Kidz Kartz showcase determination and skill in Franklin Cup

by Gayleen MacKinnon

The Kidz Kartz Franklin Cup certainly made for an exciting New Year's Eve at Alexandra Park.

Despite wet conditions turning the track to slushy, young competitors showcased their determination and skills in abundance.

The first place was claimed by Zoe Smith from Taranaki, who expertly steered her drive Nightmare to victory.

Zoe, only fourteen years old, has been involved with Kidz Kartz for three years now since she attended a Taranaki Kidz Kartz open day with her family.

This race marked Zoe’s debut at Alexandra Park - an experience made even more memorable by their triumphant win.

Nightmare is owned by the Towers family. Zoe was overjoyed to have had the opportunity to bring her to Auckland to compete in the Franklin Cup .

It wasn't an easy win though; there were 13 other strong contenders vying for the coveted Franklin Cup title in this 400m race sponsored by Franklin Park Training Center.

Second place was impressively secured by Big Mac under Alexis Grbic's reins from Kumeu while third place went to Peppi driven by Franklin's Kaitlin Barendregt, best presented went to Zippity Do Dah and Jasmine Dingle from Franklin and the driver of the night was presented to Franklin's Matthew Hjalmarsson.