KARTING: Lee's itching to take on the blokes

SHANE HURNDELL
Donna Lee has a dream ... to race in the Toyota Series for New Zealand's premier open wheel class drivers.
The Hastings childcare worker knows a national karting title on her CV would be a step in the right direction toward fulfilling that dream. Whether that title is won at this weekend's Hawke's Bay Karting Club-hosted nationals at Roy's Hill's ZM Raceway, Hastings or in the future it doesn't matter.
"If I make the top six this weekend I would be over the moon but a top three finish would be better," said the host club's only female starter who will race in a 24-strong 100cc Yamaha heavy field.
Being the only female in her class doesn't bother Lee either. She loves beating the blokes.
Two years ago, Lee, 20, who has been racing for 12 years created history at her club when she became the first female to win the Ray Wilson Memorial Trophy which has been awarded annually for past 25 years to the winner of a 30-lap Grand Prix.
"That ranks right up with the best of my karting highlights. I've won just about everything I can at the club apart from the Johnny Harrison Trophy which is for another 30 lapper ... hopefully I will get that one soon," she said.
Another of her highlights was a sixth placing in a 24-strong Rotax Max Light field at last year's Blossom meeting.
"In one of the races I started last on the grid and finished third," said the Mag and Turbo-sponsored Lee.
That sort of form will be a must if Lee is to achieve her goal of a top six finish this weekend as well as make another step toward her dream.
Like Lee, Taradale builder Myers Eddington, 17, can't wait to compete in a quality field.
"I understand there's up to six former national champions in my class including Wellingtonian Carl Wilson," Eddington said.
A third season driver, Eddington, will tackle the 100cc Yamaha light class. Last year he was the Hawke's Bay club's junior champion.
Despite the fact it's his first season out of the junior ranks and he's tackling his first nationals, Eddington will still aim for a top 10 finish.
"I'm happy with my buildup ... I've been out at the track the last two weekends testing my kart and everything is going good," he said.
Eddington's confidence has also been boosted by a fourth equal placing in the last Gold Star series which involves drivers from throughout the lower North Island. Racing, with 250 starters, kicks off on Friday and continues on Saturday.