HIGGS HOPEFUL OF A VICTORIOUS HOMECOMING

Anthony Higgs in action at the WA State Championships in Bunbury earlier this month (Pic: Real Deal Media)

Born and bred in Mount Gambier, Anthony Higgs has returned home from his Perth residence with his eyes firmly fixed on victory during the South Australian Karting Championships at the Glenburnie Raceway this weekend.

While he may have flown west from the Blue Lake City in 2006 due to work commitments in Perth, he still calls Mount Gambier home and would enjoy nothing more than success on his home track in front of his family and friends this weekend.

“I’m a Mount Gambier boy through and through, you’ll never take that away from me no matter how long I may live in a different state,” said the former Mount Gambier High Student.

“I lived there for 33 years of my life, Mum and Dad still live in the Mount as does my sister and her family – it is our family town. To be able to go back and race in my home city is always a great pleasure and I can’t wait for the racing this weekend.”

Higgs’ karting career began in 1987 at Mount Gambier’s Glenburnie Raceway – a venue that he holds very dear to his heart.

“I just love the track, the green surroundings and the whole complex. I’ve been all across the country, and even to America, for karting events and without doubt Mount Gambier is right up there with the best venues I’ve been to,” said Higgs.

Higgs has somewhat dominated the Clubman Super Heavy category on his home circuit throughout the years with victory at both State and National Championships over the past 15 years at the venue.

Higgs’ maiden podium finish in a State Championship event was in 1993 when Mount Gambier hosted the State Championships and he finished second. Since then he has not been defeated in a blue ribbon event at the venue having won the State Championships in 1999 and 2006 and also the National Championship in 2000.

Despite this great record of success, Higgs is fully aware of the high level of competition that he will be up against this weekend.

“I’ve enjoyed some great success here in the past and hopefully this weekend will be another successful one but it’s not going to be easy,” said Higgs, who will drive a European-made Kosmic kart at this weekend’s event.

“I think the main opposition will come from Joshua Herne from Lismore who has been a front runner over the past 12 months all across the country, Adelaide driver Paul Pittam and Western Australia’s Ash Pittard, who finished runner-up in Bunbury at the WA States a few weeks ago.”

Higgs will be one of almost 200 competitors lining up in this weekend’s event across 12 different categories.

Drivers, teams, families and support crews began arriving in Mount Gambier on Tuesday ahead of practice today and tomorrow with qualifying and racing to be contested over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Glenburnie Raceway is located on the Princes Highway at Glenburnie (just East of Mount Gambier) opposite the Speedway.