Young driver flies the local flag at titles

Emerging young Albany driver Tyler Spouse-Nastasi is eyeing his maiden State title as the keenly awaited 2017 WA Kart Championships begins today at the Albany City Kart Club.

The four-day championships will be held at the Albany venue for the first time since 2011, when Albany’s Graham Donald scored a popular hometown win.

But this weekend’s titles will be far different from those six years ago, with the redeveloped 935m track surface sure to provide even faster and more competitive racing between the 191 entries received across 12 divisions.

Spouse-Nastasi has been racing go-karts for less than five years but will be one of the fancied contenders in the WA open performance division as he contests his third State championship.

The 16-year-old has been in terrific form this season, and started the recent WA KZ Series round here in Albany from pole position in the final, where he eventually finished in third place.

“We’ve had really good pace recently, so I’m definitely going for the win,” he said.

“Lap time-wise we are looking pretty good but racing is totally different and they are all top-class drivers who will dial in quickly.

“Qualifying and the first race will set the mark and with the State title a final only, it’s about who can conserve their tyres the best.”

Spouse-Nastasi finished third in the junior max division of the State championship in 2015 and was keen to bring some State title success back to Albany to end a dry run for the club at this event.

Two interstate drivers will make the long trek for the event, while competitors from around WA fill the big field.

Of the 12 divisions, the cadet 12 class has the most drivers with 28 nominated, while Tag 125 light and Tag 125 heavy have 20 starters apiece.

Adam Levi, Kip Foster, Simon Gwilliam and Sam Dicker are some of the big-name drivers entered in the event. Practice will begin today for all drivers before qualifying tomorrow and again on Saturday morning.

Heat races are set down for Saturday and then the finals for each division on Sunday.

Entry is free for all spectators heading along to watch the event.