From the Northern Star (http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2012/05/05/matt-guns-for-title/)
Toowoomba driver Matt Jones hits the track during practice for the Young Guns kart meeting in Lismore (Pic: Northern Star/Marc Stapelberg)
TOOWOOMBA kart racer Matt Jones knows it will be his final chance to get a victory at the Lismore Young Gun Titles this weekend.
The 15-year-old, who will compete in the junior max division, was one of many out practising and putting the final touches on their karts at the Lismore Showground yesterday.
“I’ve been doing about 105 (kmh),” Jones said.
“This is my last Young Guns and I want to win it because it’s a really good event.
“We’re up at the top of the time sheets so it’s a good feeling.
“The start of the race will be pretty scary because of the speed we’ll be going and the number of people racing.
“It’s not a bad little track with some good corners and I’ve never won here before either.”
Jones is confident coming off wins at Toowoomba, Gympie and Ipswich.
About 150 racers will pack the showground today with about 30 Lismore Kart Club members competing over the two days.
“We have a big turnout with a lot of state champions from all over Australia,” Lismore Kart Club president Chris Ruane said.
“We have huge numbers in the midget p-plate division so a lot of new kids will be competing for the first time.”
The event also boasts some motor sport royalty with Mick Doohan and V8 Supercar Series driver and team owner Paul Morris both attending the event with their sons.
The wet weather played a part yesterday when Queensland racer Zayd Tones crashed at the top-end of the course.
“(Kart number) 96 bashed into the side of me and I went flying into the water,” the nine-year-old said.
“I had to stand up the top and wait to come in.
“I’ve had a few crashes already so I’m used to it.”
The event has new sponsors this year with the prize pool increased to $30,000.
“The kids seem to love it and we have a really good prize pool,” Ruane said.
“It draws kids from all over the place and it allows our kids that don’t compete at the state titles to compete against some new drivers.
“Some of these guys you’ll see later on in life racing V8 supercars.
“It can be a weird thing to see them doing 90kmh down the straight and its amazing to see some of the speeds they get to.”
Racing starts at 8.30am today, with the finals tomorrow.
