AUSTRALIAN KART CHAMPIONSHIP TO IGNITE IPSWICH

The 2021 SP Tools Australian Kart Championship presented by Castrol EDGE kicks off this weekend in Ipsiwch (Pic: Pace Images)

Digital Race Program (inc. timetable and entry lists) available to be viewed here.

Kart racers from all across the country are set to converge on the Ipswich Kart Track this Friday and Saturday to begin their campaigns in the 2021 SP Tools Australian Kart Championship presented by Castrol EDGE.

More than 260 competitors will be in action across eight classes varying from the youngsters in Cadet 9 through to the elite KZ2 class, where drivers use a six-speed gearbox powerplant.

Bundaberg’s Troy Loeskow is the current Australian Champion in the elite class, and after a comprehensive performance at the recent Ipswich Club Championship event will start as one of the favourites for the opening round.

Brad Jones Racing Supercars driver Macauley Jones will be making a return to karting in the KZ2 class as he prepares for the opening round of the Supercars Championship in Bathurst next weekend.

With more than 30 drivers on the grid in the elite class, it is one of the largest for the class in several years and set to be a spectacle as the drivers tackle the challenging Ipswich circuit at speeds in excess of 140 km/h.

In the elite Junior ranks (KA2), Queenslanders Ethan Feather, Zane Rinaldi and Jack Wells are expected the local flag high against the likes of New South Welshman Elliott Cleary, Slade Orsmond and Costa Toparis along with Victorian Jesse Lacey. Young female racers Aiva Anagostiadis and Alice Buckley are also expected to figure prominently in the class.

“After a tumultuous year in 2020, we’re excited to kick the Australian Kart Championship off for 2021 this weekend in Ipswich,” said Australian Kart Championship Manager Lee Hanatschek.

“With more than 260 entries, it’s a great way to start the year. This number was set to be slightly higher but several competitors from Victoria have been unable to make it due to the border restrictions, we look forward to welcoming them back for round two.

“Ipswich is a fantastic facility and will provide a great platform to showcase the sport of karting this weekend – even more so with the finals being held as a night-time spectacle on Saturday evening.”

Practice will begin at 10am on Friday with qualifying to be held late in the afternoon ahead of the opening round of heats for most classes. The elite KA2 and KZ2 classes will kick off the action on Saturday at 10am. The finals will begin at 5:30pm.

Admission is free for spectators. All attendees will be required to be CovidSafe and respect the relevant requirements of the current Queensland Public Health Directions.

The Ipswich Kart Club is located on Champions Way, Willowbank.