Memorial races draw all comers

Kart racers will be out to take home the prestigious Ross Manley and Zac Hamment memorial races on Sunday at Albany City Kart Club.

The Ross Manley Memorial will be contested between clubman competitors only.

The Zac Hamment memorial race will be contested by drivers in the cadet 9 category.

This will be ACKC last meeting for the season.

Mother of Zac, Natasha Hamment said this meeting meant a lot to their family.

“The memorial race to honour Zac means so much to our family,” she said. “Zac was very involved in the club, he loved his kart racing so it’s just so great they can give back to us. It’s important to be a part of a club and community as they were very supportive to us in a difficult time.

“After Zac’s accident, he came back to community hospice in Albany for six weeks and we are very involved in the community.

“Zac was a very special boy, and he impacted many people’s lives, he was a blessing to so many people. We support hospice a lot and want to give back after what they did for our family.

“The community was amazing, we were in middle of renovating our house when the accident happened and they fully finished the house in six weeks.

“This is something Luke can feel connected to his brother and have opportunity to see Zac honoured in memorial race after how involved he was.”

Ray Panizza said his uncle, Ross had a big effect on his family and racing.

“Ross raced karts when we were kids, he was the one that got me and my brother (Steve) into racing go-karts,” he said. “Ross did a heap of work around the club and helping it out in difficult times so it’s fitting there’s a memorial race named after him. We have had four generations race at Albany City Kart Club so to see Ross’ legacy respected is a honour.

“This race has gained a lot of prestigious, Ross was loved going full ball so that’s why winning takes all because second and third is like last to him.”

Ray or Steve will race Ross’ original kart, with Ray seeking a fifth victory.