MSA nominates Roy Johnson for Karting Academy Trophy

MSA nominates Roy Johnson to represent UK in CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) has nominated 2008 MSA British Cadet Kart Champion Roy Johnson to represent the United Kingdom in the inaugural CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy later this year.

MSA Performance Director Robert Reid confirmed Johnson's selection this week, having assessed potential candidates in the MSA British Junior Kart Championship and canvassed the opinions of respected figures from within the karting community.

The Karting Academy Trophy is a new world championship run by the CIK-FIA for 13 to 15-year-old karters. The CIK has invited 34 ASNs (National Sporting Authorities) each to nominate a single driver to compete over three events, in support of the new "U18" Karting World Championship - Germany (Wackersdorf, 23-25 July), Spain (Alcaniz, 27-29 August) and France (Val d'Argenton, 1-3 October). In order to keep costs down and to promote fair racing, competitors at each event of the Academy Trophy will be supplied free of charge with a mandatory package of specified equipment comprising chassis, engine and tyres.

Johnson, 14 from Pelsall, West Midlands, said: "I'm thrilled to have been picked to represent the UK. I knew that the MSA was looking for somebody and I thought I had a good chance of being picked, but I was still quite surprised because I didn't have the best of weekends at Larkhall. It's a fantastic opportunity and I'm looking forward to racing for my country in an international competition."

Reid said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Roy, who I'm sure will fly the flag for the UK with great success. He has proved his ability by winning the MSA British Cadet Kart Championship a couple of years ago and he has put in some spirited drives to rise to fourth in the MSA British Junior Kart Championship standings at this stage of the season."

MSA Chief Executive Colin Hilton said: "One of the objectives of the MSA Academy structure was to make sure that the UK is able to capitalise on exciting opportunities when they arise. This new CIK-FIA initiative provides a great chance for one of our promising young karters to experience international competition at the highest level. I have every confidence that Roy will acquit himself superbly and we look forward to following his progress through the summer."

-source: msauk