Maidstone’s young kart star Kiern Jewiss will be racing as part of the Ricciardo Kart team in the new OK-Junior class for the coming season.

Jewiss became a member of the (MB) Partners’ Young Driver Academy owned by ex F1 driver Mark Blundell last year after winning the Kartmasters British GP in the IAME Cadet class in 2014, and went on to become 2015 champion of the Super 1 National Rotax Mini Max Championship.

The 13-year-old, Jewiss started racing karts in 2010, immediately getting himself noticed, as he managed to finish in the top 3 in all major national competitions, as well as winning the Buckmore Park Winter Championship (2010) and Lydd Winter Championship (2011).

He won the Henry Surtees Commemorative Meeting (2012) and finished third in the Kartmasters British Grand Prix (2013). Last season he took part in 68 races, winning 33 of them and finishing on the podium 19 more, with 12 pole positions as well.

Ricciardo Kart was launched last year by Australian Formula 1 driver, Daniel Ricciardo.  It is a range of karts designed, manufactured and distributed globally by BIREL ART, the merger of Birel Group and ART Grand Prix.

Daniel has not only given his name to the different models but has been involved in the complete design, production and development.  In addition, 2016 will be the first year that Ricciardo Kart will be present as an official factory team in the major competitions throughout Europe.

Speaking about having Kiern join the series, Ricciardo said: “It’s great having Kiern as a team member. A driver of his quality and background will be a great asset to our team. I and all the guys on the team look forward to working with him and seeing what results we can achieve together.”

Just as excited as Ricciardo is as having Kiern onboard, Kiern is just as excited to be racing the karts for the coming season.

Giving his thoughts on the move Jewiss, said: “I can’t wait to start the season. So far the winter tests have been very positive and I would like to thank Ricciardo Kart for this opportunity and for its support. I have a really good relationship with the team: we work towards the same goals and have the same vision. I feel very confident!”

To be part of a series run by one by F1 driver is quite something, but to be managed and backed by another is shows that there is a lot of belief in Kiern and his talent.

Blundell said: “Kiern’s domination of the English circuits was amazing, the time has come to see how he will perform in Europe. Ricciardo Kart and Birel ART is a great combination because the two companies have a great work ethic and both focus on working closely with their drivers to get the best results. The commitment and passion of the two teams, combined with Kiern’s professional attitude and attention to detail, will I hope ensure the season is a success.”

Images courtesy of Paul Babington