(http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2013/06/05/366496_local_sports.html)
AUSTRALIA’S elite karting championship will make its return to Beckley Park at Geelong next weekend.
The CIK Stars of Karting Series hits Geelong’s Beckley Park International Raceway on June 15 and 16, with more than 130 entries.
It has been eight years since a round of the championship has been held at the Victorian venue, with Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo winning the last series staged here in 2005.
Now, eight years on it is time for another young driver to star.
‘‘ It’s great to have the series back, Geelong is one of the spiritual homes of the CIK Stars of KartingSeries,’’ Geelong Kart Club’s Dominic Albanese said.
‘‘It will be fantastic to see the elite level of our sport return next weekend.
‘‘These drivers are among the best in the world, a couple have just returned from racing in Europe and we also have the 2011 World Cup Champion racing. It has been many years since we had such a high calibre of field competing at Geelong.
‘‘There’s a number of locals competing who will be looking to take the challenge up to the best drivers in their respective categories and everyone here at the club can’t wait to see the karts fire up next weekend.’’
As the five-round championship hits the midway point, reigning Pro Gearbox (KZ2) champion Chris Hays (Gold Coast) leads the chase for the John Pizarro Trophy ahead of Dutch driver Joey Hanssen in the Pro Gearbox ranks.
Local drivers Matthew Hunt, Aaron Ivermee and Mark Domachenz will be looking to take the challenge to the championship contenders as they battle at speeds in excess of 130 km/h next weekend.
