IPK North America is set to end its 2013 karting season in grand style this week as it assembles a team of 29 drivers from around the world at SKUSA SuperNationals XVII. Fresh from supporting its Praga and OK1 product lines at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, a factory-backed lineup from eleven different countries will look to contend in nine classes at the Rio, fielding superstars from the youngest in TaG Cadet to the Pros in headlining KZ2.
Foremost among them will be four-time World Champion Jonathan Thonon, making his second start since signing on with Praga. The SuperPro winner from 2008 when SuperNationals made its return to the Rio, Thonon as been in contention in each of his Vegas starts, and said he is one among many Europeans that truly love the atmosphere at North America’s biggest event. Though he hasn’t been in the seat at SuperNats since 2009, he’s been in Vegas coaching others and this year is thrilled about being back behind the wheel.
“It’s a very special event to close the racing every year, and such a big event with a lot of drivers!” Thonon said of SuperNationals. “And such a big city! The last three years I’ve been to coach and really enjoyed it, but this year I get to drive – much better! It’s my second race with Praga, and I’m just happy to be driving and getting experience for next year. The chassis, engines, mechanics… they’re all different, but the team look very good!“
IPK North America SuperNationals XVII Roster
KZ2: Jonathan Thonon – Belgium, Patrik Hajek – Czech Republic, Carlos Munoz – Colombia, Juan Camilo Acosta – Colombia, Juan Diego Alzate – Colombia, Ricky Capo – Australia
S1: Matthew Di Leo – Canada
S2: Elvis Stojko – Canada
S4: Petr Ptacek Sr. – Czech Republic, Jerome Laville – France
DD2: Jan Charouz – Czech Republic, Luis Schiavo – Venezuela, Igor Mukhin – Russia, Semen Ryasnov – Russia, Dario Callegher – Italy, Bonze Billings – United Kingdom, Josh Crossingham – Australia
TaG Senior: Zachary Claman DeMelo – Canada, Jamie Billings – United Kingdom, Diego Duez – Mexico
Rotax Junior: Russell Boyle – Canada, Juan Manuel Alzate – Colombia, Liam McLellan – Australia, Julien Andlauer – France
TaG Junior: Ivan Nosov – Russia
TaG Cadet: Petr Ptacek Jr. – Czech Republic, Rasmus Lindh – Sweden, Jac Preston – Australia, Lachlan Hughes – Australia
Read the press release below.
Info IPK North America / © Photo Pragaglobal.com