Tony Kart Australia take out Trans-West Manufacturer’s Challenge
Bundaberg’s Kel Treseder was awarded the most prestigious award in the CIK Stars of Karting Series, the Dunlop Kartsport Driver’s Driver Award, at the Presentation Dinner following last weekend’s final round in Melbourne.
The award was voted on by all of the drivers in the Pro categories based on not only a driver’s performance on the track but also the way in which they presented themselves off the track, the way in which they promoted both themselves and the series in a professional manner.
Treseder was a clear winner of the award receiving 41 votes, 13 clear of the next placed driver Cian Fothergill – who took out the Pro Light (KF1) Championship.
The likeable Queensland was almost overcome with emotion when accepting the award.
“A very special award, this is the first time I have ever been lost for words,” said Treseder.
“I can only thank my fellow drivers. I’m honoured to have the respect of not only my fellow drivers in the Gearbox field but also in Pro Light and Pro Junior.
“During the night some of the Juniors came up to me during the night saying “Hey Kel I voted for you man” that was one of the best feelings of my career to have the respect of the younger drivers in the sport.
“When Craig Lowndes received the Barry Sheene Medal, I remember he was stoked to have that sort of respect from the fellow competitors and hoped one day I could emulate that. Dunlop Drivers Driver award is something special, an accolade that is close to a drivers heart.
“I would like to Thank Les May and Dunlop Kartsport for the Driver’s Driver Trophy and I can tell you this trophy will take centre stage in my household and be remembered for years to come.”
Tony Kart Australia clinched the Trans-West Manufacturers Challenge with a barnstorming run by the ‘green brigade’ at the final round in Melbourne to secure the title by three points over the Paul Gallo-led Gillard Karts outfit.
Tony Kart’s rise to the top in the last round was due to important pointscore by James Macken and Aidan Wright in the Pro Junior (KF3) division whilst in Pro Light (KF1), the Smith brothers of Joel and Grant started the final day’s action on equal points in fourth place.
Solid results could not split the pair eventually elevating them to joint third in the overall championship standings at the conclusion of the series.
CRG finished third in the standings for the Manufacturer’s Challenge followed buy Kosmic in fourth place ahead of DR Kart and the locally made Arrow Kart.
“When I was around CIK back in the days before I was the Tonykart Importer it was really something special to have your name on this trophy, something all manufacturers aimed for and we are honoured to win the Trans-West cup this year,” said Tony Kart Australia’s Greg Smith.
“As a team, and personally – we really enjoyed the series this year and think the decision to extend the 2011 series into a 5 rounds is a step in the right direction. I get the feeling next years series will be bigger and better from the drivers standpoint and also it needs to be on a commercial level as well.
“The series organisers did a fantastic job this year but there is still room for improvement and further industry support.
“The World is turning green, so it’s time to get on board!”
John Pizarro and Jon Targett were special guests at the function held at The London in Port Melbourne.
