2008 IAME International Challenge Spain - Race Reports & Photo's

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2008 REMO RACING TEAM - AUSTRALIA
Ryan Sanderson  (Gold Coast, Queensland)
Adam Hughes     (Melbourne, Victoria)
Grant Smith         (Melbourne, Victoria)
John Grother       (Gladstone, Queensland)
Lee Mitchener     (Melbourne, Victoria)
Brett Fortainier    (Adelaide, Victoria)

2008 - AUSTRALIA WINS THE FINAL RACE

2008 - SPANISH ADVENTURE FOR AUSSIE KARTERS

2008 - DAY 1 - RACE TEAM JOURNAL - By Lee Mitchener

2008 - DAY 2 - RACE TEAM JOURNAL - By Lee Mitchener

2008 - DAY 3 - AUSTRALIA TAKES POLE POSITION

2008 - DAY 3 - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

2008 - AUSSIE TEAM SPIRIT SHINES THROUGH

2008 - WHAT THE DRIVERS HAD TO SAY

2008 - GROTHER, TAKING ON THE WORLD - Local Newspaper

ABOUT THE 2008 IAME INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE

The starting grid in the 2008 event will comprise of two teams, each comprising of three drivers, from 14 countries. These teams will compete aboard identical FA Victory karts, designed by Fernando Alonso, powered by a 125cc Leopard X30 engine.

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The Remo Racing Team consists of Six drivers (3 on each team) IAME gives each team a complete Fernando Alonso Kart and Parilla X30 Engine, they also supply two mechanics, one for each of the Remo Racing teams for the duration of the meeting, and in the case of any damage to the kart or engine IAME also provides spare parts free of charge. The teams are also invited to a Gala Dinner where there is lots of entertainment. Last year Fernando Alonso was the special guest.

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"At last year's inaugural IAME International Challenge was a great success and I'm excited about providing another six Australian karters the opportunity to race overseas," said Remo Racing, Australian IAME Importer, Managing Director Remo Luciani.

"The drivers that have been selected for the 2008 Challenge come from a variety of regions across the country and includes some of the top level drivers who have regularly been front runners in the 125cc Leopard competition."

Both Sanderson and Hughes won their fully sponsored drives to compete at the event after winning the 'Loyalty' and 'Shootout' draws at the 2007 Leopard Final Shootout. Sanderson has finished runner-up in the National and Queensland Championships in Leopard Light already in 2008 and Hughes has been a standout performer throughout Victoria.

"After hearing from the guys who went last year about how good the event was, I can't wait to get over to Spain and represent Australia in the challenge," said Sanderson.

"To have the opportunity to represent my country against guys from all across the world is unbelievable and I'd like to thank IAME and the team at Remo Racing for selecting me as a part of the team."

Smith, a two-time Australian junior champion, was selected on the back of his impressive performances following his graduation into the senior ranks last year, during which he was the runner-up in the 2007 Victorian Leopard Series.

Grother and Fortanier won their respective state series' during 2007. Grother also secured the Queensland Championship at Rockhampton earlier this year while Fortainer will become the first South Australian driver to compete in an overseas karting event for several years.

During the event all drivers participating in this race will be invited attend a Gala Dinner, which last year was attended by special guest, Formula One driver Fernando Alonso.

All six drivers are expected to contest the 2008 Leopard Final Shootout at the Lincoln County Raceway in Dubbo, New South Wales on October 25/26 prior to departing for Spain.

Mitchener has competed for two years in a row at every Victorian Leopard Series Round and the Leopard Final. The Victorian has been loyal and supportive to the Leopard class.