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| October 27, 2009 |
| Australian CIK Karting Championship Queensland Report |
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 | Hayden McBride, the 2009 Australian CIK Karting Champion
(Photo: photowagon.com.au) |
Newcastle’s Hayden McBride has claimed the 2009 Australian CIK Karting Championship after finishing runner-up at the final round held in Queensland over the weekend.
Originally scheduled to be contested at the Ipswich circuit, the final day of competition was moved to the nearby Toowoomba circuit after track conditions were deemed unsafe on Saturday afternoon.
The surface began breaking up in the hot conditions this morning and racing was called to a halt early in the afternoon. After inspecting the track and considering all options, AKA officials consulted competitors and decided to move the remaining heat races, pre-final and final to Toowoomba.
Throughout Sunday’s action McBride battled with tyre issues, believed to have been instigated by the condition of the Ipswich circuit on Saturday, and finished well off the pace during the heat races.
Luckily for McBride he was able to take advantage of the second set of allocated Dunlop tyres and showed some strong pace to finish runner-up to his Gillard team-mate John Grother in both finals.
“It is a big relief to get through and win the championship,” said McBride.
“My tyres were pretty much worn out after qualifying and the opening heat, I think due to the Ipswich track surface torturing them. I’ve never seen a track like we saw yesterday.”
 | John Grother on his way to winning the final round in Toowoomba
(Photo: photowagon.com.au) |
During the finals McBride was engaged in a hard fought battle with fellow championship contenders Tyson Pearce and Simon Roberts along with CIK debutant Matthew Waters while Grother cleared off into the distance.
“All year myself, Tyson and Robbo have had some great battles and this weekend was no different,” said McBride.
“At the end of last year I had almost the decision to retire from the sport but this year’s CIK Championship has certainly rejuvenated my enthusiasm for the sport and I’m already looking forward to next year.
“Special thanks must go to Paul Gallo and Kristian Hanley of Gillard Karts along with my mechanic Dave Keary. Without the assistance of these guys and the team at RJ doors, this year would have been possible.”
McBride finished the four round championship on 249 points, 16 clear of Pearce in the runner-up spot.
Pearce’s championship chase was all but over when he encountered an engine issue in the second heat race. The Omega pilot would eventually five points clear of Roberts in the standings.
In the final event on the Rotax Pro Tour schedule it was the Greenbury borthers who stole the show. Tyler Greenbury took out the Rotax Light category while his older brother, Matt, proved too good in the Heavy class. Queenslander Ben Jurczak proved too good once again in Formula JMA while Nicholas Crawshay proved too good in the Rotax Over 35's division. In the DD2 class it was Kyle Ensbey who took the victory in over Brinley Gread.
 | With the switch of venues it meant that Brendan Nelson got the opportunity to race on his home circuit
(Photo: photowagon.com.au) |
The 2010 Australian CIK Championship, which will include the KF2, KZ2 (formerly Intercontinental C) and the KF3 (formerly Junior Intercontinental A) will begin in Newcastle on March 5-7, 2010.
2009 AUSTRALIAN CIK KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP
Final Championship Standings:
1. Hayden McBride 249
2. Tyson Pearce 233
3. Simon Roberts 228
4. Ryan Gallagher 199
5. Peter Hollings 195
6. Damian Radosevic 178
7. Matthew Erdman 175
8. Mitchell Cunningham 165
9. John Grother 135
10. Matt Bailey 76
11. Steven Scoble 55
12. David Whitmore 49
13. Brendan Nelson 42
14. Anthony Vince 40
15. Matthew Waters 36
16. Jason Varley 33
2010 Australian CIK Championship Schedule
ROUND 1 - March 5-7, Newcastle, NSW
ROUND 2 - May 7-9, Ipswich, QLD
ROUND 3 - June 18-20, Eastern Creek, NSW
ROUND 4 - August 6-8, Victoria *date and venue to be confirmed by the VKA |
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