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6th March 2017

STATE GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN SA KARTING

Minister for Tourism and Motorsport, Leon Bignell, with Nick Percat, Jessica Fortanier and Christian Cowie

Minister for Tourism and Motorsport, Leon Bignell, with Nick Percat, Jessica Fortanier and Christian Cowie

The South Australian Government has announced a new initiative to assist with the grassroots level of motorsport at the Clipsal 500 event on the weekend.

Through the Clipsal 500 Adelaide SA Kart Championship, the State Government is providing 10-12 year old go-kart participants free entry and a set of tyres – as part of a three-year initiative to help develop the sport at a grassroots level.

During the announcement, South Australian motor racing young guns met with local champion, Nick Percat, on the opening day of the Clipsal 500 Adelaide and experienced what it takes to become a supercar driver.

Primary school students, Jessica Fortanier and Christian Cowie discussed with the 2016 race winner how their driving careers all began – racing in a 80cc go-cart, at karting events across the state.

Minister for Tourism and Motorsport, Leon Bignell, was also joined by Supercars drivers Simona De Silvestro and Renee Gracie, SuperEnduro-X rider Laia Sanz and Aussie Racing Cars drivers Emma Clark, Ruth Bowler, Madison Dunston and Charlotte Poynting.

For the young girls competing in the Clipsal 500 Adelaide SA Kart Championship, these female athletes are an inspiration and strong role models to look up to.

“Go-kart racing is the breeding ground for future supercar drivers. We have seen this with Nick Percat, who is a great local athlete and positive role model for young racing enthusiasts,” said Minister Bignall.
“Perhaps we’ll have another Nick Percat or Tim Slade joining the Supercars series in a few years’ time.

“The State Government wants to promote the development of all sports and I hope our involvement will help encourage the next generation into a career in motorsport.”

Karting SA President Craig Denton is excited about the new partnership.

“Karting is considered the first step in any serious racer’s career. It can prepare the driver for high-speed wheel-to-wheel racing by developing quick reflexes, precision, car control, set-up, mechanical and decision-making skills,” said Denton.

“Karting South Australia is excited to form this association with the Clipsal 500 Adelaide, which will support the young competitors who have dreams of being like Nick Percat or Tim Slade.”

The opening round of the Clipsal 500 SA Kart Championship will be contested at the Monarto Karting Complex on March 18/19.

The Clipsal 500 SA Kart Championship kicks off on March 18/19 (Pic: Pace Images)

The Clipsal 500 SA Kart Championship kicks off on March 18/19 (Pic: Pace Images)