21st October 2011

Cross makes winning start to ambitious Twin Island Title bid - from KartSport NZ

One down and one to go. 2011 KartSport NZ North Island Sprint Championships Cadet class title winner Caleb Cross (in kart) with father Hamish. Photo credit: Fast Company/Raceimages

Young Rangiora karter Caleb Cross has made a winning start in his attempt to claim the Cadet class titles at both the North and South Island Sprint Kart Championship meetings this weekend.

His ambitious attempt has been made possible because this year The Thirsty Whale-sponsored North Island meeting in Hastings is being run over three days with the Cadet class title contested today (Friday), the Enersave-backed South Island meeting in Nelson over two with the Cadet class contested tomorrow (Saturday).

Today’s North Island Cadet title bid went right down to the wire, with Matthew Payne winning the Pre-Final (the race which determines the grid for the winner-takes-all Final) and leading for most of the way in the Final. He also – somehow – managed to re-take the lead after Cross grabbed it for the first time on the final lap, but Cross was not to be denied, making a successful dive for first place into the final corner and crossing the finish line in front.

Jacob Cranston and Daniel Bray were the other 2011 North Island title winners today, Cranston finally getting the better of a large leading group to claim victory in the Junior Restricted 100cc Yamaha Final from Pre-Final winner Campbell Joyes, and international Daniel Bray untouchable in the premier Senior Gearbox class, KZ2.