8th April 2015

Ricciardo Kart Junior Team debut in Australian Karting Championship

The Ricciardo Kart Junior Team at the opening round of the Australian Kart Championship (Pic: Coopers Photography)

The Ricciardo Kart Junior Team raced through the opening round of the Australian Karting Championship (AKC) with mixed results at Todd Road over the Easter weekend.

With the squad making their AKC debut appearance under the Ricciardo Kart Junior Team banner there were some strong performances amongst the driver line-up. Most notably was Harrison Hoey in the KF3 class with the #97 Ricciardo Kart posting several top-5 practice times only to crash out of the third heat whilst running second. Further Engine dramas halted his progress in the Final as he recorded an 11th place finish.

Lochie Hughes, fresh from his podium place in The Mini 60 class in Europe, progressed well throughout his first outing in the KF3 class, as well as team mate Taine Venables having his first start in this level of competition. Both KZ drivers Brock Plumb and Troy Loeskow showed the pace of the leaders all weekend in the extremely competitive KZ2 class, however both drivers unfortunately recorded DNFs in the Final.

“The team conducted themselves in a very high standard all weekend,” said Team Principal Michael Patrizi. “With a new team and an overall staff count of 14 people including drivers, it was great to get the first event under our belt.

“The speed from our drivers was on show over the weekend and though we didn’t quite capitalise on our performances the chances were there… call it luck or call it motorsport! We have set the foundations to be strong contenders in 2015 and will be ready for Round 2 in Monarto, SA to produce the results we know we can achieve.” Patrizi added.

Jackson Walls showed improvement over the weekend contesting the KA12 class as he powered his way to 16th in the final. Catch the preview show and on-demand coverage of Sunday’s heats and finals via www.karting.net.au. Round 2 of the Australian Karting Championship  will take place in Monarto, South Australia over the weekend of May 22-24.