JOSEPH MAWSON TO CALL ITALY HOME IN 2013

Sydney kart racer Joseph Mawson will compete in Europe on a full-time basis during 2013 (Pic: AF Images/Budd)

Australia’s most successful driver on the international karting stage over the past few years, Joseph Mawson, has today confirmed he will join the Top Kart Racing Team for a complete European campaign throughout 2013.

The announcement takes Mawson’s career to the next level and ensures that the Sydneysider follows in the footsteps of current Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo, IndyCar star Ryan Briscoe and V8 Supercar Champion James Courtney. All three of these drivers spent a significant amount of time living in Europe during their formative years.

Mawson, 16, will fly out of his home city of Sydney tomorrow before joining his new team in Bagnolo, Italy later in the week. Life won’t stand still for Mawson when he arrives with him making his debut with the factory outfit this weekend (January 31 – February 3) at the La Conca circuit in round one of the WSK Masters Series.

“This is just about every karting kid’s dream – to be able to live, sleep and breath kart racing with a factory team in Italy,” said Mawson, who won the final round of the Under 18 World Karting Championship in Bahrain last November.

“Having competed in the World Under 18 Championship last year (Mawson finished 4th overall) and winning the final round, I’m confident that I can mix it with the world’s best on their home soil throughout the year.

“This opportunity has been worked on for a number of months and I’m so excited to get over there and get stuck into the racing. For the past three months I’ve been really training hard to ensure that I’m as fit as possible to obtain the best results possible when I take to the track later this week.”

Joseph Mawson leading the pack during the 2012 CIK-FIA Under 18 World Karting Championship (Pic: KSP)

Throughout 2013 Mawson will compete in the four-round WSK Euro Series, the two-round European Championship and the two-round World Championship – all in the KF category. He will continue to be supported by the Australian Motor Sport Foundation (AMSF), as he was during his 2012 campaign.

It is the first time in almost a decade that Australian karting has had a representative based in Italy and racing at the highest level throughout Europe.

“Europe is the undisputed karting capital of the world and to have an Australian driver be once again based on a full-time basis over there is fantastic for the sport here in Australia,” said Australian Karting Association National President Craig Denton.

“In the past we’ve seen Australian drivers such as Ryan Briscoe, James Courtney and Michael Patrizi benefit significantly from living in Europe and being a part of factory teams during their formative years in karting. Now, to have one of our next generation of stars able to have the same opportunity as these guys is very exciting.”

Mawson’s confirmation of the signing with the factory Top Kart outfit adds further emphasis on the AMSF’s support of young Australians on the world stage.

“A key mission of the Australian Motor Sport Foundation is to facilitate the progress of talented young Australians to the pinnacle of international Motor Sport competition and we’re delighted to be able to support Joseph in the opportunity he has over in Italy,” said AMSF Chairman Geoff Morgan.

“Over the past two years we’ve seen Joseph transform from a young star on the Australian circuits to now be taking on and defeating the best there is in the world. It has been a delight to be a part of the journey with him and now with him being based in Italy full-time I look forward to seeing the results will that come his way.”

JOSEPH MAWSON
Hometown: Hinchinbrook, Sydney, NSW
Parents: Dad – Troy, Mum – Bertha
Age: 16
Karting debut (when and where): October 2003, Lithgow
Why you started racing: I started off in motocross, and a friend of my dad, offered me to try a kart, and I loved it, so my mum gave me a choice between Motocross and karting and I chose karting.
How did you go in your first ever race: I don’t really remember, but I don’t think I got lapped
First motorsport memory as a child: Watching Formula 1 on TV with Dad
Dream job as a child: Racing Driver
Best driver you’ve ever seen in a kart: David Sera
Highlight of your career: Winning the final round of the 2012 Under 18 CIK-FIA World Karting Championship
Who is your motorsport idol: Ayrton Senna & Michael Schumacher
Best Advice ever received: “I believe everyone has one opportunity in life to have success or reach their goal, whether it’s in business, education or sport. But its whether you chose to take that opportunity and make the most of it. That is what makes the difference between Champions and the people who have made it, and the losers.”
Favourite kart track: Bahrain International Karting Circuit
Favourite TV show: Big Bang Theory
Favourite sport away from motorsport: Water Sports
Worst habit: Pulling my gloves before the start of a race, to compensate for the nervousness.
Career Achievements
1st 2012 CIK-FIA U18 World Championship Round 3 – Bahrain, UAE
2nd 2011 Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals (Junior Rotax) – Al Ain, UAE
5th 2010 Super Nationals (Junior TaG) – Las Vegas, USA
Three-time Australian Champion
19-time State Champion

Mawson (middle) on top of the podium after winning the final round of the 2012 CIK-FIA Under 18 World Karting Championship in Bahrain (Pic: KSP)