STATE CHAMPION LEADS THE WAY TO LISMORE

Lachlan McHugh on his way to victory in the Queensland State Championships last year. Pic: AF Images

Queensland State Champion Lachlan McHugh will lead the way to the KAOS Karting Lismore Young Guns Titles in Lismore, New South Wales this weekend.

McHugh, who secured his maiden state championship in Mackay last July, will be lining up in the Junior National Light category against the likes of fellow Queenslanders Jake Downs and Callum Walker and local drivers Chris Burley, Justin McDermott and Jacob Jolley.

As a second-generation racer, his father Jamie is a dual Australian Speedway Super Sedan Champion, McHugh has grown up around the world of motorsport but he says that the Young Guns event is one of his favourites.

“I won at the Young Guns when I was in the Rookies category a couple of years ago, it’s a fantastic event,” said McHugh.

“The event really brings the best drivers from all over the region together on a track that is very challenging. It’s tight and twisty but has also got a fair bit of undulation which means you really have to stay on top of your set-up.

“The competition is going to be really tough. Last year Scott Hynes won my category (Junior National Light), I think he’ll be hard to beat again but so too will Jake Downs and Callum Walker among others. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Now in it’s 15th year the event has seen hundreds of young rising stars compete in it over the years including current Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series drivers Andrew Thompson and Chaz Mostert.

Mostert, a three-time national karting champion, rates the Lismore circuit as one of the most difficult karting circuits to win on throughout Australia – especially at the Young Guns event.

Event Co-ordinator Graham Armstrong believes that the Young Guns Titles continues to develop into the premier junior event in New South Wales.

“This is the biggest karting event of the year in the region and in my opinion the premier junior event in the State,” said Armstrong.

“Every year this event gives our sport a big boost in the region, it’s the one we pride ourselves on and we’re thankful for all of the support we receive from the local businesses.

“Along with the trophies, we also have some great prize draws for our competitors thanks to our sponsors. These prizes include a new Arrow kart chassis, Yamaha engine and a heap of other items for the competitors.”

Practice for the event begins tomorrow (Friday) ahead of racing on Saturday and Sunday.

The Lismore Kart Track is located behind the Lismore Showgrounds on Dunoon Road, North Lismore.