ASIAN CHAMPION SET FOR AUSSIE CHALLENGE

Filipino-born Australian Flynn Jackes will compete in the KF3 class this weekend in Ipswich

For the past four years Filipino-born Australian Flynn Jackes has been tearing up the tracks in Asia, this weekend he will be making his Australian debut at Round Three of the Australian Kart Championship in Ipswich.

Jackes, a two-time Asian Champion who recently relocated to the Gold Coast from Manila, will be competing in the elite Junior class of KF3 at this weekend’s event presented by Jayco and Castrol EDGE.

Jackes will be using the event as a learning experience as he looks to further his career with the hope of one day lining up at the top of world motorsport.

“I’m very focused on making a career in motorsport, ever since I started racing a few years ago it is all I’ve aimed for,” said Jackes.

“We’re doing this race to get some local experience before looking to compete in the remainder of the Championship and the Race of Stars here on the Gold Coast later in the year, along with a few events back in Asia.”

Earlier this year Jackes spent time being trained by Terry Fullerton, former teammate of Formula 1 World Champion Ayrton Senna during his karting days, for three weeks. Next year he plans on competing in the major events throughout Europe under Fullerton’s guidance.

“Working with Terry has been amazing. His experience is incredible and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to benefit from having him teach me,” said Jackes.

“He has taught me that the biggest key to success is being consistent. I’ve also had Richard Gregory help me a lot with my racing, he taught a lot of good drivers over the years and will be with me here in Australia this weekend.”

Jackes will be one of 23 aspiring young drivers lining up on the grid in the KF3 class this weekend. After two rounds Victorian Oscar Piastri leads the Championship ahead of Round Two winner Reece Sidebottom and South Australian Josh Denton. Queensland will have six drivers in the field with Joshua Rogers and Harrison Hoey both inside the top ten in the standings entering the mid-way point in the five-round Championship.

Practice for the event will be held on Friday ahead of qualifying and heat races on Saturday. The finals will be contested on Sunday.

The Ipswich Kart Circuit is located on Champions Way, Willowbank. Entry is free for spectators.