Karting Australia is on the search for two drivers – one junior and one senior – to represent the country at the FIA Motorsport Games in France later this year.
Taking place at the Paul Ricard circuit in France on October 26-30, this second edition of the multi-discipline global competition will feature an increased presence for karting.
“As a result, Karting Australia is opening applications for two young drivers to represent their country at the games” a KA press release stated.
The Sprint Karting element, which runs in addition to the “Karting Slalom Cup”, is split into two medal-winning categories of Junior and Senior competition. The Junior category is open to 11-14 year-olds with an FIA International Grade G licence. The Senior competition is for divers 14 and above.
The karting action begins with free practice and qualifying on Friday, October 28. For the Juniors, three 10km qualifying heats play out throughout Saturday and Sunday morning. The final 25km race will decide the inaugural Karting Sprint Junior medal winners.
Senior will feature three 15km qualifying heats ahead of a 30km final race to decide the winning nation.
Karting Australia Chief Executive Officer Kelvin O’Reilly believes that the Motorsport Games is a great platform for a pair of Australians to shine on the world stage.
“The FIA Motorosport Games is a unique concept and one that has significant potential for years to come. It’s great to see sprint karting incorporated into the roster for this year’s event,” said O’Reilly.
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“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for two young drivers to be able to represent their country alongside other members of the Australia team that will be competing in other disciplines.”
Karting Australia drivers can register their interest in the event by completing the application form HERE (applications close Friday August 5). The successful drivers will be announced in mid August.
The event will be run using spec equipment, all drivers on identical Kart Republic chassis with IAME engine. The entry fee, which includes pit space, fuel and single supply tyres, is €5,200 (around AUD$7,700).
The Games also has a Karting Endurance event where an ASN can enter a team of mixed gender drivers, aged 17+ years with a National licence, however KA’s press release was specifically targeting two young ‘sprint’ drivers. Karting endurance will also be spec, using IPK chassis with Tillotson T4 engine.
At the time of publication, the FIA list Stephen and Brenton Grove as Australia’s GT Cup drivers, Luis Leeds for Formula 4 and Cody Nikola Latkovski for the Digital Cup.
“Like so many drivers, I learnt my craft in karting. I would have jumped at the chance to represent my country and compete on the global stage of the FIA Motorsport Games,” Felipe Massa, former Formula 1 driver and President of the FIA Drivers’ Commission.
“Thanks to the two new karting disciplines joining the 2022 Games this October, more young drivers will get the chance to have that experience and to showcase their talent. That’s really important because karting is the proving ground for so many forms of motorsport.”
Further information on the FIA Motorsport Games can be found at www.fiamotorsportgames.com
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