DUTCHMAN TAKES THE CASH AT THE DASH

Joey Hanssen on his way to victory in the 30-lap main event on Saturday night (Pic: Real Deal Media)

Dutch driver Joey Hanssen walked away from the Kalgoorlie Case & Drill Dash for Cash as the big winner on Saturday night.

Hanssen took home the $5,000 first prize when he crossed the line ahead of surprise packet Jason LeCocq and Italian star Roberto Toninelli.

The European pair of Toninelli and Hanssen occupied the front row at the start of the 30-lap final with Melbourne’s Lee Mitchener and Queenslander Kel Treseder occupying the second row.

Toninelli got the jump at the start of the 30-lap final aboard his Birel kart ahead of Hanssen with Mitchener remaining in touch with two of the world’s best drivers aboard his Formula K chassis.

Just when it appeared as though Mitchener would be able to mount a challenge on Hanssen, a broken gear mechanism ended his race leaving Toninelli and Hanssen to dice it out.

After shadowing the Italian for several laps, Hanssen moved his Lenzo kart to the front of the field with ten laps remaining. At a similar time, LeCocq was charging up the order disposing on his more fancied Australian rivals such as Treseder and Kyle Ensbey, to be hounding Toninelli for the runner-up spot.

As the race continued, LeCocq moved into second place and was closing the gap on the race leader but was unable to reel him in before the chequered flag flew with Hanssen taking the win in his first trip to Australia.

Hanssen flanked by Jason LeCocq (left) and Roberto Toninelli on the podium (Pic: Real Deal Media)

“My first trip here in Australia and I’ve absolutely loved it. The atmosphere here was great, racing under lights was a real experience, we don’t have much of that over in Europe,” said Hanssen.

“It’s a long race, you really have to just wait for your opportunities and then go for it. I know Roberto and he’s a really good drive, never out flank him. No matter what event he’s in, he’s always fast.

“I’d really like to thank Brendan and John Shugg from Lenzo Kart Australia, Ben Hardinge for letting me use his kart, Paul Williams for his help as mechanic and we’re going to have lots of fun tonight.”

LeCocq’s second place was a popular one with the large crowd, and the likeable West Aussie was ecstatic with his podium finish.

“Maaaateeeee, how good this?” beamed LeCocq on the podium.

“I’m on top of the world, to race on the same track as these European guys is huge but to be up here with them is an accomplishment and a half. This is only my fifth race in the category so I’m just over the moon.

“I really have to thank Wayne Gough for lending me the kart and engine along with my Dad for setting the kart up and my Mum for all of her support.”

In the other feature category of the event, Pro Leopard, it was Nathan Davis who dominated the final to take the win ahead of Brendan Shugg and Matt Davis.

For the full results please click here.

Nathan Davis was dominant on his way to victory in the Pro Leopard class (Pic: Real Deal Media)