As the excitement from Round One of the 2024 SP Tools
Australian Kart Championship begins to settle, anticipation is already building
for Round Two presented by Castrol, to be held in Seymour, Victoria this
weekend.
With memories of past victories and disappointments fuelling
the fire, drivers are gearing up for another showdown at the renowned Hume
International Raceway – the home of the Eastern Lions Kart Club.
One driver eager to redeem himself is Sam Dicker, who faced
a challenging run at the season opener. However, history may be on the side of
the Flat Out Karts Driver, the Western Australian was victorious the last time
the Championship visited the venue – albeit in treacherous conditions. With
determination and a hunger for success, Dicker is hoping to reclaim his
position at the top in the KZ2 class.
“Round one certainly didn’t go to plan for one reason or
another so I’m really hoping to turn that around with a strong haul of points
at round two,” said Dicker.
“I’ve only been to the track twice, once was way back when I
was a Cadet and the other being when I won there a couple years ago, so I don’t
have any sort of home track advantage. It’s certainly one of the most
physical tracks that we go to as well, so fitness will play a key role in
success.”
While Dicker may have his sights set on victory,
Championship leader Josh Fife, Round One winner Henry Johnstone, and veteran
Reece Cohen, along with rising star Leon Cordato and other highly credentialed
drivers in the 29-kart field will be out to spoil his plans.
“It was great to take the win at round one but now it’s time
to continue that form throughout the year and take out the Championship,” said
Johnstone.
“Round two is taking place in my home state so I’ll have
plenty of support. I intend to put on a show and get back-to-back round
wins to keep racking up the Championship points.”
In the elite junior class KA2, TF Race Engines driver Kobe
McInerney is leading the championship after a strong victory in the opening
round. As drivers in this category prepare to battle it out on the track,
tensions are high, and expectations are soaring.
The competition promises to be fierce, with a record total
of 412 entries registered across the eight classes. Among them, the KA3 Junior
category boasts an impressive 77 drivers with Cadet 12 and TaG 125 not far
behind with 70 and 73 drivers entered respectively.
But it’s not just Australia’s best drivers vying for
victory. Joining the fray are some of the finest talents from New Zealand,
adding an extra layer of competition to the mix. Additionally, international
stars such as WSK Super Master Champion Ean Eyckmans from Belgium, Taiwanese
driver Jie Kao and American racer Blake Hsueh are set to showcase their skills
on Australian soil, raising the stakes even higher.
Round Two of the 2024 SP Tools Australian Kart Championship
promises to be spectacular event with practice to begin on the afternoon of
Thursday April 18 and continuing through to the finals on Sunday April 22.
The Hume International Raceway is located at 1005 Seymour-Tooborac Road, Hilldene (just 10km from Seymour). Admission for spectators is free, all of the racing action will also be streamed live on Saturday and Sunday on www.watchmysportlive.tv