Ford KartStars season opener results
Thompson's stunning KartStars debut 18 May, 2003 - Following yesterday's dream run, Fuchs Silkolene driver Andrew Thompson capped off an extraordinary Ford KartStars debut to claim the opening round of the five round Series. Thompson showed ...
Thompson's stunning KartStars debut
18 May, 2003 - Following yesterday's dream run, Fuchs Silkolene driver Andrew Thompson capped off an extraordinary Ford KartStars debut to claim the opening round of the five round Series.
Thompson showed maturity well above his age of 15 putting in one of the most impressive performances throughout the 4-year history of the Series.
During the opening day of competition Thomspon set the fastest qualifying time and greeted the chequered flag first in both heat races.
With one more heat race, Pre-Final and Final remaining today all the talk was about the "Byron Bay Bullet" who was taking the round by storm in his debut in Rotax competition and if he could maintain his great pace.
And he delivered on the pace when it counted most.
Thompson got the jump into the opening turn to open a slender lead over the field during the opening laps.
Meanwhile during the opening lap Thompson's main challenger throughout the weekend, Troy Woolsten was forced off the circuit dropping outside the top 10 when he crossed the line for the first time.
With Woolsten down the order it was Adrian Estasy who led the pack in an attempt to chase down the flying Thompson.
By mid race Estasy had his hands full battling with a mysterious fuel surge problem allowing the Credex supported Wesley May into second spot as Estasy dropped down the order.
As the laps wore down May began to put in some exceptionally quick laps to reel in Thompson and with three laps remaining was within striking distance for the victory.
The two KartStars debutants raced nose-to-tail for the final few laps but May was unable to find a way past the dominant Thompson.
"I knew he (May) was coming but I also knew that there wasn't long to go til the chequered as well," said a delighted Thompson.
"This is a great way to start the series but there is still 4 tough rounds to go."
May was also focused on the series rather than just a round win "I could have had a lunge a couple of times on that last lap but would rather the points for the series rather than risk a DNF," commented May on the podium.
"I have exceeded all of my expectations given that it was only Wednesday that I confirmed I would fill the spot vacated by Brendon (May's younger brother). I can't thank the guys from DPE and also the other competitors for their assistance over the weekend."
After a "yo-yo" weekend going up, down and back up again Jason Varley manoeuvred his Phillips Foote Restaurant/Sik-FX machine into third place to record a career first Ford KartStars podium finish.
"The competition is so tough out here, it just keeps getting tougher. It is so great to finally be standing on the podium," said an elated Varley.
"After a disappointing year last year it gives me a huge amount of confidence for this year's Series."
CC Racing/3D Network pilot Troy Woolsten recovered from his opening lap adventures to finish less than a kart-length behind Varley and setting the fastest lap of the race in the process.
Rounding out the top 10 was Joshua Aarandt, Ben Guest, a much-improved John Martin, Estasy, Peter McNiven and Tim Blanchard.
The next round of the Ford KartStars Series will be held at the Corio Bay Raceway in Geelong on June 14 and 15.
Ford KartStars Round 1 - Heat Three (Top 10 finishers)
1. Andrew Thomspon -- Fuchs Silkolene
2. Troy Woolsten -- CC Racing, 3D network
3. Adrian Estasy -- Harbourside Dry Cleaning
4. Wesley May -- Credex Racing
5. Jason Varley -- Phillips Foote Restaurant, Sik-FX
6. Cameron Farr -- Brimlog Consulting
7. Ben Guest -- Lawncare, The Kartworks
8. Tim Blanchard -- Jayair, Castrol, Denso
9. Josh Aarandt -- CC Racing, Garden Aspects, Sidchrome
10. John Martin -- Pirtek, Wurth Australia
Ford KartStars Round 1 - Pre-Final (Top 10)
1. Andrew Thomspon -- Fuchs Silkolene
2. Adrian Estasy -- Harbourside Dry Cleaning
3. Troy Woolsten -- CC Racing, 3D network
4. Jason Varley -- Phillips Foote Restaurant, Sik-FX
5. Wesley May -- Credex Racing
6. Josh Aarandt -- CC Racing, Garden Aspects, Sidchrome
7. Cameron Farr -- Brimlog Consulting
8. Ben Guest -- Lawncare, The Kartworks
9. Peter McNiven -- Autobarn, NGK
10. Tim Blanchard -- Jayair, Castrol, Denso
Ford KartStars Round 1 - Final (Top 10)
1. Andrew Thomspon -- Fuchs Silkolene
2. Wesley May -- Credex Racing
3. Jason Varley -- Phillips Foote Restaurant, Sik-FX
4. Troy Woolsten -- CC Racing, 3D network
5. Josh Aarandt -- CC Racing, Garden Aspects, Sidchrome
6. Ben Guest -- Lawncare, The Kartworks
7. John Martin -- Pirtek, Wurth Australia
8. Adrian Estasy -- Harbourside Dry Cleaning
9. Peter McNiven -- Autobarn, NGK
10. Tim Blanchard -- Jayair, Castrol, Denso
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