1st November 2012

Higgs returns home for South Australian Karting Championships - From the Border Watch

(http://www.borderwatch.com.au/story/516660/higgs-returns-home-for-south-australian-karting-championships/?cs=1266)

AMONG THE FAVOURITES: Former Mount Gambier driver, Anthony Higgs will return “home” this weekend to race in the South Australian Karting Championships, which starts tomorrow at Glenburnie Raceway. Picture: Lee Hanatschek, Australian Karting Association

FORMER Mount Gambier man, Anthony Higgs returns to the Limestone Coast this week, but his sole attention will be on success in the South Australian Karting Championships.

The three day championships will be held at Glenburnie Raceway, starting tomorrow.
Higgs left the region in 2006 in a transfer in employment commitments, relocating to Perth, Western Australia.

Although not living here anymore, Higgs still calls Mount Gambier home and would enjoy nothing more than success on his old home track in front of family and friends this weekend.

“I’m a Mount Gambier boy through and through,” he said.

“You’ll never take that away from me no matter how long I may live in a different state.

“I lived there for 33 years of my life, Mum and Dad still live in Mount Gambier as does my sister and her family, it is our family town.

“To be able to go back and race in my home city is always a great pleasure and I can’t wait for the racing this weekend,” he added.

Higgs’ karting career began in 1987 at Glenburnie Raceway, a venue that he holds very dear to his heart.

“I just love the track, the green surroundings and the whole complex,” he said.

“I’ve been all across this country and even to America, for karting events and without doubt, Mount Gambier is right up there with the best venues I’ve been to.”

Higgs has somewhat dominated the Clubman Super Heavy category on his home circuit throughout the years with victory at both State and National Championships over the past 15 years at the venue.

Higgs’ maiden podium finish in a State Championship event was in 1993 when Mount Gambier hosted the SA titles and he finished second.

Since then he has not been defeated in a blue ribbon event at Glenburnie, having won the State Championship in 1999 and 2006 and also the National Championship in 2000.

Despite his great record of success, Higgs is fully aware of the high level of competition that he will be up against this weekend.

“I’ve enjoyed some great success here in the past and hopefully this weekend will be another successful one but it’s not going to be easy,” he said.

Higgs will drive a European made Kosmic kart at this weekend’s event.

“I think the main opposition will come from Joshua Herne from Lismore who has been a front runner over the past 12 months all across the country,” he mused.

“Adelaide driver, Paul Pittam and Western Australia’s Ash Pittard, who finished runner-up in Bunbury at the WA States a few weeks ago are also big chances.”

On a local front, Higgs will also be up against Mount Gambier Karting Club members, John Dankowski and Nick Scudds as well.

Higgs will be one of almost 200 competitors lining up in this weekend’s event across 12 different categories.

Drivers, teams, families and support crews began arriving in Mount Gambier on Tuesday of this week ahead of practice yesterday and today and qualifying races tomorrow and Saturday.

Finals in each of the categories will be raced on Sunday.