The battle lines have been drawn ahead of the final round in Australia’s elite karting championship, the Castrol EDGE CIK Stars of Karting Series, at Melbourne’s Todd Road circuit this weekend.
The Kosmic kart teams have dominated the Pro Light (KF1) category in 2012 and as a result currently hold the top four spots in the championship standings. Representing three separate Kosmic outfits, all four drivers are desperate to claim the top spot and the $10,000 towards an overseas CIK event that goes with it.
Entering the final event in the five-round schedule, JAM Racing’s Adam Hughes and RJ Garage Doors’ Daniel Rochford are in the box seat to etch their name on the James Courtney Trophy. However, Hughes’ JAM Racing team-mate, and reigning champion, Jake Spencer is still within striking distance in third place while Kosmic racing Australia’s Cian Fothergill is fourth in the standings.
Should Hughes be successful in his quest to win the title, it will be the second consecutive year that the JAM Racing team has been victorious, while Rochford’s team claimed the championship in 2010 with Hayden McBride.
“I’m super excited to be in contention for the championship going into the last round, especially after last year’s horror run of poor reliability that left me wondering what could have been in 2011,” said Hughes.
“It’s going to be really tough battling it out with Rochford and the other competitors, but that’s what makes it feel so good when I manage to have a win!
“I can only hope the racing is firm but fair and that we all have great reliability throughout the whole meeting. If I can get the championship, it will make it two Pro Light championships in as many years for the JAM Racing team which would be a huge reward for everyone involved.”
The Pro Gearbox (KZ2) title is also far from being decided four drivers separated by only 32 points entering this weekend’s final round. Patrizicorse driver Kyle Ensbey leads the way ahead of Vodafone-backed Energy Kart driver Chris Hays, closely followed by Jason Pringle and reigning Champion Tyler Greenbury.
While Canberra’s Cameron Hill has already got one hand on the Jon Targett trophy, awarded to the champion in the Pro Junior (KF3) category, local driver Thomas Randle will be out to spoil his victory party – as will be Jake Coleman, who currently sits second in the standings.
Practice will be contested on Friday ahead of qualifying on Saturday and the finals on Sunday.
