Birel Kartsport Australia driver Joseph Burton-Harris has confirmed he will be competing in the entire Euro Max Series throughout 2013 in an RK Kart.
The 15 year-old will join the Kalman Motorsport team for his campaign with the full support of RK Karts’ parent company, Birel Motorsport.
Having been one of the front-runners on the Australian Rotax scene for a couple of years now, Burton-Harris sees this opportunity as the next step in his flourishing career.
“For the past couple of years we’ve been focused on working towards the goal of gaining an opportunity in Europe and I’m delighted to be able to get this opportunity in 2013,” said Burton-Harris.
“Since joining the Birel Kartsport Australia team in October last year, my career has stepped up another level with the opportunities that have opened up. I’m thankful to Steve Macken and his team for their help in putting this deal together.
“Along with the Euro Series, I will still be competing here in Australia as much as possible and also looking to compete in a couple of events in America.”
Birel Kartsport Australia boss Steve Macken believes that the confirmation that Burton-Harris will be competing on the European stage on a regular basis is a sign of how high the standard of racing in Australia is.
“We’ve always thought that we had some good drivers here in Australia but it’s not until they take on the Europeans on their home soil that we find out how good they really are,” said Macken.
“I believe Joseph is one of the best young drivers that’s going around at the moment, not just here in Australia but in the world as a whole. His performance at the Rotax Grand Finals in Portugal last year was an impressive one and one that secured this opportunity for him.
“Through our links with the Birel factory in Italy we are hoping to open more doors for young Australians to chase their dreams throughout Europe. Hopefully Joseph is the first of a number of drivers who we will see competing throughout Europe over the coming years.”
In further news for the Birel Kartsport Australia team, it has been confirmed that James Macken will be heading over to Italy early next month. Macken was invited by Birel President Ronni Sala to be a part of the Birel ‘family’ where he will be a part of the Factory team’s test program and assist in various areas for the team.
The Birel Kartsport Australia team will make its first appearance for 2013 at the Rotax Pro Tour event in Melbourne on January 26/27.
