Karting: Ford rule roost in the other Bathurst

With Holden winning the Aussie V8s version of Bathurst, it was with great excitement Ford took out the Whangarei Roofing and Bricks Bathurst In The Valley.

To Kartsport Whangarei's dismay however, the annual endurance race was won by the Eastern Bay of Plenty team of Keith Rawlinson and Hayden Walsh, so the trophy sadly left for Whakatane on Monday morning - at least until it is contested again next year.

To add to the spectator experience, the club borrowed from Kartsport Auckland the computerised lap scoring system with live feed, so everyone could see who was coming where during the race.

With pit stops, driver changes, drive-through penalties and mechanical repairs taking place, it can be hard to follow a team's progress in the 161-lap race.

Thanks to 100 per cent Barrells, the drivers, crews and spectators were able to watch the Bathurst race at the track when our race was over.

The Scooters Plywood team of Blair Scott and Cassandra Carter finished second in the Whangarei event and Jeff Oliver Print's Dean Oliver and Rob Barnes took third.

The club's main sponsors were Toll and Wynn Fraser Paints, whose support allowed the day go ahead, while Mark Cromie Holden supplied a great stock of prizes.

The race day was filmed by Channel North, so look out for the airing of our Kartsport Whangarei Bathurst in The Valley.

Another aspect that made the day more special was the Toyota Safety Kart spectacularly sign written by Syndicate Signs. It was needed on many occasions and gave the race a great twist, with the winning kart using these times to pit and gain an added advantage.