2009 KartSport New Zealand SuperKart Championships

The 2009 KartSport New Zealand SuperKart Championships were contested at Ruapuna International Raceway  on Sunday 1st February.

Saturday was free practice with ideal weather conditions.  Hot, no wind and lots of good rubber on the track from the previous weekends car racing.

Laps times that were being mentioned indicated that the lap records in all classes were going to get a hefty nudge.

Sunday and the weather looked good again. There was a happy buzz around the pits from entrants, mechanics and supporters alike.

With only one time trial of 12 minutes, the drivers had to get it right first time. Glenn Hartley took nearly 0.3 second from the Rotax Light class record.

Shane Price, Australia, with an Anderson Mirage/Safe 256 shaved 1.6 seconds off the record making Superkarts, nearly as fast as F5000. Both Paul Dunlop and Karl Wilson were also under the old record.

4 Heat Championship

Rotax Max Light

Glenn Hartley dominated, but Matthew Hamilton was in close pursuit in all heats and there were photo finishes in 3 of the 4 heats. While Glenn and Matthew were disputing first place there were also some close finishes between James Macdonald, Matthew Straker, Jessie Craig and Mark Coulbeck.

Results

Glenn Hartley (3), Matthew Hamilton (6), James Macdonald (8), Matthew Straker (11), Jessie Craig (11)

Fastest time: Glen Hartley 1:37.160 (New record)

Rotax Max Heavy

Simon Hunter had to work hard for his title with Andrew Downs and Jonathan Hague ready to pounce if Simon put a wheel wrong.

Results

Simon Hunter (3), Andrew Downs (6), Jonathan Hague (9), Niki Mills (10), Daryl Hewitt (11)

Fastest time: Simon Hunter 1:40.346

National

The battle for the title started off between Wayne Sproston, Regan Anisy and Grant Lucas. Contact between Wayne and Regan in the second heat resulted in damage to Wayne’s kart which could not be repaired.

Results

Grant Lucas (5), Regan Anisy (5), Allan Giles (9), Wayne Sproston (13), Chris Foster (14)

Fastest time: Wayne Sproston 1:29.017

International

From the first heat it looked like we were going to see a great battle between Shane Price and Paul Dunlop. 10 Superkarts on the grid was the best number for many years. Paul seized in the second heat and took no further part. However, Shane suddenly found there were others who wanted the title. Ross Tait, Karl Wilson and Robin Wooldridge were always in close contact.

Results

Shane Price (3), Karl Wilson (5), Ross Tait (10), Robin Wooldridge (11), Lachlan Taylor (12)

Fastest time: Karl Wilson 1:22.210 (New record)

As the last heat finished, the weather suddenly changed. Large black clouds and a southerly wind hit us. The flaggies and track Race Officials said they would forgo their break to beat the weather.

Rotax Grand Prix

Glenn Hartley and Matthew Hamilton quickly pulled out a good lead with Simon Hunter and Jessie Craig disputing third place.

Results

Glenn Hartley, Matthew Hamilton, Simon Hunter, Jessie Craig, James Macdonald

Heavy: Jonathan Hague, Daryl Hewitt, Ross Hill

Open Grand Prix

Out of a possible 18 entries, only 9 took the start. The race was red flagged on the first lap and the race abandoned.

Story courtesy Ian Love - Christchurch Kart Club

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