For the first time, the 2024 Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy Kartstars series had on offer an historic prize component regarding four of its series winners – a $5000 travel assistance prize to attend an FIA World Championship event.

The prize, proudly supported and made possible by Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy, was created with the hope of inspiring future generations of Kiwi drivers to take on the very best in the FIA’s annual World Championships for Karting. The four classes included Rotax Junior, Rotax Light, KZ2 and recognized the first KZ2 Master. The prize draws for these directly correspond with four World Championship classes in OK Junior, OK, KZ2 and KZ2 Masters respectively.

Though it’s well recognized the FIA World Championship events represent the toughest of challenges in our sport, the prize has been put in place as part of a long-term strategy to consistently place New Zealand drivers on the world stage at FIA events, with the hope of one day securing another name alongside that of 2003 FIA World Champion Wade Cunningham.

“KartSport New Zealand of course always wishes to support any of its drivers competing overseas, but upon reflection of last year’s FIA KZ World Championships, where four Kiwis competed and Daniel Bray came agonisingly close to an incredible result, we felt we needed to do more,” commented KartSport New Zealand Chief Operating Officer James Hadley.

“The prize isn’t intended to diminish any current overseas opportunities in karting, but it’s indisputable that a sanctioned World Championship holds a special place in any sport. We want to see the New Zealand flag flying on these podiums in years to come, so we must chip away at making these events more accessible. We’ve had incredibly talented drivers tackle these events privately and pave the way, but there’s more room to grow,” continued Hadley.

The first driver to confirm their acceptance of the travel fund prize is the reigning New Zealand number two KZ2 driver and winner of the 2024 Kartstars Series, Jacob Cranston. The Palmerston North driver has signed with a brilliant team and is set to make his way to Portugal in October.

"Excited is a true understatement. To go and watch a KZ World Championship has always been on my bucket list since my Junior Restricted days, let alone compete. I am very grateful for the opportunity from CPB Sport, Sodi Racing Team which I've signed a contract with for the FIA KZ World Championship in Portimao, Portugal.

I'll be leaving it all on the table over there as I'm dedicated to bringing home a great result. A huge thanks to Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy for their support,” mentioned Cranston.

KartSport New Zealand wish Jacob all the best for his campaign in Europe and looks forward to watching along here at home. Though this announcement relates specifically to the Hampton Downs NZ Racing Academy supported prize, KartSport New Zealand is aware of other potential event entries for the FIA World Championship and will release further information on this in due course.

Article added: Tuesday 23 July 2024