Ford KartStars round 2 Geelong preview

Ford KartStars set to invade Geelong

4 June, 2003 - Australia's toughest and most rewarding karting series, the Ford KartStars Series heads to the coastal Victorian town of Geelong next weekend (June 14/15) for the second of five rounds in the Series.

The visit by the Ford KartStars coincides with the Centennial celebrations at the home of Ford Australia in the heart of Geelong on Sunday June 15. With a number of V8 Supercar drivers at the celebrations some of them will be appearing at the circuit to watch the KartStars in action throughout the day.

While the star of the opening round was 15-year-old, Fuchs Silkolene driver, Andrew Thompson who was dominant in the one-make series a host of local Victorian drivers will this weekend be looking to return the favour on their home soil.

Leading the charge for the Victorian's will be 3D network supported driver, Troy Woolsten who finished fourth in the opening round at Raleigh in New South Wales.

Woolsten was in with a chance of victory at Raleigh until he ran off the circuit twice during the opening lap of the final dropping him outside the top 10. The former Australian Champion then charged through the pack to narrowly miss out on a podium finish.

Current Australian Champion Josh Aarandt's performance at the opening round was hampered by a reoccurring arm ligament injury but the 19-year-old Etham resident still managed to finish inside the top 10 and will be looking to move up the order next weekend.

Cranbourne resident, Taz Douglas was the victor at last year's round of the Series at the Geelong venue and after a disappointing run in the opening round is aiming to make up for lost ground in the points chase.

Another driver expected to create a lot of interest around the circuit next weekend will be second-generation racer, Jack Perkins. The 16-year-old is the son of V8 Supercar legend, Larry Perkins and given his local track knowledge Perkins will take the fight up to the front-runners at Geelong.

New Zealand driver, Karl Wilson will be flying the international flag as he returns from the other side of the Tasman to compete for the first time on the fast flowing 760 metre circuit.

Other drivers who should fair well in the weekend's proceedings include the lone South Australian driver, Reif Corbett, Victorian's Nick Parker, Ben Savage and Tim Blanchard along with New South Wales hot shots Jason Varley, Wesley May and Adrian Estasy.

In total there will be 31 or 32 ? of Australia's top karters competing in the second round of the Ford KartStars Series. All drivers will be driving the Australian made Arrow chassis powered by a Rotax 125cc Water cooled engine reaching speeds in excess of 100kmph. In conjunction with the Ford KartStars Series the second round of the Super Cheap Auto Junior Blitz series where Australia's top junior drivers aged between 7 to 15 years will compete across five classes including Junior Clubman, National Light and Heavy along with Rookies and Midgets.

The Geelong Karting Circuit is located at Beckley Park, Geelong Road, Corio adjacent to the Geelong trotting track approximately 5 kilometres north of Geelong.

-fks-