VEREENIGING REGIONAL 13 FEBRUARY 2010-02-17

THE KART SHOPPE STARTS OFF WHERE IT LEFT OFF
A heat wave greeted competitors at the Vereeniging Karting Circuit for the first round of the 2010 Regional Championships. The first regional race of the year was for ROK series competitors (Cadette, GP Junior, Junior Rok and 125GP)

The Kart Shoppe and Birel started the year off where they ended 2009 at – at the forefront in every class. Using the new Birel RY30S2 chassis, the drivers soon found a very comfortable set up.

In the premier class, Super Rok, Birel drivers qualified in the top five positions, with reigning champion Ian Young taking Pole followed by Chad Van Beurden, Liam Venter, Duke Ridgway and Nick Toner who were all pleased with the performance of the Birel chassis. The racing in this class throughout the day was exceptional with extremely hard fought races. Ian Young, Chad Van Beurden and Aston Hare all claimed a heat wins, but Chad Van Beurden who took overall honours for the day ahead of Aston Hare and Ian Young. Duke Rigway and Nick Toner were also competitive throughout the day. A good start to Birel’s Super Rok campaign. The Super Rok class really looks like it will be South Africa’s premier class this year with no less than 16 entries at the first race.

New Kart Shoppe team member Chad Magiver  got the day off to a perfect start by taking pole position in the Junior Rok category aboard his 2010 Birel RY30S2. Despite not winning the day, he posted fastest lap time in two of the three heats, making his winning intentions clear. Nathan Parkins surprised many in his Birel RY30S1 chassis to claim runner up spot for the day, just behind Raoul Hyman.  A good platform has been established by the Birel drivers in the Junior Rok category.

125 GP has really become a fantastic “old toppies” class. Much fun is had in this class, and to prove it, 125 GP fielded the most number of entries for the day -  21.  Clint Jones started off his 2010 championship campaign in fine style aboard his Birel by taking overall victory for the day. Hot on his heels are Rob Bakewell, Allan Thompson and Deon Auby all aboard there Birel karts.  We were ecstatic to see the number of entries in this class, and to top it off there is even more interest in this extremely fun class now. If you looking for serious racing whilst having a great time this is the class to be in.
In the Cadette class, Castrol Toyota development driver Lucky Ramagole impressed everyone by taking third overall for the day in only his second season. Second overall went to Wynand Wyman, whilst youngster Atlan Bouw took the overall honours with a superb drive.

Junior GP was once again a very competitive class, with Liam Pienaar taking victory ahead of Michael Potgieter, Divhan Du Preez and newly signed Kart Shoppe team member Clinton Bezuidenhout.

All in all it was a fantastic start to the 2010 season, and we look forward to building on our success.