The 2016 Karting Victoria end of year presentation night featuring the Victorian Karters Of The Year awards and Golden Power Series trophy presentations was held on Saturday night 10th of December at the Taylors Lakes Hotel.
A full room capacity of some 200 drivers, friends and family were in attendance for the evening with live music entertainment supplied by veteran karter Glen Chadwicks 3 piece band, a photography slide show display on the big screens from racing throughout the year supplied by Tim Francis (tfdesign.com.au) and a photo booth with a selection of Karting Victoria backgrounds was very popular especially with the young drivers.
The Taylors Lakes Hotel was the scene for the awards night
Some 200 people attended the presentation night
Karting Victoria president Russell White opens the nights proceedings
The prestigious Victorian Karter Of The Year trophies
The Alan & Raie Choon Trophy awarded to the Senior Karter Of The Year
The J.C Maddox trophy awarded to the Junior Karter Of The Year
The Rene & Barney Smith and Robotham & Johnson trophies awarded to the Cadet 12 and Cadet 9 Karters Of The Year
Victorian Karters Of The Year
The first presentations of the night made by Karting Victoria president Russell White were the 2016 Victorian Karters Of The Year awards for Cadet 9, Cadet 12, Junior and Senior Drivers.
After every race meeting conducted in Victoria the officials decide together who they think was the best driver in each category and at the end of the year these votes are tallied up to determine the winners of this prestigious award.
The 2016 Victorian Karter Of The Year award winners
Cadet 9 Victorian Karters Of The Year (Rene & Barney Smith Trophy)
Harry Arnett & Jesse Lacey (joint winners)
(Bendigo Kart Club), (Go-Kart Club of Victoria)
Cadet 12 Victorian Karter Of The Year (Robotham & Johnson Trophy)
Fletcher Harris
(Rochester/Eastern Lions)
Junior Victorian Karter Of The Year (J.C. Maddox Trophy)
Nicholas Trebilcock
(Rochester Kart Club)
Senior Victorian Karter Of The Year (Alan & Raie Choon Trophy)
Troy Alger
(Gippsland Kart Club)
Cadet 9 Victorian Karters Of The Year – Harry Arnett & Jesse Lacey (joint winners)
Harry Arnett and Jesse Lacey are joint winners of the Cadet 9 Victorian Karter Of The Year (Rene & Barney Smith trophy)
Harry Arnett and Jesse Lacey are joint winners of the Cadet 9 Victorian Karter Of The Year (Rene & Barney Smith trophy)
Harry Arnett joint winner with Jesse Lacey of the 2016 Cadet 9 Victorian Karter Of The Year award (Rene & Barney Smith trophy)
Interview with Harry Arnett
Member of the Bendigo Kart Club
Karting equipment used by Harry
Chassis FA, engine Vortex Mini Rok by A1 engines
Sponsors
Shamick Racing, Jackal Fencing, Edge Plumbing, A1 Engines
What were your best results from 2016?
1st City of Melbourne, 3rd overall Rotax Pro Tour Micro Max, 1st Round 3 Australian Kart Championships / Round 6 Vic State Pro Tour Micro Max, 1st Vic State Cup Cadet 9
Who would you like to thank for helping you in 2016?
Brett Arnett / A1 Engines, Shamick Racing, Jackal Fencing, Edge Plumbing, Mum and Dad and Cory.
What racing will you be doing in 2017?
Micro Max Rotax Pro Tour, Australian Kart Championship Cadet 9, Vic State Series
What do you like about the sport of karting?
Racing other drivers and travelling to different tracks
Jesse Lacey joint winner with Harry Arnett of the 2016 Cadet 9 Victorian Karter Of The Year award (Rene & Barney Smith trophy)
Interview with Jesse Lacey
Member of the Go-Kart Club of Victoria
Karting equipment used by Jesse
Chassis OK-1 900, engine Mini Rok by A1 engines
Sponsors
Siclids
What were your best results from 2016?
1st Hamilton VCR, 1st Horsham VCR, 1st Pukka Junior Sprint
Who would you like to thank for helping you in 2016?
A1 Engines, Shaun Williams and Kobi Williams and uncle Brett Lacey
Any interesting or funny stories from your racing in 2016?
I pulled in with one lap to go in the final while running 2nd and missed out on a podium finish
What racing will you be doing in 2017?
Cadet 12 National Series
What do you like about the sport of karting?
How fast the Go Kart can go!
Cadet 12 Victorian Karter Of The Year – Fletcher Harris
Fletcher Harris winner of the 2016 Cadet 12 Victorian Karter Of The Year award (Robotham & Johnson Trophy)
Fletcher Harris winner of the 2016 Cadet 12 Victorian Karter Of The Year award (Robotham & Johnson Trophy)
Interview with Fletcher Harris
Member of the Rochester / Eastern Lions Kart Club
Karting equipment used by Fletcher
Chassis Haase, engine Vortex by Adam Macrow
Sponsors
Pentair Water, Maloga Laser, Snap Test & Tag, Bartercard, AZR Water Solutions
What were your best results from 2016?
