6th August 2013

Take early look at future V8 Supercars champions - From the Gold Coast Bulletin

The mini-bangers of karting will feature in October’s Gold Coast 600 motor racing festival.

In a joint initiative between V8 Supercars and Karting Queensland, a Gold Coast 600 Race of Stars will be held at the new Xtreme Karting facility at Pimpama to launch the big week of racing at Surfers Paradise.

The Pimpama spectacle is on Saturday, October 19, and is to feature the three ‘‘pro’’ categories of Australian karting – Pro Gearbox (KZ2), Pro Light (KF) and Pro Junior (KFJ) – as well as three state-based classes of TaG 125cc, Junior National and Cadets, along with a pro-am race.

All events will showcase karting to a wider motorsport community on the 1125m Pimpama circuit.

‘‘Karting is not only the breeding ground for our future V8 Supercars stars but also a true sport in its own r i g h t , ’ ’ Promoted Events V8 Supercars boss Kurt Sakzewski said.

‘‘Everyone here at V8 Supercars is right behind the event and we’re really looking forward to seeing the great young talent that will be on show. Last October I met with Lee Hanatschek (karting) to discuss the possibility of having karting feature as part of our plans for the revamped Gold Coast 600.

‘‘Over the past eight months we’ve looked at a number of options before developing the Race of Stars concept at the new track, which I believe will be a perfect fit to kick off the weeklong Gold Coast 600 Festival.’’