Wantirna's Jake Spencer has earned himself a big race day in Japan after taking out the prestigious national CIK Stars of Karting series (Pic: Knox Leader)
JAKE Spencer is taking a little kart a long, long way.
The Wantirna resident travelled to Japan last week to compete in the Asia-Pacific KF2 Karting Championships at the famed Suzuka track.
Before he took off, the 21-year-old said he could hardly believe his trip was happening.
“To see your name on an entry list for an overseas event, and as the only Aussie on that list, is very much a unique feeling,” he said.
“The last 18 months have just been an amazing experience and I can’t wait to get over to Japan and get a taste of some overseas action.”
Spencer earned himself a ticket by taking out the national CIK Stars of Karting series in 2011, claiming the $10,000 champion’s prize.
Just enough to send him on his way to Suzuka.
With the region’s best kart-racers also in attendance, from eight different countries, Spencer said he knew he had a tough task ahead of him.
“It’s a whole new ball game for me. I’m going to a foreign country, on a track I know very little about and against competitors I basically know nothing about,” he said.
“I’ll be going in with both eyes wide open and just trying to do the best that I can.”
Spencer will have plenty to learn from the track, as the opening round of the World Karting Championship was taking place at the same race-track.
Australian Karting Association national president Craig Denton said Spencer’s step up was a boon for the CIK Stars of Karting Series.
“Since we rejuvenated the CIK series three years ago, it’s always been the aim to provide Australian drivers with the opportunity to compete at the highest-level karting events in the world,” he said.
“In 2012 we’re certainly starting to see this come to fruition.”
“When Jake lines up on the grid in Japan, he’ll not only be representing himself but also Australian karting and our elite series.”
“I know he’ll do a great job and have the support of the entire Australian karting community.”
Spencer impressed on debut, earning a start from 14th place on the grid for the final and driving his way to eighth, before engine problems ended his race.
He described the weekend as an amazing experience.
