RACE OF STARS INTERNATIONALS VISIT AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

(L-R) Jonathan Thonon, Simo Puhakka, Marijn Kremers and Lorenzo Camplese at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Pic: Coopers Photography

Four of the International karting drivers competing in this Saturday’s Race of Stars have landed on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.

The quartet – multiple-time World Champion Jonathan Thonon, dual Italian Champion Lorenzo Camplese, four-time Finnish Champion Simo Puhakka and Dutch star Marijn Kremers –were this afternoon introduced to some Australian icons at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its hallmark attraction of wild Lorikeet Feeding and each day guests can see over 1000 native Australian Wildlife species on display within natural bushland and rainforest settings. The Sanctuary provides a rare opportunity to cuddle a Koala, handfeed the Kangaroos or have your photo taken with many unique Australian animals including baby Crocodiles.

“It has always been my dream to come to Australia and now by being a part of the Race of Stars my dream is a reality,” said Puhakka, who will line up with the Gold Coast-based Patrizicorse team this Saturday.

“I’ve seen a lot about the Australian animals before, so see them up close today was fantastic. It is always nice to see new things in new countries, and I am really enjoying the Australian weather.”

Simo Puhakka and Marijn Kremers feeding some kangaroos. Pic: Coopers Photography

Thonon, who flew direct to Australia after competing at the World Championship in Italy on Sunday, will be supported in this weekend’s event by the Gold Coast-based IPKarting Praga outfit. It is the first time he has competed in Australia and is looking forward to the challenge at the Race of Stars.

“This is my first time in Australia, I only landed this morning and already I’m seeing some great things here on the Gold Coast. It was a long flight, but to meet some Koalas and Kangaroos already is fantastic,” said Thonon.

“I’m very excited about racing this Saturday, I’m really looking forward to competing against the best Australian drivers at the Race of Stars.”

Over the coming days, there will be more than 150 of Australia’s best and several more of the world’s best drivers converging on the Gold Coast for the invitational Race of Stars event. These competitors will range from the youngest in the Cadets class through to the high-speed elite KZ2 class where drivers will reach speeds in excess of 160 km/h.

The Xtreme Karting Complex is located on Pimpama Jacobs Well Road, Pimpama (Exit 49 off the M1).

The Race of Stars is powered by the V8 Superfest that surrounds the Castrol EDGE Gold Coast 600. The V8 Superfest is a community events program that is an initiative of the Queensland Government, Gold Coast City Council and V8 Supercars Australia. The free event is open to spectators and last year enjoyed great attendances.

Multiple-time World Champion Jonathan Thonon enjoying a 'selfie' with a Koala Pic: Coopers Photography