Drysdale competing in Australia
Former Palmerston North karter Dylan Drysdale is among a group of New Zealander drivers choosing to supplement their racing at home with regular trips across the Tasman.
He is one of six Kiwis contesting the opening round of the 2017 Australian Kart Championship in Newcastle this weekend.
The former Rotax Max Challenge Junior class winner and New Zealand representative, who is now based in Auckland, who is entered in the X30 Senior class.
The other five confirmed entries are in the various Junior classes.
Former Vortex Mini ROK class winner and New Zealand representative William Exton steps up to the elite 13-16 yrs KA2 junior class in Australia this year, while Connor Davison from Hamilton lines up in the 12-16 yrs KA4 Junior, Liam Sceats, Kaden Probst and Luke Thompson (all from Auckland) are in Cadet 12 (9-12 yrs) and Emerson Vincent from Pukekohe will run in Cadet 9 (6-9 yrs).
Also at the meeting, but not driving this time, will be Aucklander Daniel Bray.
This weekend the globetrotting former US SKUSA S1 class champion, will be behind the scenes, working with top Australian team Patrizicorse to help run three of the young Kiwis at the meeting, Drysdale, Probst and Thompson.
The Australian Kart Championship series opener has attracted 275 entries.
There will be practice at the track today ahead of qualifying and heat races on Saturday with the remaining heats and finals on Sunday.