(http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/news/treseder-aiming-for-top-3-burnin-rubber/1844739/)
ON FORM: Kel Treseder on the track doing a few practice laps before the weekend racing. Photo: Mike Knott / NewsMail
BUNDABERG’S go-kart king Kel Treseder will hit the tarmac for the second round of the prestigious CIK Australian Stars of Karting Championships in South Australia today.
Treseder is putting a new Energy Kinetic KZ 125cc six-gear go-kart through its paces in the elite pro gearbox category of the competition.
He will enter today’s race in fourth position and sits 21 points behind the series leader, Christopher Hays from the Gold Coast. After one round, Hays holds a narrow lead in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) championship over Dutch driver Joey Hanssen.
Hanssen, the 2011 KZ2 World Cup champion, poses a serious threat to domestic racers such as Hays and Treseder.
Treseder hopes to improve his standing and break into the top three for the third round of the series.
“A good solid result this weekend will ensure we’re still in the hunt,” he said.
“This is elite and there are a lot of really talented drivers here but we’re hoping for a good weekend.”
Treseder has travelled to Adelaide’s Bolivar Raceway with his trackside technician John Target.
He is determined to achieve a strong result after a quiet 2012 season and finishing second by only six points in the 2010 – 2011 season.
The first three placegetters will be invited to the Las Vegas Super Nationals, a famous marquee race that attracts Formula One drivers and is held in the carpark of the RIO Hotel.
Treseder was invited to compete in 2010 and has wanted to return ever since.
He raced alongside seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher,F1 driver Nelson Piquet and world karting champion Arnaud Kozlinski and Bas Lammers.
“I’m hoping things go well this year because it really is the race of a lifetime,” he said.
“It’s a bit mind blowing to be honest.”
Treseder will be joined by a strong Bundaberg contingent.
Jeremy Landt and Troy Loeskow will contest the KF1 category, Nathan Barbera will compete in the tag-heavy category and Jacob Bright will be in the KFJ category.
