BRIAN FARLEY MEMORIAL TO KICKSTART KARTERS

Macauley Jones on his way to victory in the 2011 Brian Farley Memorial event. Pic: AF Images/Budd

The fifth annual Brian Farley Memorial event (February 11/12), hosted by the North Shore Kart Club at the Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway, is set to reignite Sydney’s karting fraternity next month.

Brian Farley worked tirelessly for karting over a period of many years and passed away suddenly a few years ago. The Brian Farley Memorial meeting is to celebrate Brian’s life and contribution to karting.

With the iconic venue being out of action due to delays with a circuit upgrade, this year’s event will once again see not only the State’s top drivers lining up on the grid – but also many of the best drivers from all across the country.

Competitors in the Clubman category will be not only vying for the $3,500 prizemoney but the prestige of having their name etched on the Brian Farley perpetual trophy. The current holder of the trophy is Macauley Jones, son of former V8 Supercar driver – and current team owner – Brad Jones.

Multiple-time Australian Champion Troy Hunt won the inaugural event back in 2008 before three-time National Champion Jason Hryniuk took the honours the following year he was followed by fellow Sydneysider Daniel Baker in 2010.

Last year’s event attracted almost 60 of the best drivers for the main event, this year a similar number of entries is predicted.

“There is no doubt that over the past four years, the Brian Farley Memorial has rapidly developed into one of the country’s top karting events and one that attracts the best of the best drivers,” said North Shore Kart Club President Steve Parsons.

“Brian (Farley) dedicated much of his life to karting and this is our way as a club that we can ensure his legacy for karting, and the Clubman style of racing in particular, lives on.”

Along with the main Clubman category, there will also be eight other categories in action across the weekend battling for $2,500 in prizes – Cadets – for the youngsters between 7 and 11 years of age, Rookies, Junior National, Junior Clubman, Senior National, Sportsman 125, TaG Restricted and Clubman Super Heavy.

Competitors looking for further information on the event should visit www.nskc.org.au

The Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway is located on Brabham Drive, Eastern Creek.