FIA Selects Australian Girl For International Karting Shootout

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AKA media

Aussie teenager (Buladelah, NSW) Torey Blanch has been invited to drive in a shootout to win a place on the grid in a prestigious international go-kart championship.

The 15 year-old from New South Wales (right, Coopers Photography pic) was selected by the FIA Women in Motor Sport Committee as one of 11 young racers from all over the world to try out for the drive in the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy.

Torey was nominated by the Women of Australian Motor Sport (WAMS) in consultation with the Australian Karting Association (AKA) as Australia’s representative for consideration by the FIA committee.

She will now fly to Italy to take part in a qualifying program that will take place at Friuli, Venezia in Italy on 2nd June.

The successful driver from this shootout will be given the opportunity to contest the 2012 CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy, contested by more than 50 of the world’s top young drivers aged between 13 and 15 years.

Torey will follow in the footsteps of Caitlin Wood participated in the same program in 2011. Caitlin impressed judges by qualifying third overall last year in her shot at winning entry to the championship. Torey has been karting since the age of ten and has amassed a number of impressive results, including winning the Junior National Heavy category at the 2012 All Ladies Championships in Lithgow.

She believes this experience will stand her in good stead for her first taste of international karting.

“I’m really excited about heading over to Italy and testing myself against the best young karters in the world” said Torey.

“When I heard the news I was over the moon – it is the chance of a lifetime and I’m looking forward to getting to Italy and making the most of this opportunity.”

Above: Blanch in action during a round of the CIK Stars of Karting Series
pic - AF Images/Budd

“My focus now is on preparation; I’m going to speak with Caitlin (Wood) about her experiences as well as working on my fitness and working with a driver training coach.”

Head of the WAMS nomination committee, Leanne Tander, believes Torey has the experience and ability to impress in Italy.

“She was a standout candidate for us to put forward to the FIA,” said Mrs Tander.

“Torey clearly has plenty of ability – she has achieved some really strong results over the past few years.

“However, it was her attitude and maturity towards her racing – the way she approached things reminded us a lot of how Caitlin went about her business last year.

“I think she has everything she needs to represent Australian motor sport strongly.”

Craig Denton, Australian Karting Association National President, believes getting onto the international stage can only be beneficial for Torey.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Torey,” said Mr Denton.

”She’s going to advance in leaps and bounds when she gets over there and sees the equipment and competition that are part of karting at the highest level in the world.

“I’m sure she will tackle the challenge at full steam in an attempt to demonstrate just how strong Australian karting is on the world stage.”

 

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