KartSport New Zealand has again been invited by FIA Karting (CIK-FIA) to submit a nomination for a New Zealand driver to contest the 2021 FIA Karting Academy Series. Time is of the essence, applications must be submitted no later than 5pm Wednesday 23 December.

Kiwi Jacob Douglas contested the Series in 2019 finishing a creditable11th/51 overall. Louis Sharp was selected to race in 2020, however, due to COVID related event rescheduling and and international travel restrictions, had to withdraw his entry.

Eligible Drivers

Eligible drivers have to be born in 2007, 2008 or 2009: who are at least 12 years old (or who reach their 12^th birthday in 2021) and 14 years old as a maximum (not reaching their 15^th birthday before 31 December of the year 2021).

Drivers are selected by their respective ASNs - one Driver per ASN. The number of entries in the Trophy will be limited to 51.

2021 FIA Karting Academy Trophy Calendar 

subject to confirmation mid-December by the WMSC.

28 April to 2 May in Adria, Italy – 4 1/2 days including one Test Day 

17 to 20 June in Wackersdorf, Germany – 3 1/2 days

2 to 5 September in Kristianstad, Sweden – 3 1/2 days

Kart and Engine

The Series ultises identical OTK brand chassis and a Vortex DVS engine/Dellorto carburettor package (identical to the Vortex ROK DVS engine package we use in New Zealand). All competitors are supplied with OMP race suits, tent space and karts/engines are transported to events by the organisers.

A feature of the Series is the regular swapping of the supplied engines, race by race, between competitors. Only one mechanic per kart is permitted. This Series is probably the most cost effective top level European karting available for aspiring Junior age group competitors.

Applications are invited from eligible KartSport New Zealand competitors. APPLICATION FORM HERE.

Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected]

Official FIA Karting Release:

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the FIA Karting Academy Trophy quickly established itself as a cost-effective detection tool for young talents and proven a success both in terms of grid numbers as well producing future stars of motor sport.

The FIA Karting Academy Trophy was created in 2010. This original concept is still relevant today. It is about confronting 51 young talents between 12 and 14 years of age, from all over the world, every year so that the best have the opportunity to be noticed and to pursue their career in Karting or in Motorsport with greater opportunities. Through their ASNs, each country can enter its greatest hope in the Academy Trophy.

A detection and training operation, this formula offers the maximum guarantee in terms of sporting equality. To begin with, the cost of the three-event season is extremely reasonable, even unbeatable for an international competition of this level. Chassis, engines and tyres are identical for every participant, who draw lots for their equipment. The engines are exchanged regularly during each event. On the other hand, chassis adjustment is limited and does not require more than one regular mechanic. The CIK-FIA guarantees the smooth running of the events which take place on renowned circuits at the same time as other FIA Karting Championships, where the Academy Trophy shares the attention and media coverage.

Since 2010, several drivers who have participated in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy have risen to the pinnacle of Motorsport and Formula 1 drivers Charles Leclerc, George Russell and Esteban Ocon are former Academicians. More generally, all the participants are able to enrich their experience and positively influence their careers by competing in the Academy Trophy, which has established itself as an excellent school for young talent, without requiring costly investment.

ASNs play an important role in the success of the Academy Trophy. They are the ones who select their national representative and can offer them the maximum chance of success. France's approach is an interesting example.

"I would first remind that the FIA Karting Academy Trophy was launched when the President of the FFSA, Nicolas Deschaux, was President of the CIK-FIA" explains Christophe Lollier, the National Technical Director. "The FFSA has set up a very similar Academy on its own territory in order to train and detect its talents at the national level, The winner competes in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy and joins the official French Team where he is trained and advised. This boosts the national competition with a valuable reward."

Each ASN is free to proceed as it sees fit, but it is certain that the greater its involvement, the greater the chances of success for its drivers.

The 2020 season has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Difficulties in making international trips and the health constraints imposed by some host countries led to a reduction in the number of staff, while other more personal reasons may also have had an effect. On average, about 30 drivers were able to take part in each race out of the 51 entered at the beginning of the season, but the competition was of a very high standard.

Article added: Tuesday 08 December 2020