23rd January 2012

Track revs up talent - From the Gladstone Observer

Track revs up talent – From the Gladstone Observer (http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/story/2012/01/23/track-revs-up-talent/)

Jason Smallcombe (No.23) leads Stephen Berry (54), Benny Benedetto (78), Ken Prichard (28), and John Robertson (69) during competition at the Gladstone kart meet at the weekend. Pic: Gladstone Observer/Christopher Chan

IT was a hot weekend of karting, both on and off the track, when Gladstone hosted it’s first meet of the year on Saturday.

More than 50 competitors travelled from Rockhampton, Bundaberg and further afield to take part in the event with host club president David Bennett happy with the turn-out.

“We normally don’t hold a meet in January,” he said.

“But because we are hosting the big one, the State titles at Easter, we wanted to simply give karters some more experience on this track.

“So to get such numbers was a really good result.”

With lots of talent on show there were some great races.

“There was a great show of racing skills across all divisions,” Bennett said.

“The TAG100’s was a great race. There was maybe 15 in the field which was a good number that also meant there was some great bumper-to-bumper racing.

“The Open Performance class also made for great racing.”

Bennett was impressed with local man Johnny Grother’s performance in the Clubman Light class.

“Grother is a champion and showed why when he raced in the Clubman Light, a class he has not competed in for over seven years,” Bennett said.

“He raced very well and took out the class.”

Although the numbers were high and the event was hailed a success, Bennett is aware of the long road ahead of the club prior to the titles at Easter.

“We can expect over 400 competitors across the four days, which is a far cry from what we saw on Saturday,” he said.

“For this we have a lot of work to do.

“This includes ensuring the grounds are ready right through to the business side of things.”

When karting was merely a passion and the work required a full-time role, Bennet said it could be taxing.

“We are all volunteers so it does make it a lot harder to get in and get it done,” he said.

“We are juggling full-time jobs. But we love the sport and will get it done.

“It will be a very successful four days.”

Prior to the titles, Gladstone will have the opportunity to host two more meets in February and March.

“We hope to see more numbers at these meets with riders coming to familiarise themselves with the track,” Bennett said.