TEAM AUSTRALIA DRIVERS HONOURED TO WEAR COAT OF ARMS

Matthew Waters is one of three Australian representatives officially recognised by the Australian Government under the Team Australia banner

Australia’s team of drivers competing at CIK-FIA Winter Cup at the Lonato circuit in Italy next week (February 20-22) have an extra reason to be proud.

For the first time in Australian karting history, Team Australia is officially recognised by the Australian Government and the three representatives will have the honour of wearing the Commonwealth Coat of Arms on their racing apparel.

The Commonwealth Coat of Arms is the formal symbol of the Commonwealth of Australia that signifies Commonwealth authority and ownership. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet only provides the use of this symbol in limited circumstances, including for the purposes of education, and for Australian sporting teams competing in international competitions.

Victorian teenager Liam McLellan

The recognition of the Australian representatives – Liam McLellan, Matthew Waters and Troy Loeskow – by the Australian Government places further emphasis on the sport of karting in this country and its national representatives.

“The honour of wearing the Commonwealth Coat of Arms is a huge one for the Team Australia drivers,” said Karting Australia Chief Executive Officer Kelvin O’Reilly.

“It shows that karting is being recognised as a genuine sport in its own right and I look forward to seeing these drivers, all of whom are Australian champions, representing their country with pride.”

The Team Australia drivers will be supported in their campaign in Italy by Karting Australia and have received the opportunity by virtue of their success in the Australian Kart Championship (formerly known as the CIK Stars of Karting Championship). They will be contesting the event in the kart that bears the name of Australian Formula 1 driver, Daniel Ricciardo.

Bundaberg driver Troy Loeskow will make his international debut in Italy next week