12th February 2016

SIDEBOTTOM SET FOR WINTER CUP SOJOURN

Reece Sidebottom after victory in the Australian Kart Championship in 2015. (Pic: Coopers Photography)

Australian Champion Reece Sidebottom will jet out to Italy tomorrow (Saturday) to represent Karting Australia at the 2016 CIK-FIA Winter Cup next week in Italy.

Sidebottom will compete at the event with the Ricciardo Kart team as a reward for his victory in the 2015 Australian Kart Championship.  Fresh from a win on debut as a senior competitor in the KA1 class in Dubbo, Sidebottom is eager to get behind the wheel on the South Garda circuit.

“I’m very excited to be able to compete in Italy, it’s going to be an amazing experience,” said Sidebottom.

“To be able to join the factory Ricciardo Kart team for the event while representing Australia is just unreal.  I’ve never been to a European CIK event before so it will be a huge eye opener for me and I hope that I can do everyone in Australia proud.”

Karting Australia Chief Executive Officer Kelvin O’Reilly believes Sidebottom will benefit significantly from the experience of competing in Italy.

“Reece has shown that he is certainly one of the best talents that we have in Australia and I’m looking forward to seeing him represent Karting Australia next weekend against the world’s best drivers,” said O’Reilly.

“The Championship prize was designed to be able to provide our Champion with opportunities to further develop themself and gain some great experience that might not otherwise be achievable.

“With the Ricciardo Kart team behind him I’m confident that he will do a fantastic job next week in Italy.”

Sidebottom will be one of 31 drivers lining up in the new OK class.  He will take to the circuit for the first time on Tuesday ahead of further practice on Wednesday and Thursday with qualifying and the opening races held on Saturday.  The finals will be contested on Sunday.

Also competing at the event will be fellow Australians Jake Klarich and Oscar Piastri in the KZ2 and OK-Junior classes respectively.

Updates on the event will be posted on karting.net.au and the Karting Australia facebook page.

Reece Sidebottom (Pic: Coopers Photography)