MELBOURNE, Australia – The season is almost here, and INFINITI Red Bull Racing is ready to roll in Australia. The team has been trickling into the city since the weekend and will kick into full race prep tomorrow in Albert Park. But before that, there is just one final pre-season event to enjoy with Daniel Ricciardo hosting a fan day at the Auscarts karting circuit in Melbourne.
The event was the latest in the team's Open House series. Open House has been a lot of fun in the last couple of years. The team started off hosting the event at the factory but, great though that was, it didn't take a rocket scientist (and the team has those) to figure out that what race fans really want to do is race – hence the previous event was held at the Daytona karting circuit in Milton Keynes. This time the team took it a little further – 17,000km further to be exact – to Australia.
The event opened up at 9am. There were 46 guests (no Valentino Rossi reference intended) who we got into gear before splitting them into four heats, with the quickest dozen competing in the final. Congratulations to Steve Milner, our victor, and honorable mentions to Simon Arnold and Paul Jones, second and third respectively – though everyone had a good time and obviously sport was the winner.
Daniel did a question and answer session at noon as the barbecue was fired up. Like most of his F1 peers, Daniel is a kart racer trapped in a grand prix star's body. He explained to our guests that it's where racing begins for nearly everybody.
"I was nine when I started," he confessed. "It's where everyone starts because you're not old enough to drive a car! You learn a lot in karts. You get your eye in, your reflexes, your lines, your racecraft. All the basics you get nailed down. They're quick, and because they're so low to the ground, they teach you to cope with fear. Racing's supposed to be non-contact but there's always a bit of wheel banging in karting and that toughens you up a little bit. It's a wonderful way to get into the sport."
Following the Q&A (which can be found at INFINITI-RedBullRacing.comOpens in a new tab.), Daniel did a signing session and posed for photographs. He then presented trophies on the podium before finishing the day with a group photo out on track.
"It's been a blast," said competition winner Matt Genaro. "It's not everyday you get to meet Daniel Ricciardo, so thanks to him and the whole team."
"It's been an unbelievable morning here at the Open House," added competition winner Charlie Ray. "Dan had a lot of time for us and was a good, down-to-earth bloke!"
Daniel departed with lots of good wishes for the weekend ringing in his ears and the exhortation that he has the whole of Australia willing him on for the Australian Grand Prix. So no pressure Dan…
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