mmg.com.au

If you thought this weekend was big already, it’s going to be even bigger.

While thousands of visitors are expected to arrive for the Seymour Military Heritage Weekend, another 1000 kart racers and supporters will also assemble for the 2013 Victorian Open Sprint Kart Championships, hosted by the Eastern Lions Kart Club at its track near Puckapunyal.

More than 300 competitors will battle for the right to become the Victorian champion in the 14 categories being contested, from the Cadets (drivers are as young as seven) to the Clubman Over-40s, where as the name suggests the drivers are aged over 40.

No less than 41 drivers will line up in the Junior National Light category with Darwin’s Bryce Fullwood set to be one of the favourites for the title.

Fullwood has been one of the front-runners in the category over the past few years but will face tough opposition from 40 other competitors in the field next weekend.

In the Clubman Over-40s category, veteran local karter Glenn Chadwick will be making his 20th start in the event.

The Victorian Championships has traditionally been one of the toughest titles to win over the years with the likes of V8 Supercar drivers Jamie Whincup, Mark Winterbottom and the Davison brothers (Alex and Will) all former winners of the event.

‘‘The Victorian Championships is traditionally the first state championships of the year and it attracts the best drivers from all across the country — this year is no different,’’ said Victorian karting president Russell White.

‘‘We’ve got drivers coming from all parts of Australia to compete, from as far north as Darwin and as far west as Perth and Karratha, along with drivers from all across NSW, Queensland, South Australia and our state as well.

‘‘The team at the Eastern Lions Kart Club have done a fantastic job in preparing the venue and everyone can’t wait for the karts to take to the track.’’

More than 1000 people will visit for the event, varying from drivers, mechanics, team members and officials, many of whom began arriving yesterday to begin their preparations.

Organisers estimate the event will inject more than $500000 into the local economy when taking into account the amount of accommodation, meals and other associated spending that comes with the championships.

Practice begins today ahead of qualifying on Friday; heat races will be contested on Saturday with the championship finals on Sunday.