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1996 Formula One World Champion, Damon Hill, along with the BMW Williams F1 karting team and seven other international teams will headline one of three endurance karting events planned for New South Wales in 2002. Hill will be competing in the Dubbo 24 hour race, to be held on April 6th & 7th, 2002.
A 12 hour lead up race to the Dubbo event is being held at Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway on February 9th & 10th. This event will run through the night on the 1722 metre track configuration, reputed to be the longest karting circuit in the world and the first time it has been used. Brand new 2002 model twin engine BIZ endurance karts are available for teams of 4 or more drivers at a cost of $1,700 per team. These will line up against a strong field of experienced endurance drivers in their own karts.
"The Eastern Creek 12 hour is a fantastic opportunity to pit your skills against experienced drivers including karting champions and V8 Supercar drivers," said John Macdonald from The Endurance Karting Association (TEKA). "Endurance karting is about consistency and strategy pit stops, refueling and safety vehicles will all be factors which determine who is there to take the chequered flag at the end of a grueling 12 hours."
Already, the series has created a lot of interest, not only in the karting community, but from the corporate sector as well. Managing Director of Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway, Garry Holt, will be fielding a team in the February event, comprising multiple Australian Champions, Darrell Smith and Troy Hunt, Top Kart Racing boss Tim Craig and himself, undoubtedly one of the hot favourites on paper.
"This event is like the Bathurst of karting," said Holt. "It has created a lot of interest from companies throughout the country who look at karting as a way of team building. Company signage and logos can be displayed on the karts and television coverage is in place for the 24 hour events."
Anyone looking to put a team together can visit the TEKA website www.teka.com.au - or TEKA by fax (02) 4257 3060, e-mail as@fresquita.com.au or phone (02) 4257 3707.
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