Panizza, Colmer win memorial day

Ray Panizza and Cody Colmer have come away with the spoils from the Albany City Kart Club’s memorial day in honour of former members Ross Manley and Zac Hamment.

A strong contingent of 40 drivers hit the track on Sunday for the November club meeting, which was highlighted by the running of the Ross Manley and Zac Hamment memorials.

Panizza, for the second straight year, claimed the clubman feature race, dedicated to his late uncle Ross Manley, after crossing the line first in the 15-lap final.

Starting from well back in the 24-kart grid, Panizza wove his way through the field to win a thrilling finish as he edged out Kevin Clark by 0.516 seconds.

Bob Harrison was third home in the memorial race, while Greg Pearson and Callum Harper rounded out the top five.

John Hamment, who finished with the fastest lap in the feature, crossed the line in seventh place, and five drivers were unable to complete the 15-lap journey.

As a result of his victory, Panizza retained the elite clubman champion title he won last year.

In the overall points for the day, Panizza won with 943, ahead of Scott Else (857 points) and John Hamment (831).

Four youngsters contested the Zac Hamment Memorial for the cadet 9 division and rising star Colmer was far too strong.

Colmer dominated the nine-lap feature to win by 14.881sec. over Grady Crofts, while Hamish Crofts finished third.

It was a faultless day from Colmer, topping his divisions point score and challenging cadet 12 competitor Harrison Beres throughout.

Beres easily won the cadet 12 class and in the 125 restricted medium category Paul Battye defeated Alan Griffiths by 144 points.

The juniors had a terrific battle despite a small field, Mia Collins winning all four races to collect 1156 points and beat Kane Badger (1012).