21/11/2008
NEWS STORY
The entry list for the 2008 edition of the International Challenge of Go-Kart Champions is almost closed. According to Felipe Massa, the man behind the event, which will be held for the third time in a row in Florianópois (Brazil), Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer is yet to be confirmed. "We will wait for him until the end of the week, because he is another important name,", explained the 2008 F1 runner-up.
A maximum of 26 drivers from top international and domestic series will be in action at Ingleses Kart Track on November 29-30. Along with Massa will join the double-header race Michael Schumacher, Nascar ace Jeff Gordon, Force India third driver Vitantonio Liuzzi, Rubens Barrichello, Lucas di Grassi, Tony Kanaan and a bunch of local stars.
Massa, who is spending his vacation time in Brazil, is pleased with the quality and variety of the grid. "The level is getting higher and higher and every year we have been able to add a new attraction, as is the case of Jeff Gordon. Besides that, Schumacher presence is another push to the other guys. He is the reigning champion, is the man to be beaten and everybody is looking forward to catch him. OK, he won last year, but nobody will make things easier for him this time."
An attendance record of 12.000 supporters is expected to rush to the track. A live timing service will be available throughout the weekend at cronomap.com.
The provisional entry list:
Formula 1
Felipe Massa
Michael Schumacher
Rubens Barrichello
Vitantonio Liuzzi
Lucas di Grassi
Luca Badoer (TBC)
Indy Racing League
Tony Kanaan
Vitor Meira
Nascar
Jeff Gordon
Superleague
Antonio Pizzonia
FIA GT
Xandinho Negrão
Grand-AM
Ricardo Zonta
Super GT Japan
João Paulo Oliveira
MotoGP
Alex Barros
Brazilian Stock Car
Ricardo Maurício
Marcos Gomes
Thiago Camilo
Cacá Bueno
Luciano Burti
Popó Bueno
Allam Khodair
Max Wilson
Tarso Marques
GT3 Brasil
Roberto Pupo Moreno
Brazilian Formula Truck
Felipe Giaffone
Rally
Luís Tedesco