U18 D-9: Non-European Competitors

Thanks to its principles (karts supplied by Parolin free of charge and ready to race, supervised training, and friendly competition resembling a Nations Cup), the CIK-FIA Academy Trophy has managed to attract a good number of non-European ASNs, to such an extent that four out of the five continents will be represented!

The ASN of Brazil, the CBA, is one of those federations which, in addition to having selected their driver, involve themselves directly in supporting and accompanying their representative. The CBA has naturally nominated Felipe Fraga. At only 15 years of age, Fraga has an impressive record, with no less than 5 consecutive titles of Champion of Brazil and even – already – an accolade from the CIK-FIA. Indeed, in 2009, Fraga won the CIK-FIA Panamerican Championship in the Sudam Jr category. And although he has yet to race in Europe, he will be among the favourites to carry off the Academy Trophy. Will Brazil yet again introduce us to a rare talent, a new young prodigy for the sport?

Fraga’s Argentine neighbour, Jorge Paoloni, will also be seeking to consolidate in the Academy the experience he has gained from some fine wins in his home country.

Asia will be very strongly represented, with drivers from China (Kang Ling), Hong Kong (Jacky Chan), Macao (Wing Chung Chang), Singapore (Andersen Martono), and Clio Tjonnadi as the young ambassadress of Indonesia. At Wackersdorf, for the first event, Clio is likely to be the only female driver on the track, as the other young lady «Academician», Gabriela Jilkova from the Czech Republic, might have to withdraw on account of a recent injury to her arm.

Recently under the spotlights in the sports news, South Africa will also be taking part; its representative, Michael Taylor, has been doing some serious preparation, even going as far as travelling to France to take part in the Test Day at Ostricourt. As well as being determined to beat the clock, he could also upset the sound level meter if it crosses his mind to pack… a vuvuzela!

Info CIK