Circuit Mark Webber Officially Opened

L-R Mick Gentleman MLA, Dianne Webber, Senator Zed Seselja, Alan Webber (Image: Peter Norton Photography)

FIA World Endurance Champion Mark Webber was acknowledged by the Canberra Kart Racing Club when they unveiled a plaque naming the Fairbairn Park Track after the former member and nine (9) time F1 Grand Prix winner.

The ceremony which was held on the first day of the NSW Kart Championships was attended by Mark’s parents Alan and Diane Webber, Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja, Mick Gentleman representing the Chief Minister of the ACT Legislative Assembly, Mayor of Queanbeyan Tim Overall along with over 250 Karter’s and their families.

Mark spoke to the crowd via a video message in which he said he was honoured and humbled to hear the track was to be named after him, “I have a lot of great memories there in the early 90s with my dad and many other friends racing. Through the junior categories, I learnt a lot of my craft there it’s a technical little track which put me in great stead for the future.”

Mark went on to say that he was happy to hear the club had receive the development approval from the ACT Government, “It will be fantastic for the community, and particularly the young drivers to continue racing out there, because there has been many days in the past when it looked like the track could even be closed, so I am really excited to hear that families will be able to continue to go racing.”

Eddie Ruiz president of the Canberra Kart Racing Club spoke about how his ongoing support of the club has been appreciated and they he thrilled to be able continue that link between Mark and the Canberra Kart Racing Club. “Mark has always been a great supporter of the club, and has on occasions joined his former competitors and friends out here to ‘cut a few laps’ when at home in Queanbeyan.” Ruiz, went on to say that this was the first step of the clubs master plan, “the hard work now begins to transform Circuit Mark Webber into one of the top karting venues in the country, “

Mick Doohan, Chairman of Karting Australia also congratulated the club on their work developing karting in the region and spoke about the economic benefits that Karting brings to a community. “The extension the circuit and facilities will hopefully one day lead us (Karting Australia) to having an International event in the Nation’s Capital.”

Racing at Circuit Mark Webber continues this weekend with Finals of the first round of the NSW Kart Championships commencing 12pm Sunday May 1 and can be watched live online from the Canberra Kart Racing website. www.canberrakarts.com.au

Pierce Lehane in action on Circuit Mark Webber. (Image: Coopers Photography)