Chasing surfboard trophy

Ferris on top up north

DUTCHMAN Joey Hanssen is the first international driver to be confirmed for this year’s Race of Stars karting event at Pimpama.

Hanssen lived in Australia in 2013 and 2014 in a stint that brought him success and is pumped up to return Down Under.

“I spent two years living in Australia and thoroughly enjoyed it while also winning two championships but the one thing I didn’t manage to win was the Race of Stars,” he said.

“Hopefully that can change this year. I’m returning to Australia with the sole purpose of claiming the surfboard (trophy).

“Anyone who competes at a high level in Europe is extremely talented but some of the Australian drivers are just as good.

“When I first raced in Australia I didn’t know what to expect but I very quickly learnt ... and really had to push hard to win.”

The event will be held across October 11-13 in the build-up to the Gold Coast 600. NORTHERN Rivers motorsport product Dean Ferris has successfully defended his MX1 title with another dominant display at Gladstone.

Carrying a 106-point buffer into the round, the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team rider wrapped up the championship with a Race 1 victory and then celebrated that feat by chalking up another win in the second race of the day.

Ferris never skipped a beat in Gladstone, topping the qualifying sheets before his two standout race performances.

Brett Metcalfe was his closest challenger in Race 1, while rookie Caleb Ward placed second in Race 2 to snatch a career-best result at his home event.