We’re starting to think that the official roster of Team Canada drivers for the upcoming Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals in Portugal will not be official until we arrive as another driver swap has been confirmed this morning.
Jeffrey Kingsley, winner of the 2017 Florida Winter Tour Rotax DD2 Championship has decided to turn down his invitation. Kingsley is currently studying Business at the University of Western Ontario and taking a week off of his studies just wasn’t possible. He will be replaced by Ethan Simioni, who finished third overall in the Florida Winter Tour and second in the Eastern Canadian Karting Championship. Simioni will also compete in the Rok Cup International in Italy in the Shifter category.
We reached out to Kingsley and he had this to say about the decision.
“Although I am greatly honoured, it is very unfortunately that I have to turn down the RMCGF ticket. Each year, my results have gotten better and better so I was expecting a great event. Despite last years bad luck, I was hoping to bring back a World Championship for myself, my family, my team, and my country this November. As I said in an article earlier this year, school is of great importance to me, and at this time it must take priority during exam season. I wish the best of luck to Team Canada this year.”
We also got in touch with Ethan Simioni and asked him how he felt when he received the call.
“Honestly, it completely caught me off guard! I really couldn’t believe it. I still cant! I am very exited to be able to represent Canada at both the ROK and Rotax Grand Finals. I really ruled out going to the Rotax Grand Finals after trying to qualifying all year, but it’s a great surprise and a nice birthday gift!”
Team Canada looks to defend the RMCGF Nations Cup title that we earned last year in Italy. Currently, 14 drivers will represent Team Canada at this year’s event across all six Rotax Max categories.
