WORLD’S BEST TAKE TO THE RACE OF STARS TRACK ON THE GOLD COAST

Jasn Faint on his way to setting the fastest time in practice today. (Pic: Coopers Photography)

Jason Faint on his way to setting the fastest time in practice today. (Pic: Coopers Photography)

The fifth annual Race of Stars on the Gold Coast has got underway in perfect weather conditions at the Xtreme Karting Complex with some of the best in the world coming to grips with the circuit ahead of tomorrow’s qualifying and races.

JC Karts driver, Jason Faint from Gladstone has upstaged the European superstars in the elite KZ2 category, setting a blistering time around the circuit this afternoon to set the pace.

Faint, who is driving for the Virgin Australia Supercars Champion – James Courtney’s team, set a time of 56.678 seconds, with New South Welshman, Cody Gillis marginally behind in his Kosmic kart. The young star of last year’s Race of Stars, 15-year-old Tomas Gasperak got his Gold Kart to third in this afternoon’s final session, showing the pace he enjoyed just 12 months ago.

The best of the European drivers was Swede Joel Johansson in his Energy Kart, ending in eighth position. World Champion Paolo de Conto ended the final session in 21st position, having spent much of the day getting his engines, brought in from Italy especially for the event, to optimum performance before qualifying tomorrow morning.

Taylor Hazard has upstaged the opposition in the elite Junior category, KA2 with the quickest time in final practice this afternoon. Jai Brown in his JC Kart was second fastest while Gold Coaster, Lachlan Hughes – fresh from the World Championships – was third fastest.

Five time Australian Champion, James Sera was the best of the KA3 Senior category edging young New South Welshman, Tommy Harradine. Novocastrian Thomas Davies was third quickest.

Multiple-time National Champion Brendan Nelson topped the monster 55-driver TaG 125 field.

South Aussie Blake Purdie was the best of the KA4 Junior competitors, his Zanardi Kart topping the final session over Declan Matthews and Ryan Newton.

Zachary Heard was the best of the juniors in KA3 Junior, edging Harrison Hoey and Thomas Sargent with Jonathon Marcusson fourth quickest.

In Cadet 12, Sydney EVO Kart driver, Adrian Haak topped the field. Carter Mobbs ended the session second quickest with Marcos Flack third fastest.

Tomorrow, action begins with the first qualifying session at 8:30am before heat racing gets underway.

Sunday will see the completion of heats and the finals where the iconic surfboard trophies will be presented.

Entry is free to the public at the Xtreme Karting Complex, which is at 540 Pimpama Jacobs Well Rd, Pimpama QLD 4209.