FRIDAY NOTEBOOK FROM THE NATIONALS

Enormous history at Cockburn
For the uninitiated the Cockburn International Raceway may be just another top circuit, but when looking back in time the venue has played a significant role in Australia karting – particularly when it comes to international events.

Since the new circuit was opened in 1980 the Cockburn International Raceway has played host to two National Championships (1981 and 1987). The 1975 championships were held on the Club’s old circuit.

The circuit’s first international meeting was in 1982 – the DAP International Championship. It was an invitation meeting and six international drivers from 5 countries attended. In 1983 the Tiger Kart Club hosted the CIK Asian Pacific Championships, the first CIK-sanctioned event run in Australia featuring international drivers from nine different countries competed.

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Big names – who’s going to be the next star
With so many national and international events being contested at the Cockburn International Raceway the honour role of significant drivers who have competed aboard a kart at the venue is a long one.

The most recognizable name to have competed at the venue is seven-time World Formula One Champion Michael Schumacher. Heinz Harold-Frentzen was another to have competed at the venue during his formative years along with Garth Tander, Daniel Ricciardo, Russell Ingall, Mark Winterbottom, Karl Reindler and Michael Patrizi. International karting icons Peter De Bruijn, Mike Wilson and Terry Fullerton have also competed at Cockburn.

In 1981 Dick Johnson competed at Cockburn after transporting his kart in the boot of his Ford Falcon that he was competing aboard the following weekend at the Barbagallo Raceway – now that’s a sight you won’t see in this day and age.

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Slade turning back the clock
V8 Supercar driver Tim Slade is turning back the clock this weekend to team up with good mate Shane Price for an assault on the Leopard Heavy title at this weekend’s National Sprint Kart Championships.

After spending much of his formative years during the 1990s chasing karting championships across the country Slade’s last start in the National Titles came in 2000. In that event he finished second behind current V8 Utes driver Ryal Harris.

To read about Slade’s thoughts ahead of the weekend please click here to read an article on Speedcafe.com.au

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Mawson favourite to defend his crown
According to a pre-event poll on karting.net.au Joseph Mawson is the favourite to defend his National Championship this weekend. Mawson received 49% of the votes for the five defending champions. Defending Clubman Light Champion James Sera was next best on 32%. The duo were well clear of Shayne Piper (8%), Josh Brooker (6%) and Lee Mitchener (5%).