TRICKY CONDITIONS FOR AKC PRACTICE IN NEWCASTLE

CRG driver Kyle Ensbey in action during today’s practice (Pic: Coopers Photography)

Tricky conditions challenged competitors during practice for Round Four of the Australian Kart Championship presented by Jayco and Castrol EDGE in Newcastle today.

Heavy overnight rain coupled with persistent showers throughout the morning the circuit ensured that the circuit was wet for the majority of the day.

It was only during the final round of practice that any sort of dry line began to appear on the circuit enabling competitors to improve their lap times.

With the four senior classes taking to the circuit for practice it was Kyle Ensbey, Daniel Rochford, Brad Jenner and Justin Francis who posted the fastest times in the KZ2, X30, KA TaG and KA1 classes respectively.

Ensbey, who currently sits fourth in the KZ2 standings, has recorded a podium finish every time he has competed at the Newcastle venue over the recent years giving him confidence entering this weekend’s penultimate round.

“I’ve always had good speed around here and when we rolled the kart out this morning it was pretty good straight out of the truck,” said the CRG Australia driver.

“We made some slight changes as the conditions varied but overall we were pretty much right on the money.

“There’s still a long way to go until the trophies are handed out on Sunday afternoon but right now I’m feeling pretty good.”

Monaco driver Daniel Rochford on his way to setting the pace in the X30 class (Pic: Coopers Photography)

Rochford, who rates the Newcastle as his favourite in the Championship, was fastest in both wet and dry conditions in the X30 class.

“Today was a very good day on a track that I really enjoy racing at. I’ve always been fast here in the past but just haven’t had any luck, hopefully that will change this weekend,” said Rochford.

The competitors in the junior classes will kick off tomorrow’s proceedings at 8:30am with the practice sessions followed by qualifying and the opening heat races for all seven classes. The last round of heat races and finals, which double as the New South Wales Championships, will take place on Sunday from 8:30am.

For the full results from practice please click here.

Live Timing from the event is available by clicking here.

Follow the Australian Kart Championship on Facebook and Karting Australia on Twitter where updates will be provided across the weekend.