12th October 2013

Strong Gladstone contingent competing in CIK Race of Stars - From Gladstone Observer

(http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/karters-heading-to-race-of-stars/2049013/)

Jack Bussey, Josh Rogers, Mitch Bennett, Gerard Battye, Kane Bycroft and Josh Butlet are part of the Gladstone Kart Club contingent going to the Gold Coast for the CIK Race of Stars.

THE stars of V8 Supercar racing will attack the Gold Coast street circuit on October 26 and 27, but before they do, Gladstone’s future legends get their chance.

Nine drivers from the Gladstone Kart Club will zip around an 1125-metre circuit on October 18 and 19 in a series run in conjunction with the V8 Supercars.

“It is the first time it has been held in conjunction with them,” Gladstone club president Sandra Dicinoski said.

With a healthy contingent of local drivers making the journey south, Gladstone is a decent chance of having a representative in a parade with V8 Supercar drivers planned for the Sunday after the meet. That will run through the streets of Surfers Paradise.

The competition will be tough though, with the CIK Race of Stars attracting the best in Queensland and entries from throughout Australia, not that the local drivers are letting that faze them.

“We pushed to have more entries because of the strength of our members,” Dicinoski said.

There are also other Gladstone members who are heading to the Race of Stars, but representing other clubs in Central Queensland.

Many of the top V8 Supercars drivers have come through karting ranks and the Australian Karting Association (AKA) wants to begin development of the next generation and show them off to the current drivers.

“This event has been designed as a true showcase for the sport of karting,” Lee Hanatsheck, AKA media and marketing official, said.

While the ultimate prize for the drivers is getting a ride with the V8 stars, personal glory is more of a motivation, many of the Supercars drivers having met the Gladstone aces before.

“Some of the kids and drivers have had contact with them when they were here (Gladstone Go-Kart Track) racing,” Dicinoski said.

Each driver will get a qualifying run, two heats and the final over the two days of racing.

Gladstone Drivers

• Cian Fothergill- KZ2
• John Grother- KZ2
• Jason Faint- KZ2
• Josh Rogers- KFJ
• Mitch Bennett- Junior Nationals
• Jack Bussey- Junior Nationals
• Kane Bycroft- Junior Nationals
• Josh Butler- Cadets
• Gerard Battye- Tag 125