STATE TITLE SHAKEDOWN IN THE WEST THIS WEEKEND

The Tiger Kart Club will host its final shakedown meeting this weekend ahead of the upcoming KTEQ Rentals Western Australian State Championships to be held at the Cockburn International Raceway on the opening weekend in October.

This weekend’s event will provide competitors with a final opportunity to gain valuable track time as they prepare for next month’s blue ribbon event.

A total of 16 classes being contested this weekend, catering for a variety of ages, weight and engine capacities from the youngest drivers in the Midgets category aged between 7 and 10 years of age through to the Clubman Over 40’s.

Making his return to the karting scene on a regular basis in preparations for the State Championships and next year’s National Championships to be held at the venue is five-time Australian Champion Brad Fitch.

“Over the past few years I’ve only raced sparingly due to other commitments in my life but with the Nationals just around the corner I’m really focused on adding another title to my resume,” said the 30 year-old Iluka resident.

“It’s fantastic to have everyone come to our home track, which has just been resurfaced for the upcoming major events, and it’s a pretty exciting time for the sport in Western Australia.

“Across the past couple of months I’ve been out to the track testing a fair bit to find a bit more speed out of my Tony Kart and try to take advantage of my home track advantage.

“This weekend is going to be a really good hitout with the likes of Simon Gwillam, Lloyd Billick and Kip Foster, all who are current or former state or national champions, racing in the Clubman Heavy category.”

This weekend’s shakedown event has attracted in excess of 180 competitors and the State Championships are expected to attract around 250 drivers from all areas of the state along with a number of interstate competitors.

Qualifying and the opening heat race will be held on Saturday ahead of the final round of heats, pre-final and final on Sunday.

The Cockburn International Raceway is located on Gemma Road, Henderson.