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24th July 2011

MAGNIFICENT WIN FOR MACKEN AT ROTAX PRO TOUR

James Macken

James Macken was victorious in the Rotax Light category today. Pic: AF Images/Budd

Gold Coast (Sanctuary Cove, QLD) driver James Macken broke through today to claim his biggest win since moving into the senior karting ranks at the start of 2011.

The Oakley-backed Exprit driver made a last lap pass on Victorian Josh de Maio to take out the Rotax Light category at the Rotax Pro Tour event in Warwick, Queensland.

“It’s my first podium finish in the Pro Tour, first win as a senior and my first win with Oakley as a sponsor – I’m stoked,” said Macken.

“It’s been that long since I had a win at a major event I can’t even think of when my last big one was.

“What makes the win here even better is the fact that I really had to fight for it. There were five of us in a freight train for much of the race and I was fortunate enough to be in the right spot to make the last lap pass.”

Toowoomba’s Tyler Greenbury, who was the pacesetter during the heat races, snared second place ahead of Vodafone-backed Tony Kart driver Chris Hays (Parkwood, QLD) and de Maio.

Greenbury went one better during his debut in the DD2 by taking the win ahead of Damian Ward.

In the junior ranks it was Arrow driver Joseph Mawson (Hinchenbrook, NSW) who stamped his authority on the Junior Max category.

Mawson took his fourth victory from as many starts in the 2011 Rotax Pro Tour today.  The 15 year-old finished two kart lengths clear of archrival Pierce Lehane, who was closely followed by Michael Stewart.

“It’s a great feeling to have won four from four, Tyler (Greenbury) and Dave (Sera) came close with three straight previously in Rotax Light but to be the first driver who has won four events in a row is pretty cool,” said Mawson.

“To win all but one race this weekend is a great feeling.  As always Pierce (Lehane) was there pushing me all the way.  We were joined at the front this weekend by Mitchell Gee, Joseph Burton-Harris and Michael Stewart – they all showed some good speed across the five races.”

Victorian (Ivanhoe, Vic) Troy Woolston proved too good for his opposition in a highly competitive Rotax Heavy field.  The CC Racing pilot crossed the line ahead of Toowoomba’s Brendan Nelson while reigning National Champion Simon Meyer fought hard to hold onto third place.

After failing to start the pre-final due to an electrical issue, William Yarwood charged from the back of the 20-kart field to claim seventh position behind Zeke Edwards, Paul Rodgers and Lane Moore.

Other drivers to enjoy success at the penultimate event on the Rotax Pro Tour Schedule were Mitchell Kennedy (Junior Max Heavy), Mick Robson (Rotax Over 35s) and Bruce Otter (Rotax Super Heavy).

The fifth, and final, event on the Rotax Pro Tour schedule for 2011 will be hosted by the Canberra Kart Racing Club on October 29/30.

The full results can be viewed on the AKA Results System by clicking here, then selecting QLD and the Warwick Kart Club in the drop down menu.