CIK: Jake Coleman joins Stars of Karting Series

COLEMAN GETTING SET FOR CIK STARS OF KARTING IN 2010

New South Wales teenager Jake Coleman is set to take the next step in his flourishing karting career next year when he steps up to compete in Australia's most prestigious series, the CIK Stars of Karting Series.

Coleman, 13, will contest the Pro Junior(KF3) category in the four-round series aboard his familiar CRG chassis against some of the best young drivers in the country.

Competitors in the Pro Junior category will be powered by a Vortex KF3 2010-specification 125cc engine, available for purchase through the Australian Karting Association for $3,900 (inc GST) and is the same engine that is used in the top level junior events across the globe.

"The CIK Stars of Karting Series is the highest level of karting that we have in Australia, you're racing against the best drivers with the fastest engines on the stickiest tyres," said Coleman.

"It is a new challenge but one that I'm really looking forward to."

Coleman's career behind the wheel began almost seven years ago when he was just seven years of age.

"We were at the final round of the V8 Supercar Championship at Eastern Creek and Jake had been talking to someone at a karting stand. From there he was instantly hooked and didn't talk about anything else for weeks," said Jake's father Mark.

"Following that he received a go-kart for Christmas and things have gone from there."

Coleman qualified third at the Australian Karting Nationals in Townsville this year and has been a front-runner in various events throughout New South Wales across the year.

The CIK Stars of Karting Series will kick off in Newcastle on March 5-7 and will incorporate championships for the Pro Light (KF1), Pro Gearbox (KZ2) and Pro Junior (KF3) categories.

Competitors in the Pro Light category will use the 125cc IAME KF specification engine, as used in the 2009 championship that was won by Newcastle driver Hayden McBride. The Pro Gearbox drivers will take to the track powered by a six-speed 125cc gearbox machine while the Pro Junior drivers will use a 125cc Vortex KF3 specification engine.

Driver's looking to register their interest in the series or purchase a KF specification engine for use in the series should contact Peter Galvin on 0433 042 900.

Running in conjunction with the series will also be a Clubman and Junior National category, where competitors will be vying for the East Coast Title, along with one class chosen by the host club.

-credit: bammedia