WA STALWART HONOURED WITH SPECIAL TRIBUTE

Gary Light Cup to be presented at this weekend Australian Kart Championship Round

The contingent of Western Australian KZ2 drivers with Gary Light (Pic: Pace Images)

Local Western Australian drivers will have extra motivation at this weekend’s historic SP Tools Australian Kart Championship round in Wanneroo, with the announcement of the Gary Light Cup today.

Named in honour of long-time Karting WA President Gary Light, the Cup will be presented to the highest placed West Australian driver in the elite KZ2 category in Sunday afternoon’s final.

Gary has been involved in the sport as a Driver, Mechanic, State Technical Officer, State Delegate to the National Karting Council and State President – along with many other volunteer roles – he has been instrumental for the sport of karting in Western Australia.

For more than four decades, Gary has been heavily involved in the technical aspect of the sport and held the position of Karting WA President from 2001 until last year. His passion for the sport has not waivered throughout the years and like many events in WA, he’s trackside this weekend assisting with the running of the AKC round.

“It is an honour to be recognised in this way. I’ve never been one to want to be in the spotlight and only done whatever I could to in the best interests of the sport,” said Light.

“Over the years I’ve been privileged to have been a part of the success of many people, and a part of some great events but the best thing about the sport is the people I’ve met from all across the country. I’ve made some great friendships over the years, many of which have become lifelong great friends.”

For local driver Jake Klarich, who, four times has stood on the top step of the podium in Australian kart racing’s premier series, the announcement of the Gary Light Cup adds further incentive in his historic home round.

“Gary was instrumental for me during my Cadet and Junior days. He was my engine builder and also helped me a lot with my development, we even won quite a few big races – including a State Championship,” said Klarich.

“He has done so much for the sport here in Western Australia, so it’s really cool for him to be honoured in this way and I’ll be privileged if I get to be the first winner of the Gary Light Cup this weekend.”

Close to 400 competitors will line up across the eight categories, ranging from the youngest at 7 years of age right through to the Senior ranks.

Official practice got underway this morning with qualifying beginning this afternoon. The KZ2 class will qualify on Saturday morning ahead of the heat races with the finals to be contested on Sunday.

Live timing from the event can be found on www.speedhive.com or through the MYLAPS Speedhive App.

All of the weekend’s action will be streamed live on www.watchmysportlive.tv