DARK clouds, strong winds and threatening rain was not enough to deter Mount Gambier karter’s from hitting the track last week in preparation for this coming weekend’s SA State Cup.
Drivers from interstate as well as within SA are set to visit the region this coming weekend as the Mount Gambier Karting Club’s Glenburnie Raceway will come to life with the smell of two stroke and fast, action-packed racing.
Entry levels were larger than normal last weekend as a number of visiting drivers used the event to fine tune their set-ups as they look for tenths of a second to gain advantage over their fellow competitors
The Cadet 9 drivers had a strong field of talent with local driver Charlie Evans setting the early pace.
Adelaide’s Leo Iannella shone bright as he clean swept the heats to take victory.
Newcomer to the sport Ewan Anderson also made the journey over from Portland and finished the day second overall, giving the youngster a boost of confidence going into this weekend’s event.
Evans had mechanical issues during heats two and three, but recovered well in the final to cross the line in second place.
Unfortunately for Evans it was not enough to fight back onto the podium as a consistent Xavier Cain rounded out the top three place getters.
Cadet 12 also had a good field, but it was local driving sensation Parker Scott who proved too quick for his competition.
Four wins from four starts saw Scott accumulate maximum points to take the round win.
Portland’s Brocklan Parker took the challenge to Scott and drove well to finish the day with three second placings and a third.
The final competitor to earn a podium placing was Horsham member Robbie Turmine.
An outstanding drive in heat one set him up for a great day’s racing and a third place finish overall.
KA3 Junior was dominated by Corey Herbertson, who was unchallenged all day.
After a stellar 2017 and a recent trip to the Gold Coast to compete in the “Race Of The Stars”, Herbertson should be one to watch this weekend as the SA State Cup unfolds.
KA4 Junior Light had three local drivers fill the top three placings.
Former National Champion Kai Allen returned the Glenburnie Raceway after a stint of national level racing.
Despite the best efforts of the rest of the class Allen was unstoppable as he led the chasing group of drivers.
Bronson Boult took the challenge to Allen, but was unable to capitalise on some opportunities.
In a valiant effort Boult did enough to secure second place.
Rounding out the top three was local member Tyson White.
Despite a DNF in heat two after kart damage, White fought back in the remaining heats to place third earning him a great point haul towards the 2017 club championship.
KA4 Junior Heavy was well fought out early in the day with South West Kart Club member Maximus Fahey taking the early win over Lauren Ferguson.
A closely contested battle in heat two resulted in kart contact and ended the day’s racing for Fahey.
Ferguson went on to win the remaining heat races and as a result took the round win also.
Mount Gambier local Trevor Pevitt was the man to beat in the Open performance class and from the moment he arrived he was on the pace.
Wins in heats one and two was interrupted by a DNF in heat three.
Pevitt fought back in the final to again cross the line in first place earning a points haul to secure the top step of the podium for the day’s racing.
Tag125 Restricted provided some great entertainment with visiting drivers placing in the top the positions all day.
Todd Chambers took wins in heats on two and three, but Hamilton local Andrew Stubbs broke his sweep of wins by crossing the line first in the 10 lap final.
Despite missing the third heat with a mechanical issue Portland’s Kevin Hitchcock rounded out the top three with some good consistent racing.
Tag125 Light came down to a two local drivers fighting for local honours.
Morgan Feast has had a year to remember and will look to finish the year on a high this weekend.
Feast was unstoppable as he took four wins from four heat races.
Jack Ryan also showed great pace and consistency as he crossed the line at the end earning enough points to secure second.
Tag125 Heavy was dominated by three drivers.
Portland’s Scott King was crowned victorious at the conclusion of the day with three wins from four starts.
Kelvin Moreland got the better of King in heat one taking the win before finishing the day the three more second placings.
Keeping the family amongst the winners circle was Matt Moreland, Matt followed his father Kelvin across the line with a string of third placings to conclude a great days racing.
Racing this weekend is set to get underway late Saturday morning with the two-day event concluding Sunday afternoon.
A list of local and interstate talented drivers will be attending as winners of each class will be awarded a State Cup as well as a highly sought after Black Plate to allow drivers to showcase their achievement throughout 2018.
With free entry to the complex, catering onsite and plenty of action on the track, this weekend promises to provide plenty of entertainment for those in attendance.
