11th April 2022

KARTING ON SHOW AT THE FORMULA 1 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX

Tim Schenken leading leading the field of 23 karting drivers onto the Albert Park circuit (Pic: Pace Images)

Karting Australia was on show throughout the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne across the weekend.

Courtesy of Karting Australia’s partnership with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, there was significant exposure and opportunities for young Karting Australia licence holders throughout the record-breaking event.

The week began with 23 young Cadet 12 and Junior drivers being privileged to become the first drivers to complete a lap around the newly configured and re-surfaced Albert Park circuit.

These drivers were led by ex-Formula 1 Driver Tim Schenken in a Maserati 250F with Australia’s FIA Karting Academy Trophy representative Harry Arnett, young female driver Joanne Cicconte and Rochester Kart Club’s Tanner Peters on the front row for the karting fraternity.

On Sunday, 20 drivers received the opportunity to be a part of the pre-race entertainment immediately prior to the start of the Formula 1 race.  During this time, they were able to see experience some of the incredible atmosphere on a Formula 1 Grid and see their racing idols.

Alongside of these opportunities, the Karting Australia information stand was inundated by enquires throughout the four days of the event.

20 drivers received the opportunity to be a part of the pre-race entertainment immediately prior to the start of the Formula 1 race.

“This year’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix was an incredible event with 420,000 people attend across the four days, it was fantastic to be able to showcase Karting Australia amongst the record crowd,” said Karting Australia Chief Executive Officer Kelvin O’Reilly.

“The first lap of the circuit for the young kids created lifelong memories for the drivers and parents alike, not to mention the incredible vision that has been seen by hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

“Likewise for the young drivers who were on the grid immediately prior to the start, to be a part of amazing atmosphere was inspiring.

“Special thanks must go to Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Westacott and his staff for working closely with Karting Australia in making these opportunities happen for the sport of karting and our licence holders.”