QUALIFYING DAY SUPRISES IN MELBOURNE

Daniel Rochford on his way to pole position in Pro Light (KF1). Pic: AF Images

Qualifying day at round three of the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE provided a number of surprises at the Port Melbourne Karting Complex in Victoria today.

In only his second round of the series, Gillard driver Daniel Rochford snared pole position in the Pro Light (KF1) category ahead of defending champion Cian Fothergill.

While Rochford was upstaged in the heat racing by the JAM Racing pair of Adam Hughes and Jake Spencer, he is confident of a strong performance tomorrow during the two finals.

“I surprised myself a little actually, to be four-tenths of a second ahead of the field was something I didn’t expect,” said Rochford.

“We made some changes to the set up during the heat races which didn’t work today but for the longer races tomorrow I think we’ll be in pretty good shape.

“I really enjoyed my debut in Adelaide, although it didn’t finish the way I would have liked it to. Now, the real aim is to finish off this weekend on a high.”

Fothergill had a strong run in the opening two heat races, however, a powervalve issue hampered his run in the final 16-lap encounter this afternoon.

New South Wales youngster Cameron Hill proved to be very strong during only his third round at the top level in the Pro Junior (KF3) category. Hill mixed it with category favourites Pierce Lehane, Joseph Mawson and Jake Klarich along with New Zealand Champion Aaron Marr throughout the day.

“Today was very rewarding in only my third round in the series. To be mixing it with the best junior drivers in the country is a great feeling,” said Hill.

“I’m confident that I can now be there again tomorrow and hopefully finish on the podium.”

Monster Energy-backed Arrow pilot David Sera was dominant with three victories from as many starts today, however, he didn’t have it all his own way.

With qualifying held in changeable conditions Sera waited until the final three minutes to bank a time on a drying track and would qualify sixth fastest as a consequence.

Reigning champion Matthew Wall qualified fastest with James Sera and surprise packet Daniel Richert in third. Veteran William Yarwood was also impressive to qualify inside the top five for the first time since returning to the top level at the start of last year.

All three heat races were action packed with the likes of Kel Treseder, Chris Hays and Macauley Jones charging towards the front from their qualifying positions outside the top ten.

Results are updated on the AKA Results page and can be viewed by clicking here and then selecting Victoria followed by the Go-Kart Club of Victoria.

The Stars of Karting Twitter was updated throughout the day. Follow the Twitter updates by clicking here (Link: twitter.com/starsofkarting)

Tomorrow’s action will begin at 9am.

The Port Melbourne Karting Complex is located on the corner of Cook Street and Todd Road. Admission is free for spectators.