The international drivers in Australia for this Saturday’s Race of Stars, presented by Speedcafe.com at the Xtreme Karting Complex have spent the last few days enjoying the sights and sounds of the Gold Coast.
Before the action gets serious on Saturday for the single day, one-off event, the international contingent have visited Australian wildlife at Currumbin, spent time at Movie World and hit the high points of Surfers Paradise at the Q1 Skypoint Climb.
Leading the international charge this weekend is the biggest name currently competing in Karting the world over, five time World Champion, Davide Fore.
He heads up the entry list for the elite KZ2 category – six speed gearboxed karts that will hit speeds in excess of 160kph just millimetres from the ground at the Pimpama circuit.
Whilst tearing around the circuits of the world less than two inches from the ground is no problem, the Skypoint Climb was a different story.
“It is my second time in Australia, but first time here in Queensland. Its very exciting to be here one more time, I think we’ll really enjoy the Race of Stars on the Gold Coast and I really want that Surfboard trophy.”
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The Italian driving for the CRG factory team is determined to win, however he will have the likes of his arch-rival – three time World Champion, Jonathan Thonon, 17-time Australian Champion, David Sera and last year’s winner, Christopher Hays to account for first.
“I want to win the race, like all the drivers,” Fore added. “I think we are going to be very competitive, but we won’t know until we hit the track tomorrow for practice then the race on Saturday.”
Another big name to be in Australia is American, Juan Manuel Correa. The 2013 Junior World Rotax Champion is on a pathway to Formula 1 – joining the Lotus F1 Team Junior Development Program at the beginning of 2014.
That program has elevated the likes of Romain Grosjean, Heikki Kovalainen and Lucas di Grassi straight to Formula 1.
“I’ve been part of the Lotus F1 Team Junior program since the beginning of this year, they help the young drivers moving up the ranks,” said Ecuadorian-born, Florida-based Correa.
He will race against Australia’s best juniors in the KF3 category, which runs to the same specification that he has been running in Europe this year.
“I want to win the surfboard trophy, which is so cool, but also while I’m here have fun, meet new people and learn a little bit more about Australia.”
Finnish driver – Simo Puhakka – who lines up for Porsche Carrera Cup regular, Michael Patrizi’s Patrizicorse outfit has been loving his time on the Gold Coast:
“It has always been my dream to come to Australia and now by being a part of the Race of Stars my dream is a reality,” said Puhakka.
“I’ve seen a lot about the Australian animals before, so see them up close as I did at Currumbin was fantastic. It is always nice to see new things in new countries, and I am really enjoying the Australian weather.”
The action starts at 8am on Saturday, with entry free at the Xtreme Karting complex on the Pimpama Jacobs Well Road, Pimpama as part of the V8 Superfest.
All finals will be beamed live and exclusive via www.Speedcafe.com/kartinglive from 1pm Australian Daylight Saving time (12pm Queensland time).
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