By: Kami Laliberte Racing
January 15 2017
Christchurch, New Zealand – The third and final day on track, this Sunday at the Ruapana circuit in Christchurch, could be qualified as “average” for young Canadian Kami Laliberté, as the New Zealand “Castrol Toyota Racing Series” drivers gathered for race 2 and race 3 of the first of five rounds, to be disputed until mid-February. On schedule was a morning event of 15 laps followed by the Lady Wigram Trophy Race, a 20-lap showdown closing the weekend activities.
In the morning, on the short and winding 3.3 kilometre course, the Canadian started from 10th position on the grid and managed to climb to 8th place, earning his 2nd Top-10 of the weekend. The afternoon race has proven to be more incredible, the driver’s tasks being to deal with the presence of the safety car on three occasions and difficult restarts.
However, despite excessive heating of his engine during the slow laps, Laliberté has managed to complete in 12th position, according to unofficial results. Monday morning in New Zealand, the sporting authorities had confirmed their final results following their investigation of several drivers. Finally, the Montreal-born driver has been reclassified 10th, earning his third Top-10 finish.
‘’I am satisfied of my morning race. I made it to the end safely after climbing up to 8th place. In the afternoon, it was quite special, a tougher challenge and the multiple presences of the safety car broke all rhythm. I also lost some power. But, again I did make to the end of the race, is saying the young Laliberté. I know where I must improve: it’s during qualifying. I must record some fastest times and get better starting positions. In this series where overtaking is not very easy, this is the key for success’’, concluded the driver who will already be back on track next weekend.
The second round of this championship will be disputed on another short course, the Teretonga Motor Racing Circuit, 2.57 kilometres long but seen as much faster. Located near Invercargill, a community at the extreme southern tip of the country, it is where the Canadian recorded a 7th place last year, following two retirements in the other two events. ‘’I will show up quite confident, since I remember well its nice long straight and its quick corners. This a good place to record some fast times in qualifying,’’ concluded the Montreal-born driver.
At any moment, it is possible to learn more about Kami Laliberté at www.kamilaliberte.com. It is also possible to follow in real time the Castrol Toyota Racing Series of New Zealand at www.toyota.com.nz.