MSA nominates Martin and York for CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) has selected top British karters Ross Martin and Oliver York to be the UK’s representatives in the prestigious three-round 2014 CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy.

Each year, the CIK-FIA invites nominations from national governing bodies for drivers to contest the Academy Trophy, a world championship for 13- to 15-year-olds, staged over three events: Genk, Belgium (15 June); Wackersdorf, Germany (13 July); and Sarno, Italy (12 October).

The MSA pays all entry and registration fees and the organisers provide identical equipment to all competitors, ensuring a level playing field for all drivers.

Martin, aged 14 from Dunbartonshire in Scotland, finished fourth overall in the 2013 MSA British Junior Kart Championship. He previously enjoyed success in the cadet class, finishing sixth overall and top independent runner in the 2012 MSA British Cadet Kart Championship.

Martin said: “I feel very honoured and proud to have been nominated by the MSA and I really appreciate being given this opportunity. As a family we have worked hard over the last four years competing against, and sometimes finishing ahead of, drivers with bigger budgets, so to be recognised for this is amazing! Last year I stepped up from cadets to KFJ and I had some good results, twice getting on the podium and causing a few upsets. I feel confident I can do the same in Europe and prove to the MSA they have made the right choice.”

York, aged 12 from Woking in Surrey, is the reigning MSA British Cadet Kart Champion and MSA National Comer Cadet Kart Champion. This year is his first season in full-sized karts and he has already contested the Junior Max Winter Cup in Spain, finishing eighth out of 52 international entries.

York said: “I am really proud to have been nominated by the MSA to represent the UK in the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy. To find out that I had been put forward for the selection process was amazing, so to actually be chosen to race for my country is a real privilege. I am looking forward to the first round and will be training very hard in preparation.”

As part of its commitment to helping young karting talent, the MSA takes the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy very seriously. The MSA’s support includes the payment of all entry fees and registration costs on behalf of the two drivers and extends to a pre-championship preparation session with recognised coaches and former Academy Trophy competitors.

Rob Jones, MSA Chief Executive, said: “The CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy offers a great opportunity for promising young British karters to showcase their talent on the international stage. We are delighted to have nominated Ross and Oliver, who have both demonstrated outstanding commitment and ability on the UK karting circuit. The MSA recognises the importance of these initiatives and is pleased to support our nominees, both financially and through the MSA Academy coaches who will work with the drivers in preparation for the championship.”

The CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy first ran in 2010. In 2011 the MSA’s UK nomination, Ben Barnicoat, finished second overall. Meanwhile the UK’s 2012 representative, George Russell, won the championship’s opening race in Portugal from pole position.


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