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Ford KartStars seson opener practice notes

Surprises in opening KartStars practice 16 May, 2003 - As the weather cleared for the practice in preparation for the opening round of the Ford Kart Stars Series the surprises began to be unravelled. One of the major surprises was Wesley May.

Edited: May 17, 2003, 1:46 AM

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Surprises in opening KartStars practice

16 May, 2003 - As the weather cleared for the practice in preparation for the opening round of the Ford Kart Stars Series the surprises began to be unravelled.

One of the major surprises was Wesley May. The Newcastle driver only got a call up to the series earlier this week when his younger brother, Brendon was unable to take his place in the five-round series due to work commitments.

"It wasn't until Wednesday that I actually knew I was going to be racing in the series. I haven't even driven a rotax powered kart before," said May prior to the days practice.

Despite his lack of Rotax experience May showed his natural talent immediately proving to be right on the talent.

With his last full year of karting being during the year 2000 May understands that this year will be another experience in a career that he has driven a variety of machines.

Along with his karting achievements throughout Australia May has also competed in 2 rounds of the 2001 Konica V8 Championship.

"This kart is nothing like I've ever driven before. The power, the chassis reaction and almost everything is different," commented May.

Despite this May acclimatised well to his new machine in the one make Ford KartStars Series where all drivers compete aboard the Australian made Arrow AX8 Chassis and was amongst the fastest drivers of the day.

Also joining May at the top of the unofficial charts was last year's Junior Blitz Champion, Andrew Thompson along with South Australian Reif Corbett, Troy Woolsten and his CC racing team-mate Josh Arandt.

Thompson making his KartStars debut supported by Fuchs Silkolene was pleased with his progression throughout the day.

"We're still improving and I'm still getting used to the kart," said Thompson following the day's practice.

"Tomorrow gets more important but the big test will be Sunday when the points are on the line."

Qualifying for the opening round of the Ford KartStars Series supported by Stone Brothers Racing will be held from 12:00pm tomorrow followed by 2 heat races. The racing will continue on Sunday with another heat, Pre-Final and Final will be held at 2:15pm.

Stone Brothers Racing driver and current Konica V8 Championship leader, Mark Winterbottom will be taking time out of his busy schedule to take in the action on Sunday.

The Raleigh circuit is located approximately 15 minutes south of the New South Wales coastal town of Coffs Harbour.

The Ford KartStars will roll into Raleigh on Friday May 16 for the opening rounds practice followed by qualifying and racing over Saturday and Sunday May 17/18.

-fks-

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