1st Vic Kart Championship (Blue plate!), 3rd Australian Kart Championship, 1st City of Melb, 1st Junior Sprints
Who would you like to thank for helping you in 2016?
Mum, Dad, Adam Macrow, Adam Fletcher and Simon Costello, Schembri fami
ly, Carr family, Buck family, RGI Graphic Images
Any interesting or funny stories from your racing in 2016?
After destroying my chassis I drove my brothers Chassis from last and managed to finish 11th in Dubbo Round 1 of ACC
What racing will you be doing in 2017?
AKC and Vic Titles
What do you like about the sport of karting?
It’s fun
Junior Victorian Karter Of The Year – Nicholas Trebilcock
Nicholas Trebilcock winner of the 2016 Victorian Junior Karter Of The Year award (J.C. Maddox Trophy)
Nicholas Trebilcock winner of the 2016 Victorian Junior Karter Of The Year award (J.C. Maddox Trophy)
Interview with Nicholas Trebilcock
Member of the Rochester Kart Club
Karting equipment used by Nicholas
Chassis Arrow X1, engine by HJM Race Engines
Sponsors
Pro-com Consulting, Echuca Karts and Parts, HJM Race Engines.
What were your best results from 2016?
1st at 2016 Australasian Titles, 1st 2016 Power Series overall, 7th state series overall, 1st Sun Centre Titles
Who would you like to thank for helping you in 2016?
Dad, Dillon at HJM, Marty, Adrian Allen, Adrian Ford, the Rice family
Any interesting or funny stories from your racing in 2016?
We found a thrown out axel that was bent and we straightened it to the best we could and used that axel for a while which turned out pretty well!
What racing will you be doing in 2017?
Power Series and State Series and a few open meetings
What do you like about the sport of karting?
The enjoyment and thrill of the sport and having fun with all my mates
Senior Victorian Karter Of The Year – Troy Alger
Troy Alger winner of the 2016 Victorian Senior Karter Of The Year award (Alan & Raie Choon Trophy)
Troy Alger winner of the 2016 Victorian Senior Karter Of The Year award (Alan & Raie Choon Trophy)
Interview with Troy Alger
Member of the Gippsland Go Kart Club
Karting equipment used by Troy
Chassis OKN, engine Rotax by C.C Racing (Pete & Clint)
Sponsors
High Performance Coatings, Ciloms Airport Lodge, Bruce Clough Mazda, Master Karting, Geoffs Communications, Nissen Hot Rod Garage (USA), C.C Racing
What were your best results from 2016?
Podium at Rotax Pro Tour (National event), Australasian Champion (Red Plate), Golden Power Series overall win, 2nd Tasmanian State Titles
Who would you like to thank for helping you in 2016?
Mum and Dad, officials, stewards, karting community for all their kind words and support. Just everyone who has helped me to this point in my career.
Any interesting or funny stories from your racing in 2016?
Camping at the track, traveling Australia in the back of my car with Dad. Going to Tassie for 3 years in a row and not finishing in any position other than 2nd in all races and qualifying (all heats 2nd and finals 2nd).
What racing will you be doing in 2017?
Mainly the Rotax Pro Tour, hopefully depending on budget as well as the Victorian State Series. If anyone is interested in helping me live my dream, any sponsorship contribution would be greatly appreciated!
What do you like about the sport of karting?
Fun, enjoyable, great way to meet new people and great entry level motorsport of hopefully a full time racing career!
Life Membership and Appreciation Awards
Life Membership awards were presented to Trevor Crane (steward, official and previous Australian Karting President from the Wimmera Kart Club) and Ross Gathercole (Karting Victoria state track inspector from the Mildura Kart Club).
Karting Victoria Secretary Pam Arnett along with Russell presented an Appreciation award to Fran Kelsall who attended the dinner with her husband Ken who both have been involved in karting since 1977.
Fran started the sport as a racer and then went into stewarding and has been a valuable part of Karting Victoria stewarding committee for many years and will be missed at race meetings.
Ross Gathercole and Trevor Crane were presented with Life Membership of Karting Victoria
Fran Kelsall was presented with an Appreciation award, here pictured with her husband Ken who both have been involved in karting since 1977
All people recognised for their work and achievements on the night (from front left) Harry Arnett and Jesse Lacey (Victorian Cadet 9 Karters Of The Year), Fletcher Roberts (Victorian Cadet 12 Karter Of The Year), (2nd row) Pam Arnett (Karting Victoria Secretary), Fran Kelsall (Appreciation award), Nicholas Trebilcock (Victorian Junior Karter Of The Year), Troy Alger (Victorian Senior Karter Of The Year), (at back) Trevor Crane and Ross Gathercole (Karting Victoria Life Memberships).
