For more than 100 years there’s been one sporting rivalry that never gets old – New Zealand versus Australia. Ever since the All Blacks took down the Wallabies in the very first test match between the two Nations in 1903, Kiwis have loved nothing more than competing across the ditch.

The All Blacks won that match on Wallabies’ home soil, and at this year’s City of Melbourne Karting Titles, our own kiwi karter Zach Tucker did just the same. But this story isn’t just about results, it’s about five young kiwis on an adventure competing overseas and the support that got them there.

The youngest of the quintet was eight year old Christchurch driver Iver Spence was competing in the Cadet 9 class and unfortunately didn’t finish the Final. Spence is only new to the sport, this being his first year on track, but is loving the experience so far – especially racing overseas.

“It was a really fun track in Melbourne – the biggest I have ever raced on. It’s also the biggest field I have raced against too. I learnt a lot and I can’t wait to see how it helps me racing at home”

Another two of the drivers who made the journey to Melbourne are also fairly new to the sport, with just a couple years’ experience under their belts.  Palmerston North’s Aryan Lala, age 11 and Christchurch’s Henry Fisher, age 10, were both competing in the Cadet 12 class finishing sixth and 12th respectively. Along with the Cadet 9 class, the specs are similar to the Cadet ROK and Vortex Mini ROK classes the drivers race here in New Zealand, but just enough different to create a challenge. Both drivers clearly loved the event and the chance to be competing in new scenery.

“Australia was an exciting adventure for me, and I enjoyed the experience. I was lucky to have the opportunity and hope to race there again.” Commented Henry.

“It was a massive learning curve going to race in Australia but I am super proud with my performance and I can’t wait to go back there and race again soon,” mentioned Aryan.

The final two of the five have perhaps the most experience of competing against each other, wheel to wheel at events all around New Zealand. Eleven year old’s Zach Tucker from Christchurch and Marco Manson from Auckland went to the Melbourne as the reigning New Zealand number one and two respectively.

For Manson, it wasn’t his first taste of racing in Australia, having competed in rounds of the Australian Karting Championship earlier in the year. This meant the team had a kart based there already, while the four other Kiwis bought a small container and shared the transportation with the additional support of Mainfreight.

Between Tucker and Manson, the pair showed some impressive ability throughout the weekend. Both consistently up the front of the field, having qualified first and third, Zach Tucker went on to win two heats on his way to the overall title, while Marco won one heat and charged from 14th in the final to finish fourth overall.

Marco was straight to the point with his excitement for the event, saying, “It was such a great event right in the heart of Melbourne!”

Tucker also echoed similar thoughts to the other four drivers.

“I had a great time, loved the experience racing new people and the track is one of my favourites. It was awesome to be racing against such big field and it was very cool to be racing against Marco and the other Kiwis up front.”

For the Tucker family, it was another milestone added to an already incredible year. With back-to-back New Zealand Vortex Mini ROK Championships and a New Zealand Schools Championship already secured, this was icing on the cake. It was also just reward for a lot of work sorting logistics for the four karts shipped over.

“The trip to Melbourne was a great experience for our family, obviously the first international race for the kids which was the focus. We managed to balance the racing with some sightseeing and down time.  It was so great being able to spend time with the other families at the track and at some of the outings we did in Melbourne.

The kids also had familiar faces in one another for company and support, which helped when thing didn’t go to plan. The Australian Karters were all very welcoming, keen to know about our kids and all the families we chatted to seemed keen to head to New Zealand for some racing some day” said Zach’s Mum Melissa.

For Zach’s Dad Anthony, the overall challenge of the event was what made it all worth it.

“The trip took about three months to plan and execute, but the goal was to head over and face new challenges, new competitors and larger fields. A lot of people had also mentioned how great of an event the City of Melbourne titles are. The pressure was definitely more intense, leading for 17 laps of the final, but a great experience and result. A big thank you to Econx, Colliers, Kiwi Bus Builders, Mainfreight and Toyota Australia for all their help too.”

Beyond the families, three other key personnel also assisted at the event, offering guidance and assistance where required. KartSport New Zealand Academy accredited coaches Tiff Chittenden, Josh Hart and Matt Hamilton bring years of experience with them and the drivers incredibly appreciated the support. With the KartSport New Zealand Academy firing back into life consistently in 2023, these coaches and more will help lift up competitors nationwide.

Five kiwi drivers, five families and an incredible amount of lifelong memories made. Karting is always a team sport and that isn’t any more evident than when our New Zealand competitors take the plunge to travel overseas and compete against the world’s best. For the Manson and Tucker families, their adventure continues, with both recently returning in strong form from the ROK World Superfinal in Italy and with a trip to the Rotax Grand Final in Portugal in the coming months.

Article added: Monday 31 October 2022