Dutch driver Marijn Kremer will join the Michael Patrizi-led Patrizicorse outfit at the opening round of the 2014 Castrol EDGE CIK Stars of Karting Series in Ipswich next month.
Kremer's inclusion into the championship sees it as the first time a pair of Dutch drivers will be on the grid with countryman Joey Hanssen set to return from the Netherlands to defend his KZ2 Championship.
It's the second time the Patrizicorse team has attracted an international driver to Australia with Roberto Toninelli competing with the Porsche Carrera Cup driver's outfit in 2012 at the Kalgoorlie ‘Dash for Cash'.
Kremer will compete in the Winter Cup with the Birel factory team this weekend at the Lonato circuit in Italy where 83 drivers are entered in the KZ2 Gearbox category.
During March, he will then contest the two-event WSK Champions Cup and opening round of the WSK Super Master Series in Italy before jetting to Australia.
“Marijn has been talking with us for some time and we are excited to have such a young talented driver come all the way to Australia to race with our team,” said Patrizi.
“He is a young very talented driver that has, especially after last year, crept high on the radar of the factory teams and this year has support from Birel.
“Marijn is looking for as much experience in kart racing throughout 2014 and the CIK Stars of Karting Series here in Australia thankfully fits into his schedule.
“I've always enjoyed working with the younger drivers as the hunger to succeed and the effort that they put in is second to none and all they want is a result every time they go racing. It's the same mentality I put into my team.”
Kremer has got his sights set high in Australia, but is also weary of the level of competition.
“From what I hear, the level of competition in the Series is very good and is continuing to improve. I'm really looking forward to racing in a new country to further my experience,” said Kremer
“I'm very happy to get a chance to drive in Australia. I'm confident that we will do well and can get on the podium with Patrizicorse.”
The CIK Stars of Karting Series presented by Castrol EDGE features the three international classes of KZ2, KF and KF-Junior while also incorporating a Challenge for the TAG 125 and Rookie classes across a five round championship.
The Restricted 125 class will also be a part of the action at each round.