The Victorian Country Series begins in Ballarat this weekend
MORE than 150 go kart racers will contest the Victorian Country Series season opener at Haddon Raceway on Sunday.
The Ballarat Go Kart Club was given the honour of hosting the first round, which will likely attract the largest number of drivers for the entire six-round statewide series.
Apart from about 16 Ballarat-based drivers, club spokesman Richard Gay said drivers would be coming from Mt Gambier through to metropolitan Melbourne, with 10 classes being contested over the course of the weekend.
“It is fantastic to start the karting season in Ballarat with fine weather, which gives the local drivers the opportunity to get a great start to the season before heading to round two in Warrnambool in April,” Gay said.
“Some of the local drivers to watch include Luke Thurston, Jordan Malcolm and Josh Gay in the rookies class, as well as Hayden Berns and Dylan Simonis in junior national light.
“Michael Angwin in the sportsman restricted heavy class is a very good chance. He won the series in that class last year and would be one of the favourites to win on Sunday.
“Craig Widgery in the over-40s clubman got third last time, and is a chance to win on his home track as well.”
The 10 classes will range from midgets for drivers aged seven to 10, up to over-40s.
Practice starts Saturday at 9am, with racing starting 9am Sunday until 4pm.
Entry is free.
The first round of the Ballarat Go Kart Club Championship is in two weeks time.
