Aussie Karters Flying The Flag Overseas

23 February 2010

Ricky Capo recently competed in the
CIK Trophy of New Zealand event in Wellington.
(Pic: photowagon.com.au)

Australian karters have been competing in different parts of the globe over the past couple of weeks with various successes in New Zealand and America.

Mt Eliza (Melbourne) teenager Ricky Capo and Victorian compatriot Matt Hayes contested the CIK Trophy of New Zealand in Wellington recently while Jonathan Venter (Sydney) competed in a round of the Florida Winter Tour in America over the weekend.

It was the second time that Capo had competed in New Zealand, while Hayes and Venter was making their New Zealand and American debuts respectively.

Competing in the elite junior class using 125cc KF3 specification engines Capo finished a creditable seventh against some of the top junior drivers from across New Zealand.

“It was another great experience to race in New Zealand, they race hard and fair over there,” said Capo.

“I really enjoyed the track, it had a number of good corners and a pretty good straight and I learnt a lot over the weekend. We’re looking to go back there next month to do another event before the Pro Junior (KF3) category in the final three rounds of the CIK Stars of Karting Series in Australia.”

At the same event Hayes was contesting the six-speed gearbox KZ2 category where he crossed the line seventh. The Melbourne driver’s performance in the 31-lap championship final was impressive as he charged his way through the field from 30th place on the grid after an engine failure in the pre-final.

Last weekend Venter travelled to Florida where he competed against some of the best young drivers from the USA, Brazil and the UK in a round of the Florida Winter Tour.

Jonathan Venter in action at the Florida Winter Tour.
(Pic: On Track Promotions)

Venter used the weekend to gain valuable experience against some tough opposition, including many who are regular competitors in the European Rotax Challenge.

In a field of 60 competitors Venter recorded a top ten finish in the final on the opening day and crossed the line 13th in the second day of competition in the Junior Rotax division.

Venter returns home later this week to prepare for the opening round of the 2010 CIK Stars of Karting Series to be held in Newcastle next week (March 5-7).