18th May 2023

MAX WALTON TO TACKLE ACADEMY TROPHY OPENER IN CZECH REPUBLIC THIS WEEKEND

Max Walton after claiming the victory in Round 2 of the 2023 SP Tools Australian Kart Championship in Perth (Pic: Pace Images)

Queensland teenager Max Walton will begin his campaign in the 2023 FIA Karting Academy Trophy in Trinec, Czech Republic this weekend.

The FIA Karting Academy Trophy is a formula unique in the world, aimed at training and detecting young talents who compete on equal terms. The OTK Group has been entrusted with the management of the identical Exprit/Vortex OK-Junior karts, which are randomly allocated.

The Australian Kart Championship leader is one of 45 young drivers from all around who will be competing in this year’s three round Series.

“To represent Australia in the Academy Trophy is a real honour and one that I’m looking forward to,” said Walton.

“With everyone having the same equipment, the racing is going to be extremely tight and a real challenge.

“We got our kart and equipment yesterday, everything is built, now it’s time to get on track and learn as much as possible.”

Walton will be led throughout his campaign in Europe by Karting Australia Hall of Fame inductee Jon Targett, who was also a mentor for James Courtney during the nineties when the latter won a pair of World Karting Championships.

“This is my first time racing in Europe, so having Jon here with me has already been a huge help.  He knows so much about racing in Europe it’s incredible, I’m really looking forward to learning as much as I can from him,” said Walton.

Walton will have six practice sessions across Thursday and Friday before qualifying on Friday afternoon.  Heat races will be contested on Saturday ahead of the final heat and main event on Sunday.

Follow the results from the opening round of the 2023 FIA Karting Academy Trophy across the weekend on the links below:

RESULTS: https://www.fiakarting.com/event/2023-trinec/Academy/results

LIVE STREAMING: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5zsq1zTNtcA4lDOUz2kAg