Karters from all over New Zealand will gather at Waitara in Taranaki this weekend to help kick off the Manawatu & TRC Toyota-backed 60th anniversary Wellington Provincial Karting Association’s (WPKA) Goldstar Series.
The sport of karting was in its infancy here and around the world back in 1960, but that was the year the WPKA established what in effect was the country’s first interclub competition.
Like any 60-year-old, the series has had its ups and downs in that time but through the current stewardship of the WPKA it is again in rude good health with over 115 entries received over 10 classes as of Wednesday this week for the opening round of the 2019/20 season in Taranaki this weekend.
Though originally set up to benefit members of clubs in the lower North Island, canny drivers from further afield have always availed themselves of the opportunity to race at new tracks against different drivers. Over the past four to five seasons, in fact, the series’ effective catchment has expanded to take in Hamilton and Auckland in the north and Nelson, Blenheim and Christchurch in the south.
Which is fine by WPKA President Chris Rooney.
“It is my pleasure,” he said today, “ to welcome all competitors, families and friends to the 2019/2020 Manawatu & TRC Toyota Goldstar series, and it is great to see the increased series’ entries again this year. This shows the importance of our regional series both in driver and club development.”
“We wish all the drivers the best of luck and hope all have an enjoyable series, and to thank Brendon and Debbie Hart from Manawatu & TRC Toyota for their incredible support for the series in its 60th year of incorporation.
“Brendon and Debbie’s sponsorship over the previous years shows their true dedication to grass roots karting both on and off the track.”
The KartSport Taranaki club again hosts the opening round of the 60th anniversary series at Todd Energy Raceway in Waitara with strong entries across all key classes.
The Junior classes are again the best supported with 18 entries in Vortex Mini ROK and 15 apiece in Cadet ROK and 125cc Rotax Max Junior.
Senior numbers are also again strong this season with helped by record 11-strong entries in both the Vortex ROK DVS and the Briggs LO206 4-stroke classes as well as 11 in 125cc Rotax Max Heavy, 10 in 125cc Rotax Max Light and 9-apiece in both Open and ClubSport 120.
As in previous years the Manawatu & TRC Toyota WPKA Gold Star Series runs from November this year through until June next year.
KartSport Wellington hosts the second round in early March 2020, KartSport Hawke’s Bay the third in early May and KartSport Manawatu the annual stand-alone ‘WPKA Championships’ in June 2020.
Comments