PUHAKKA SETS THE PACE IN RACE OF STARS PRACTICE

Simo Puhakka pushing hard during practice (Pic: Coopers Photography)

Four-time Finnish Champion Simo Puhakka was the pacesetter during practice for the Race of Stars on the Gold Coast today.

Puhakka, who is driving for the Gold Coast-based Patrizicorse team, found himself at the top of the timesheets at the end of both 20-minute practice sessions.

“Today was a good day, we are ok at the moment but I think we still have a little bit more in reserve – we are going to need it if we are going to stay on top,” said Puhakka.

Second fastest across the day in the elite KZ2 class was four-time World Champion Jonathan Thonon aboard his Praga kart, less than one-tenth of a second behind Puhakka’s time of 56.469 seconds. Third fastest was New Zealand Champion Daniel Bray.

Australia’s most capped driver, David Sera was fourth fastest ahead of Adam Hughes.

However, Hughes’ day ended in the disaster when he came together with Marijn Kremers in the closing stages of the final session. The impact sent Hughes spiraling into the air and left his him nursing some minor abrasions – the same can’t be said for his Energy kart that bore the brunt of the impact.

In the TAG 125 class, that has attracted more than 50 invited drivers local driver Mitchell Griffin in his Project X Racing entry finished fastest ahead of Pacific Kartsport pair Adam Mercer and Troy Morrisey.

Jai Brown was fastest in the Cadets class while Zane Morse set the pace in KF3 as did Toowoomba’s Will Brown in Junior National.

Tomorrow’s action gets under way at 8am with qualifying, all of the action will be shown live on speedcafe.com/kartinglive from 12pm (Queensland time).

For the results from practice, please click here.