Next month will see the largest number of Australian karters racing overseas in the history of the sport, with 25 drivers competing in five events across four countries.
Australia will have drivers competing in overseas events across four consecutive weekends with Aidan Wright and Aaron Borg kicking off the overseas journey when they compete in Italy and Japan on November 4-6.
Wright will be contesting the third, and final, round of the CIK-FIA World ‘Under 18’ Championship in Sarno, while Borg will be competing in the All Japan Yamaha Championship as a reward for winning the Clubman category on this year’s Yamaha Challenge.
The following weekend, Cian Fothergill, 2010 Pro Light (KF1) Champion and reigning Clubman and Leopard Light National Champion, will be contesting the Asia-Pacific KF2 Championship at Suzuka in Japan.
Fothergill will be supported by the Australian Karting Association, courtesy of his CIK Stars of Karting victory in 2010, and Eastern Creek Karts in his quest at one of the world’s most iconic events.
“To compete in Japan is something that I’ve been looking forward to for almost 12 months now. Unfortunately, the devastating earthquake earlier in the year meant that it was delayed by a few months and I’m really excited about competing overseas,” said Fothergill, who will line-up for the Kosmic Racing Team in the event.
“It will be the first time that I’ve competed overseas, and with the Asia-Pacific Championship being held alongside the World Championship, all of the big factory teams will be there so I’m keen to make a big impression.”
On November 18-20, no less than 11 Australian drivers will be competing in America’s most iconic karting event, the 15th Annual SuperNationals, on the temporary circuit built in the car park adjacent to the Rio Hotel and Casino.
Leading the charge for the Australians will be four drivers in the elite KZ2 (Pro Gearbox) category – Matthew Wall, Macauley Jones, Jordie Lindstrom and Matthew Hunt.
For Wall, it is the second year in succession that he has contested the event.
“I was fortunate enough to be involved in the event last year and was blown away by the magnitude of the event, but then again I wouldn’t have expected anything less from the Americans,” said Wall.
“After seeing the event, I would certainly say that this is a ‘bucket list’ race for any karter – even if it is just to go over and watch the racing because it’s just amazing.
“From being there last year, I learnt a lot and I’m going into this year a lot more prepared. We’re taking our own equipment over there this year, that way we know everything back to front and are more comfortable with our gear.”
Throughout the final week of the month (Nov 21 – 27) Australia will have 11 competitors on the grid in what is classed as the ‘Olympic Games of karting’ – the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals – at Al Ain Raceway in the United Arab Emirates.
Twelve-time Australian Champion Dave Sera will be one of four Australians competing in the Senior category. Sera will be joined on the grid by Tyler Greenbury, Josh De Maio and James Macken in the 72-driver field.
“Having already competing at this venue in 2007 and qualifying fastest, my expectations are quite high as I’ll be looking for a podium finish this time around,” said Sera, who will be competing for the fourth time in the event.
“Having won the Florida Winter Tour against 70 odd competitors in America early in the year, taking out the Australian Rotax Nationals and last weekend winning in New Zealand, I’ve had success against the best drivers from three different countries this year. Not only is this a good achievement but it’s also a huge confidence boost for me going into the World Final.”
All in all, November could see Australian kart racers stand on top of the podium in different corners of the globe all throughout November.
AUSTRALIAN KARTERS RACING OVERSEAS IN NOVEMBER
November 4-6
World Under 18 Karting Championship – Sarno, Italy
Aidan Wright (Cairns, QLD)
All Japan Yamaha Championship – Tsumagoi, Japan
Aaron Borg (Minchenbury, NSW)
November 11-13
Asia Pacific KF2 Championship – Suzuka, Japan
Cian Fothergill (Gladstone, QLD)
November 18-20
15th Annual SuperNats – Las Vegas, USA
Adam Levi (Edgewater, WA)
Bryce Watson (South Hedland, WA)
Craig Willis (North Perth, WA)
David Kermond (Lugarno, NSW)
Jake Kostecki (Dianella, WA)
Jordie Lindstrom (Greensborough, Vic)
Kip Foster (Langford, WA)
Kurt Kostecki (Dianella, WA)
Macauley Jones (Albury, NSW)
Matthew Hunt (Geelong, Vic)
Matthew Wall (Sunbury, Vic)
November 21-27
Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals – Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Brendan Nelson (Gold Coast, QLD)
Brent Coghlan (Kurrajong, NSW)
Damian Ward (Gold Coast, QLD)
Dave Sera (Narre Warren, Vic)
James Macken (Gold Coast, QLD)
Joseph Mawson (Hinchenbrook, NSW)
Josh De Maio (Shepparton,Vic)
Jason Pringle (Essendon, Vic)
Michael Stewart (Bywong, NSW)
Pierce Lehane (Castle Hill, NSW)
Tyler Greenbury (Toowoomba, QLD)
