The 2013 Eastern Canadian Karting Championship hit the mid-point of the season today as drivers and teams convened at Goodwood Kartways, just north of Toronto, Ontario, for race #3 of the Championship. Many new faces were in the paddock compared to the opening rounds only a couple weeks ago, but there was also some regulars looking to score some valuable championship points. The weather warm with the sun making a few appearances throughout the day with a nice breeze kept things cool while the action on track was hot!
Pier-Luc Ouellette (PSL Karting/CRG) came back to the DD2 class in strong form this weekend as he took the pole-position from Ben Cooper (KMS North America/Birel). Marco Dileo (IPK North America/Praga) was third in the session ahead of Maranello North America teammates Brendon Bain, and Fred Woodley.
Ouellette took the lead on the start of the pre final ahead of Cooper while Woodley made a great start from the fifth to take third away from Di Leo. Contact between both Woodley and Di Leo would send the Maranello driver out of the race in corner four on lap two. Cooper then passed Ouelette for the lead as both World Champions would drive away from the chasing pack. At the line Cooper would take the win holding off Ouellette in the second position. Di Leo took third ahead of Bain.
After a short introduction of the Rotax DD2 drivers, the green flag was thrown with Cooper leading the way through turn one with Ouellette, Bain and Di Leo in check. Di Leo quickly moved into third in corner four, but Bain would regain the spot a couple laps later. After starting at the rear, Woodley made his way to fifth by lap three.
Up front, Cooper and Ouellette began to wage a war, trading the lead and pushing each other to their limits. PLO made many moves inside of turn five, while Cooper chose corner nine as his preference. With all the action up front, Bain began to post fast laps and catch the leaders, making it a three kart battle. However with the laps winding down and Bain pushing to his limits, his tires began to fade and he was unable to battle the leaders. Holding his own on the final lap, Cooper would dance around very defensively to hold Ouellette off and take the victory. Bain managed to take third while Woodley would get by Di Leo and score fourth.
Dating back to last season, the two of Cooper and Ouellette have waged three incredible battles for victory in the Rotax DD2 class and let’s hope to see more on Sunday.
