Championship Karting International Draws European Drivers

Simo Puhakka Continuing its momentum for its inaugural event May 29 – 31 at New Castle Motorsports Park, Championship Karting International has received entries from across the pond for competition this weekend.

“As entries keep rolling in, we are pleased to see the international recognition CKI is receiving so early in the program,” states series Director, Kevin Williams, “With our experienced Race Direction team, generous prize package, and live media, receiving this kind of gratitude for the event has been a pleasant bonus. We are thrilled to bring such a high caliber event to Karting and its participants.”

Most notably in the KF2 Category, two drivers will make the trip to the States. From Great Britain, fresh off a 19th - place ranking in the CIK European Qualifier two weeks ago, Brit Josh Fielding, (Tony Kart), will take his battle to the Americans at New Castle in an exchange program between the highly acclaimed Formula Kart Stars and CKI. Also entered in KF2, Fin, and former Finnish ICA, FA, ICC Champion, Simo Puhakka, (PCR), will look to serve his seasoned talent to the KF2 field.

In IAME Sr, Brit Joe Patterson, (Tony Kart), will again battle the Americans as he has before in various events, driving for Jay Howard’s Screaming Talent Team.

Another driver brought over from his participation in the British series, Formula Kart Stars, KF3 standout, Sennan Fielding, (Tony Kart), will bring his test his skills in the increasingly popular KF3 Category.

Other drivers making the trip are Cadet drivers that earned the opportunity to take on their fellow classmates, from the exchange program between Formula Kart Stars and CKI. Brits Ricky Collard, Alex Gill, and George Russell will look to bring home the gold for Great Britain.

Championship Karting International is launching a WKA-sanctioned 4-event season in 2009. The first race, the CKI Grand Prix of New Castle, presented by Bridgestone, on May 29-31 will offer a $27,000 purse of cash and prizes across seven competition classes. In addition to the kick-off at New Castle Motorsports Park, New Castle, IN; CKI will hold races at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ, June 26 – 29; a race in August (location to be announced); and a race October 9 – 11 (location to be announced).