Q&A - Taine Venables


press release 23 May 2015
 

Taine Venables is hoping for a home-track advantage as the Australian Kart Championship contests the Monarto round this weekend. Taine's Ricciardo Kart team supplied this Q&A:

 

1. Taine, Monarto is your home track, what advantages does this bring to a driver like yourself?
I only started racing bitumen 15 months ago having raced dirt for 5 years in South Australia.  When we swapped to bitumen it seemed an obvious choice to choose Monarto as our home track, as it's probably the best track in SA.  We lived near the track and I have done quite a lot of testing and racing on the track before moving to Melbourne in January this year.  I know the track well in both directions and feel confident that I will do my best.

2. As one of the first drivers in the world to be a part of a Ricciardo Kart team it must feel pretty special being associated with Australia's current best F1 driver and his product?
Ricciardo Kart not only have a great looking product but it has a very strong brand behind it. When looking at upgrading my karts this year, Ricciardo Kart was an obvious choice for me. Ricciardo Kart has an excellent support mechanism under Michael Patrizi called Patrizicorse. The combination of Michael, Patrizicorse and Ricciardo Kart creates a great opportunity for myself in my karting career.  I'm very honoured to be driving a Ricciardo Kart under this great support group.

3. Describe the Ricciardo Kart and how have you adapted to the chassis?
As soon as I tested the KF3 Ricciardo Kart I felt comfortable. It is light to drive and handles the corners well. I loved it so much that I bought another Ricciardo Kart to race in Junior Heavy and currently in the process of buying a third kart for Junior Clubman.  Plus you have to admit it looks great on and around the track!

4. How much does it help your development as a driver being part of the Ricciardo Kart team and having people like Michael and the other drivers around you, to learn from.
Being in the Ricciardo Kart Junior Team is invaluable. Michael Patrizi has created a very professional set up which is second to none in the karting scene. Michael and the other team members have given me guidance and inspiration to watch, listen and learn.

5. What is your goal this season?
Being new the bitumen karting it is to improve in my racing, gain respect from my peers and hopefully pick up a few trophies along the way.  I'm currently winning Golden Power Series in Junior Performance, so it would be good to come home with the win after the series is complete.

6. What is your favourite track and why?
Eastern Lions track at Puckapunyal.  I raced there for the first time in September last year at Junior Sprint. The track is fast and in the classes I raced, Junior Light, Junior Heavy and Junior Pro, I did really well.

7. What do you do in between rounds to keep yourself sharp and ready for racing?
I use my driving simulator every day, I race nearly every second weekend in Victoria with alternate weekends testing at tracks.  I also play tennis 2-3 times per week. My mum makes me eat well, drink protein drinks and sleep well!

 

Home



kartsportnews promo banner