29th June 2023

NICK PERCAT FORMS KARTING TEAM TO HELP DEVELOP YOUNG DRIVERS

Nick Percat has announced he will be forming a new karting team. (Pic: Pace Images)

2011 Bathurst 1000 winner Nick Percat has announced he will be forming a new karting team to help develop young drivers through karting and into other forms of motorsport.

The Walkinshaw Andretti United driver now has a brand-new landmark deal that includes a factory team with FA (Fernando Alonso) Kart and dealer rights in Victoria.

The new factory-backed team will begin competing in 2024 and beyond, with a goal of supporting young Australian drivers and enhancing the progression through grassroot categories.

“I want 10 good young drivers that have the dream of trying to get to Supercars or IndyCar, or whatever it is. The younger that starts the better, so I want to have a few kids in the cadet classes and then into juniors, as the early teenage years are massively important,” said Percat.

“I think I can offer a lot of advice to young drivers wanting to become a professional racing car driver. I enjoy watching young drivers come through karting and seeing their first day in Formula Ford. So there are different elements as to why I’m doing this.”

Driver development is an important focus for the team with Percat looking to involve his own experience as a professional racing driver, and his impressive network through professional motor racing, along with several experienced karting drivers, to help discover and nurture the next wave of talent.

“It’s not about coming and driving for me, me taking your money, and that’s it. It’s about me being able to help develop young drivers through what I know and the people I have around me, like the guys at Walkinshaw Andretti United, and the fitness and nutrition work I do with Health Meldrum,” said Percat.

Percat indicated that testing under the new team umbrella will begin in December ahead of the SP Tools Australian Kart Championship in 2024, with preparations already beginning to ensure success.