Kart duo rev up for nationals

Two girls who have been racing go-karts for a few years recently won podium honours in a Top Half competition.

Gemma Winters and Heidi Benner, both aged 10, love speed and are preparing to represent Fairhaven in the national schools go-karting competition in Palmerston North from next week, for six days.

Heidi started racing when she was 6 years old, competing in the Cadet class.

Kart classes are based on overall weight (with rider included) and size of engine.

"This year I went up in my class in go-kart and am now racing a JR Vortex Mini Rok," she explains.

"This year I raced in the CRC Speedshow Top Half series.

"I started in Rotorua, round 1, and came third; then I went to Hamilton for round 2 and also came third. For round 3, I went to Edgecumbe and finished fourth then I went to Auckland for round 4 and also finished fourth.

"But with all my points added up I finished third overall for the whole series.

"I was super happy and would like to say a big thank you to my dad and mum and to all my sponsors: T&T Engineering , Heikell Transport Ltd, Direct Racing Supplies, Cheetham Excavators Ltd, Laser Plumbing Te Puke.

"Also this year I am going to Palmerston North to represent Fairhaven School at the National Schools Championship in July 13 and 14 which is going to be very cool," Heidi said.

Heidi's kart number is 39. She used to be No 12, which is her favourite number but when she moved up that number was taken. So she said "three and nine add up to 12" so 39 is her number.

Gemma also goes to Fairhaven School and has been racing go-karts for nearly five years.

"Racing is a lot of fun, I enjoy it and race a Cadet Rok," said Gemma. Her racing kart number is 44 and she's happy because four is her favourite number.

"Recently, we went to Auckland for the last round of Top Half. There are four rounds in Top Half. The tracks we raced at were Edgecumbe, Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland.

"For the day I came fourth out of eight. And for the series I came second.

"Me and my dad will be going down to Palmerston North for six days to race in the national schools competition. We will probably practice three days and race on Sunday. So far there are 23 other kids racing Cadet Rok," said Gemma.

"Brad Tyrell and Dane Hart from Pacific Kartsport helped to set up my kart.

"My favourite tracks are Te Puke's Fagan's Valley and Edgecumbe."