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15th April 2014

NEWCASTLE BROTHERS SET FOR NATIONALS TILT

Newcastle teenager Ryan Pike on his way to third place at the Victorian Championships last month (Pic: Coopers Photography)

Newcastle teenagers Jordan and Ryan Pike are preparing for the biggest event of their flourishing karting career.

The pair will race at speeds in excess of 100km/h during the 52nd Australian National Sprint Kart Championship at Cameron Park this weekend, an event that has attracted more than 270 entries from all around Australia.

Since starting their racing career almost six years ago, the pair have raced on more circuits than any other competitor in the sport having spent 18 months on a family trip travelling around the Country in 2012.

“The boys raced on 56 tracks around the Country during our trip – it was an amazing experience for us all,” said Phil Pike, who previously raced Jet Sprint boats with his wife Fiona.

“Karting is a real family sport, we’re all heavily involved with Fiona also an integral part of the team.  We all share in the highs and lows together.”

Ryan will start as one of the contenders in the Junior National Heavy class this weekend while Jordan, who was crowned Newcastle Club Champion in 2013, will line up against 50 other competitors in Junior National Light.

This will be Ryan’s second tilt at the National Championships, having finished ninth in 2012, while his younger sibling will be making his debut at this level across the weekend.

“I raced in Darwin at the Nationals a couple of years ago and probably had enough pace to finish fifth but it didn’t quite happen,” said Ryan, who finished third in the Victorian Championships last month.

Ryan had this advice for his lesser-experienced sibling.

“The biggest thing I can say is that Jordie just needs to treat it like another event, stay calm and if he drives to his full potential he can certainly be a contender on Sunday in the final,” said Ryan.

The boys’ father, Phil, believes the healthy sibling rivalry throughout the years is something that has assisted the boys to develop as drivers.

“Over the years there has been a lot of sibling rivalry, they’ve both pushed each other harder than any other competitor could have,” said Phil.

“We work hard to give the boys the best opportunity at succeeding and I’d love for nothing better than both of them to walk away with a podium finish this weekend.”

The Pike brothers are just two of a numerous drivers from the Hunter region who will be taking on Australia’s best this weekend.

It is the first time the Newcastle Kart Racing Club has hosted the National Championships since 2001.   At that event, reigning Bathurst 1000 Champion Mark Winterbottom was victorious to win his ninth National Karting Championship.

Teams and drivers will begin arriving on Wednesday ahead of practice on Thursday and Qualifying on Friday.  The racing will continue on Saturday with the Championship finals to be decided on Sunday.

The Newcastle Kart Racing Club is located at 5 Cameron Park Drive, Cameron Park.

Admission is free for Spectators.