WALL TO LEAD THE AUSSIE INVASION TO AMERICA

CIK Stars of Karting Series Champion Matthew Wall will lead the Aussie invasion to Las Vegas later this month. Pic: photowagon.com.au

CIK Stars of Karting Series Champion Matthew Wall (Sunbury, Vic) will lead the Aussie invasion to America’s most prestigious karting event, the 14th Annual SuperNationals in Las Vegas later this month.

Wall, who has represented his country on several occasions previously in the World Rotax Challenge Final and All Japan Yamaha qualifier, believes the November 19-21 event will be the biggest he has ever competed at.

“The SuperNationals is undoubtedly the biggest in terms of the names that I will be competing against and it is the most nervous I’ve been for a long time preparing for a race,” said the ten-time Australian champion.

“Racing side by side against he factory supported drivers, and drivers from a variety of other motor racing series’, is going to be a real thrill.

“I’m both nervous and excited because I want to see what level Australia has against the world’s best and the nervousness really kicks in because of the fact that there will be 40 drivers in the race on a small track and the start is going to be the hardest.

“Starts will make or break the weekend. It’s going to be the biggest challenge I’ve had in my entire career, it’s going to be a great experience.

“I’ve done everything there is to do in Australia, this is going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my career but I’m going over there with the attitude of aiming to simple do my best with whatever we’ve got and fly the Aussie flag high.”

As a part of his prize for winning the Pro Gearbox (KZ2) category in Australia’s elite karting series Wall received funding towards his Vegas trip from the Australian Karting Association.

Joining Wall on the grid at the SuperNationals in the elite KZ2 Gearbox category is the man he defeated win the Stars of Karting crown, Kel Treseder. After missing out on the championship by a mere six points Treseder went on a fundraising mission to secure his place in the 40-kart field that continually attracts the who’s who in the world of motorsport.

Last year’s Gearbox field included seven-time Formula One Champion Michael Schumacher, Formula One drivers Sebastien Buemi and Nelson Piquet Jnr, world karting champions Arnaud Kozlinski, Bas Lammers, David Fore and Marco Ardigo.

Along with the prestige, Wall and Treseder will be vying for a slice of the $20,000 in prize money that will be split among the top five finishers in the category.

This will be the first time that Australia has had two representatives in the Main Event at the SuperNationals that will be held on a temporary street circuit at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

“This is a dream come true for me, the names that go to race in the SuperNationals is certainly the who’s who in the world of motorsport and I’m going to be lining up alongside of them,” said Treseder.

“When I missed out on the Stars of Karting title, and subsequent funding that went with it, I was still determined to make sure I got a spot on the grid and thanks to a lot of supporters I’ve been able to turn my dream into a reality.

“I’m going into the event with no real expectations, the only thing I want to do gain as much experience as possible and do my country proud.”

Adding further strength to the Australian contingent at the event will be the largest ever number of drivers competing in other categories across the weekend. These drivers include David Sera, the father and son duo of Kip and Scott Foster from WA, Victorian youngster Adrian Lazarro, Eric Smith, Kristopher Wall and Scott Saunders.

Practice for the event begins on Wednesday November 17 ahead of qualifying on Friday November 19, heat races on Saturday November 20 and the Main Event on Sunday November 21.