Golden Power Series
The 2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations were made by Graeme Monds and Russell White.
The 2016 Golden Power Series trophies on display (Karting Victoria)
KA4 Junior Heavy
1st place Jack Martin
2nd place Benjamin D’Alia
3rd place Jackson Rice
KA4 Junior Heavy drivers Benjamin D’Alia 2nd place, Jack Martin 1st place and Jackson Rice 3rd place (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
KA3 Senior Light
1st place Michael Bantick
2nd place Adam Pasek
3rd place Christian Viggiano
KA3 Senior Light class trophy winners,Christian Viggiano 3rd place, Phil Lane collecting the 1st place trophy on behalf of Michael Bantick and Adam Pasek 2nd place (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
KA3 Senior Heavy
1st place Ryan Aitken
2nd place Thomas French
3rd place Rodney Capuano
KA3 Senior Heavy driver Thomas French collects his 2nd place trophy (1st place Ryan Aitken and 3rd place Rodney Capuano not in attendance). (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
KA3 Junior
1st place Taine Venables
2nd place Domenic Romeo
3rd place David Huezo
KA3 Junior drivers Taine Venables 1st place, Domenic Romeo 2nd place, David Huezo 3rd place (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
TaG 125 Masters
1st place Geoff Wyhoon
2nd place Ian Branson
3rd place Brendan Myors
TaG 125 Masters class trophy winnersGeoff Wyhoon 1st place, Caleb Spence collecting the 2nd place trophy on behalf of Ian Branson and Brendan Myors 3rd place (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
Cadet 12
1st place Bronson Boult
2nd place Bailey Collins
3rd place (tied) Jake Cuschieri & Nicholas Sacco
Cadet 12 drivers Bronson Boult 1st place, Fletcher Harris collecting the tied 3rd place trophy on behalf of Nicholas Sacco, Jake Cuschieri also in 3rd place and Bailey Collins 2nd place (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
TAG 125 Light
1st place Troy Alger
2nd place Daniel Pegg
3rd place Curt Sera
TAG 125 Light drivers Troy Alger (1st place), Daniel Pegg (2nd place), Curt Sera 3rd place (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
TAG 125 Restricted Super Heavy
1st place Martin Golledge
2nd place Sarah Burt
3rd place Joe Brancati
TAG 125 Restricted Super Heavy trophy winners Martin Golledge 1st place, Jake Cuschieri collecting the 3rd place trophy on behalf of Joe Brancati and Sarah Burt 2nd place (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
TAG 125 Heavy
1st place Scott Cole
2nd place Christopher Harvey
3rd place Billy Guttler
TAG 125 Heavy trophy winners, 2nd place trophy is collected on behalf of Christopher Harvey, Scott Cole 1st place and Billy Guttler 3rd place (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
TAG 125 Restricted Masters
1st place Daryl Buck
2nd place Simon Phillips
3rd place Leigh Richardson
TAG 125 Restricted Masters trophy winners Simon Phillips 2nd place,Martin Golledge picking up the trophy for Daryl Buck 1st place and Leigh Richardson 3rd place (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
Cadet 9
1st place Aryton Filippi
2nd place Caleb Spence
3rd place Digby Parkinson
Cadet 9 drivers Aryton Filippi 1st place, Digby Parkinson 3rd place and Caleb Spence 2nd place (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
KA4 Junior Light
1st place Nicholas Trebilcock
2nd place Adam Campbell
3rd place Liam Hall
KA4 Junior Light drivers Nicholas Trebilcock 1st place, Adam Campbell 2nd place and Liam Hall 3rd place (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
TAG 125 Restricted Light
1st place Brayden Flood
2nd place Gerry Westerveld
3rd place Billy Westerveld
TAG 125 Restricted Light drivers Gerry Westerveld 2nd place, Brayden Flood 1st place and Billy Westerveld 3rd place (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
TAG 125 Restricted Heavy
1st place (tied) Beau Humphrey & Blair Van Ree
2nd place Matthew Stefano
3rd place Casey Fenton
TAG 125 Restricted Heavy trophy winners Matthew Stefano 2nd place, Jackson Rice collecting the tied 1st place trophy for Blair Van Ree, Beau Humphrey 1st place, and Casey Fenton 3rd place (2016 Golden Power Series trophy presentations, Karting Victoria).
Conclusion
We hope everyone who attended the event had a great night and we look forward to seeing everyone back at the kart tracks around Victoria racing again in 2017, after a safe and festive holiday season. 2017 Golden Power Series and Victorian Kart Championship posters and webpage information will be released shortly.
If anyone requires any of the original full size photography files or prints from the presentation night they are available for purchase, please contact the photographer who was at the night Tim Francis via email info@tfdesign.com.au and he will be able to assist.
