.”

Grother is an avid supporter of the CIK style of racing and while the tracksa-backed outfit are already fielding four entries across the Pro categories in the series and one in the East Coast Title Clubman category, he is continually looking to expand the line-up.

“I love the CIK style of racing and with the CIK Stars of Karting Series back on track it is once again providing the sport with an elite series in Australia,” said Grother.

“If we can grow as a team, the series will continue to expand, which can only be a good thing. We’re currently talking to a couple of high profile drivers about opportunities later this year, with the aim on further expansions throughout 2011.”

Round Two of the CIK Stars of Karting Series will be hosted by the Ipswich Kart Club in Queensland and will incorporate the Queensland State Championships for the Pro Light (KF1), Pro Gearbox (KZ2) and Pro Junior (KF3) categories.

Competitors in the Pro Light category will use the 125cc IAME KF specification engine, as used in the 2009 championship that was won by Newcastle driver Hayden McBride. The Pro Gearbox drivers will take to the track powered by a six-speed 125cc gearbox machine while the Pro Junior drivers will use a 125cc Vortex KF3 specification engine.

Running in conjunction with the series is also be a Clubman and Junior National category, where competitors will be vying for the East Coast Title, along with one class chosen by the host club. The winner of the Clubman class across the four rounds will also receive a trip to the All Japan Kart Championships later in the year courtesy of the Yamaha Motor Company.

Approximately 100 drivers are set to take to the Willowbank Kart circuit (just outside of Ipswich) for the opening round of competition across the six categories being contested. In addition to the three Pro categories the up and coming competitors will contest the opening round of the East Coast Title for Clubman and Junior National while local competitors will battle it out in the Formula 100 category.

Practice will be held on Friday May 7 followed by qualifying races on Saturday May 8 and the finals on Sunday May 9. Admission for spectators is free