Young Kiwi in Kart feature

Multiple New Zealand junior karting champion, Chris Vander Drift is to feature in an upcoming TV documentary chronicling the passage that kart racing provides for youngsters aspiring to the ranks of big time motor racing.

The documentary will detail the various classes that youngsters like Chris can progress through in their motorsport careers, from the Cadet class for 6 year olds right through to the senior classes. Mitchell Evans, top Cadet class driver and son of circuit racing legend, Owen Evans, will feature in the production along with Chris. Fabian Coulthard, a top senior karter that has made a very successful transition into the tough world of Formula Ford will also be featured in the show.

Much of the filming took place at the Auckland Cash Series event on Sunday 29th July. Chris was in top form as he dominated the highly competitive Junior class. Three wins and a close second place secured a comfortable overall victory for Chris in his last warm up event before he heads across the Tasman to Melbourne to contest Round 3 of the Australian Series.

"It was a perfect day" said Chris. "The motor ran real strong and we had the ideal set-up for the technical Shell Helix Raceway." Race 3 was a tough heat as Chris was drawn off grid 16 and had a bit too much slip on his clutch, losing him precious acceleration out the tight turns. Despite these handicaps, Chris managed to close up to 2nd place by the end of the heat.

The TV documentary is scheduled to air on TV One's Shell Helix Motorsport program during the afternoon of Sunday 19th August.

-Wayne Attwell