KAWARTHA DURHAM KART CLUB: May 1 opener race report

On Saturday, May 1st, the Kawartha Durham Kart Club held an open practice and new member training day at Kawartha Downs and Speedway. With new kart members joining in almost all the classes and most of the previous members returning, there was plenty of enthusiasm as they begin their 2010 championship season. Many thanks to AJ Emms and his father for lending a hand with the rookies and helping them learn their racing lines, braking zones and turn-in points. They were able to learn from a champion and in their first time on track they showed what they learned.

KDKC Race #1 took place the following day, May 2nd under mostly cloudy skies with the threat of rain, but the club was able to celebrate their 14th event in a row without needing rain tires. Kawartha Speedway seems to be located under giant bubble. All sessions ran without any major incidents and the determination to go as fast as possible was obvious as there were battles for positions throughout the day from ALL members including the rookies.

Defending champion Carl Thompson had control of the Masters class from the first lap of practice but a minor mechanical problem would hand the win to past champion Bruce Paynes with Paul Evans in second and Dave Walker taking third. In Senior Honda, “The Teacher” AJ Emms gave a lesson in dominance as he won both the pre-final and final races but not easily as Dennis woods went from the back of the pack to take second with Patrick Pleasance showing how to race with a loose rear wheel in third. Junior Heavy was a great race as second year racer Jaike Haywood sporting a new, faster appearance, took the win with rookie Cameron Gardiner doing an amazing job coming in second in only his first race. 

A familiar face at the front of the field but moving up to Junior Lite, Andre “The Firecracker” Fiorini did not have as easy a time take first place but showed why he’s a champion. Also moving up to Lite, crowd favorite Bailey Brown came in a close second and the artist formerly known as Gaelen Palleske took home third. KDKC is always proud of its novice class and race 1 was no different as family, friends, workers and other racers cheered on as the youngsters showed their chasing and passing skills with eventual winner Dawson Williams coming in ahead of Mason Brown and the ever faster Marlie Owens in third. With help earlier in the day from AJ Emms, Hector Wakfer showed great improvement coming in fourth and determined rookie Basil Pappas rounding out the top five.

“Congratulations to all the members for a great first race. It was nice to see so many happy faces and it’s a pleasure to see everyone helping each other out without hesitation. Safety is our main concern but providing the proper training and assistance to all members will help this club provide some of the fastest and most confident racers possible.” Paul Evans, President KDKC.

The next race for the Kawartha Durham Kart Club will take place on Mothers Day, Sunday May 9th and everyone is encouraged to attend. Visitors can race as often as they want throughout the year at only $65 for visitors as well as members per race. Additional family member’s race for $35 (must be KDKC member) and there will be prizes throughout the day for mothers, girlfriends, wives (or wives and girlfriends) and a special treat at the end of race day for a few lucky mothers in attendance. ALL 2 stroke classes will be included in the schedule if there is interest from anyone wishing to get on the high speed banking of Kawartha Speedway ahead of the Brian Stewart Kart Racing Series event.

Visit the club website for complete schedule, rules, membership forms and additional information. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with comments or questions. www.kawarthadurhamkartclub.com.

From KDKC