For the first time in almost ten years an Australian driver will be competing in a CIK-FIA World Karting Championship this weekend.
Cairns driver Aidan Wright will be making his debut in the CIK-FIA Under 18 World Karting Championship when the first of three rounds fires up at the Circuito Internazionale d’Abruzzo in Ortona, Italy.
Wright, 16, will be one of 83 young drivers from around the world competing at the event that begins with practice on Friday. Each competitor will contest four heat races to decide which 34 competitors will line-up in the final phase of the round on Sunday.
Reigning V8 Supercar Champion James Courtney is the only Australian driver to have secured victory in a World Karting Championship. He was victorious in the World Junior Championship in 1995 before winning the Senior crown in 1997.
Troy Hunt and Ben Horstman are the last two Australian drivers to have competed at the top level of the sport early last decade.
“I’m really looking good to testing my skills against the world’s best drivers from across the country,” said Wright.
“Travelling overseas to compete in karting means a lot to me. Until now the CIK Stars of Karting Series here in Australia is the biggest thing that I’ve been a part of so far in my career.
“Obviously everyone will be out there to win but if I can come home with a top five, or even a top ten result, I will be pleased with my performance.”
Wright flew out from Australia on the weekend to begin his preparations for this weekend’s event.
