Australian karting will enter a new era in 2007 with the introduction of the Kart Prix National Series.
To be held over five rounds in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland the Kart Prix National Series will draw the very best from the Australian karting industry to compete on a high profile platform.
Throughout the inaugural series 16 teams, each consisting of two drivers to give a total of 32 karts, will compete aboard a kart powered by a 100cc Yamaha engine. Each team will be required to present both karts from the same manufacturer in identical livery and drivers will also be required to suit up in team colours.
The Kart Prix National Series is the brainchild of well-known karting identity Ian Salvestrin, who has been involved in the sport on a variety of levels in Australia and internationally for over 15 years.
“Over the past few years I have watched elite karting in Australia virtually disappear with the division of categories and all of the best drivers in the country being divided across a variety of classes, rather than all competing against one another, †said Salvestrin.
“The Kart Prix National Series is designed to provide the elite karters of Australia an opportunity to compete in a professionally run series against each other.
“Over time I envisage the series having the potential to become a significant figure on not only the Australian karting calendar but also the Australian motorsport scene. I would also hope the series will attract significant interest from New Zealand and Asia in the coming years. â€
Each of the five rounds will be held over two days only, eliminating the need for competitors to arrive at the circuit numerous days before the racing commences for practice.
The series pointscore will operate a simple and clear, win-motivated pointscore system. Points will be awarded to the first 10 placegetters of the final of all five rounds. In addition, a pointscore will be held over the course of the series to determine the Team’s Champion – not to be confused with any manufacturer-based trophy held at various events in the past.
In 2007 a round winner will receive a minimum of $1000. In 2008 it may be possible to increase these amounts however organisers would prefer to keep the amounts modest and ensure the series viability rather than promising extravagant prizes and prizemoney and not being able to deliver or placing the long term viability of the series at risk.
In addition to the 32 drivers who will contest the Kart Prix National Series there will be several support categories contested at each round. These support classes are still to be finalised but it is likely the line-up for the majority of rounds will include the 125cc KZ2 (six-speed gearbox class, formerly known as Intercontinental C), Formula Rotax, Junior Clubman and Junior A1 Evolution. A promotional class or demonstrations may also join the racing categories at selected rounds of the series.
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