ALL is in readiness for a huge weekend of racing at McNamara Park this weekend, but not in the orthodox sense.
The regular motorcycle racing gives way to superkarts when the 55th Australian Superkart Grand Prix takes over the circuit.
The event is run by the Adelaide Superkart Club and has its origins at McNamara Park, where it all began back in 1964.
After a 30-year hiatus it is back and bigger than expected.
ASC secretary Ian Williams said he was surprised and pleased with the response from drivers across South Australia, Victoria and even New South Wales, who will converge on the Limestone Coast for one of the biggest events for many years.
A total of 60 drivers are expected to contest the various classes across the weekend, which Williams said was close to double the numbers which usually attend the annual event.
He said much of that was due to the fact the Grand Prix was now run back in Mount Gambier, which provided less travelling for the Victorian competitors, rather than where it has been held in recent years in the Adelaide region.
“The response has been amazing,” Williams said.
“I did not know what to expect – a normal superkart Grand Prix meeting we might get 30 entrants.
“In the national championships we might pull 70, but they are at Eastern Creek or Phillip Island.
“For Mount Gambier, it is less travelling time for the Victorian drivers, which has helped with numbers.
“It will be the biggest one we have held for a long time, apart from nationals.”
Williams said there was also plenty of interest around the circuit itself, which the majority of the field had not raced on before.
“Most people have taken the word of me and five others who went down and looked at it last year,” he said.
“Mac Park is not the biggest, flashest track, like Phillip Island, but it is a great track to drive.
“If you are a driver, you will love it.”
The youngest competitor is 12 years of age, while the oldest – Graham Jensen – is 72.
It will be the final event for Jensen, who is keen to finish his racing career on a high.
“Graham has raced his whole life, with bitumen karts and dirt karts, then changed to superkarts about 10 years ago,” Williams said.
“He drives an Australian made Scorpion chassis with a 125cc Rotax engine.
“There will be about 14 in that class and they should reach speeds up to 140kph.
The 250cc International class will see eight of the biggest and fastest superkarts competing, which should hit speeds close to 240kph down the back straight at McNamara Park and push the outright lap record.
Williams said he expects some fast and furious competition, with plenty of action all weekend for spectators.
Entry is free for spectators both tomorrow and Sunday, with canteen facilities available.
Spectators can walk through the pits to talk to the drivers and check out their equipment.
Practice kicks off tomorrow from 10am to 4pm, with racing Sunday from 10am to around 3.30pm.
