22/11/04
This report by Bob Roberts and courtesy of the Queensland Superkart Club
The weather was typical Phillip Island (PI) with rain
on arrival on Friday and the ever-present wind. Saturday saw breaks in the
weather enough for most classes to do practice and do qualifying as well as 1
heat on a dry track.
Sunday was a little different in that the first heat had all racers trying to
decide what tyres to put on and that created some tricky moments for some on
slicks in the rain that bucketed down after the first lap and continued to the
end of the heat. It was my first run in the wet and if the race was allowed to
go full distance I would have notched up a second, however, had to settle for
third right on Darren Dunn’s rear going down the straight. It is worth noting at
this time that Sam Zavaglia went out on slicks and still managed to finish the
race first, a commendable effort.
The 3rd heat saw me go into Honda too hot and over shoot. However, got back on
track only to drop a chain on the back straight on the last lap creating a dnf.
As we all know, in Nats if you have a dnf you are out of the running.
The 4th heat saw me come in 3rd and the final (8 laps) I gained 5th. Bloody long
way for an old fella.
Overall the meeting was run very successfully with no major incidents occurring
on the track. Oh that is for Steve Cloakes demonstration of negotiating the main
straight backwards and not hitting the wall. Nice skid marks however, Steve was
reluctant to take his leathers off at the presentation.
It was a typical Stockman domination again bringing up Brian Stockmans 8th
National title and Sams first in the 125 gearbox class giving his a total of two
National titles. However, it needs to be said that the 250 International would
not have been such a one horse race is the likes of Warren Mcillveen had his
kart available and Sams also. Both karts are still steaming back from the USA.
Finally it was rather obvious that some ill feeling was evident from interstate
runners as the fields were considerably light to say the least. If it were not
for some very keen Vic members bringing non-competitive 125gb out of retirement
to make up the numbers and giving 80gb drivers a go at 125gb racing that class
would not have had sufficient numbers also.
To me it was a very poor showing from all states and that it would have been
better if their energies and support were channelled into having maximum
participation at all National meeting as next year it will be televised as part
of the Premier Series 2005. To Race at PI and Eastern Creek is an experience all
competitors should have. They are the fastest and most challenging tracks for us
in Oz. It not only broadens ones experience in driving but also in kart
preparation and maintenance. The other aspect of attending Nationals is the
camaraderie displayed at all levels irrespective of driver/team rating. So
hopefully we will see some interstate racers coming out of their comfort zone
and take on the challenges these two circuits present.
Finally I would like to thank the organisers, Phillip Island Auto Racing Club (PIARC),
Officials and Victoria Superkarting club and all participants who attended. Due
to contractual arrangements we could not get into the circuit and acquire
garages until Saturday morning but everything eventually worked out and racing
commenced on time. Including overcoming the water hazard in the access tunnel.
I for one will be attending both events next year that go to make up the 2005
Nationals. Hope to see you there.
"Big Bad" Bob Roberts
FITH Racing
30/09/04
This just in regarding the "on again - off again" Australian national Superkart Championships
|
07/08/04 Sadly, it appears at this stage that the superkart nationals will not be taking place. Originally NSW was to host the nationals but due to ever dwindling expressions of interest and ever increasing hikes in running costs for the event, the decision was made by the NSW executive not to take the financial risk and to abandon the nationals in NSW for 2004. South Australia put their hand up as an alternative but sadly they have also had to abandon attemps to hold the nationals as their proposal to ammend the regulations for the event along with a dismal return of expressions of interest (14) has put paid to any attemp by them to hold the event. South Australia will be running the 2004 40th Anniversary Superkart G.P. instead. This leaves Victoria as a possible option to hold the event again at Phillip Is. This would probably replace their club event slated for October 30th. Details are being worked out with regards to the feasibility of organising/holding the event at such short notice but some experienced hands are on the case and an announcement is due in the near future. |