After last year missing out on securing the John Pizarro trophy by a mere six points, CRG driver Kel Treseder is very aware that every point is vital in the CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE.
This analogy is highlighted even further in 2011 with the top seven drivers in the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) championship points separated by a mere 26 points entering this weekend’s penultimate round of the series at Newcastle.
With only one point separating himself and surprise championship leader Scott Taylor in the points standings, Treseder believes the ‘neutral’ track of Newcastle will be somewhat of an equalizer.
“The Newcastle track will be a good leveler as no-one will have any sort of a home track advantage,” said Treseder.
“It’s extremely tight at the top of the standings, there are seven drivers within 26 points going into this weekend. I had a good run there last year on debut (Treseder finished second), so hopefully I can get another podium and keep my championship dream alive.”
Monster Energy-backed Arrow driver David Sera missed the opening round of the series but after winning rounds two and three has rocketed back into championship contention. He is now in fourth place, one point clear of reigning champion Matthew Wall.
Reigning Pro Light (KF1) champion is continuing to fight back from a disastrous round two, where he missed a heat race, failed to finish the opening final and was then excluded for being underweight in the second final after finishing third. Entering this weekend, he is 30 points adrift of championship leader Jake Spencer.
In the Pro Junior (KF3) ranks it is no longer simply the Pierce Lehane show with Joseph Mawson now within striking distance in the championship standings. The pair are expected to joined at the front of the field by the likes of round two winner Jake Klarich, Joseph Burton-Harris, Cameron Hill and Jake Coleman.
Also being contested at the weekend is the fourth event in the Yamaha Challenge where drivers compete in the Clubman and Junior National categories. The Rookies is the chosen support class by the host club at this weekend’s round.