As spring kicks into gear for the 2016 season, FWT Junior Rotax Champion Michael d’Orlando will be shaking things up a little in his karting development and will be joining forces with the Birel ART factory team from Italy, to compete in the 2016 CIKFIA European Championships series, in the OK-J category.

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[dropcap]A[/dropcap]fter fours year under the watchful eye and direction of KoeneUSA since their inception in 2013, on the Tony Kart chassis, d’Orlando Racing and driver Michael d’Orlando decided to expand their development & experiences across the pond to join the highly anticipated and extremely competitive European series. Michael is coming off a very successful start to 2016 with his FWT Junior Rotax Championship title, resulting in a spot on Team USA to compete in the Rotax Grand Finals, in addition to an FWT Junior Rok Vice-Championship title.
Michael joins the Birel ART factory team as one of their three drivers in the Junior category, in a program consisting of many world renowned drivers, and highly accredited management team of Ronni Sala, Gianluca Beggio and Rickard Franchini, with F1 driver management talent of Nicolas Todt. This is a great opportunity for Michael, heading into his Sophomore year in the Junior ranks, and the d’Orlandos are looking forward to this new experience.
“I’m very excited for this opportunity with Birel ART and look forward to getting overseas to start a new season.” explains Michael d’Orlando. “I believe I have developed a great foundation of skills here in North America under the direction of some of the best teams in karting, and look forward to building on that foundation in Europe. You don’t get opportunities like this everyday and I look forward to making my mark with the Birel ART team.”
“I am happy to welcome a young talent like Michael d'Orlando to our program.” says Beggio. “In the USA he has shown us that he has the right characteristics to compete with the best, fighting to win in very competitive championship such as the Florida Winter Tour, the SKUSA Pro Tour and the US Open. Facing his debut in the European Championships, Michael will

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have to cope with technical situations that are entirely new for him, but with the support of the Team he will also be able to accumulate international experience”.
“This was certainly not an easy decision for us, by any means” explains d’Orlando Racing’s Sherri d’Orlando, “especially with (younger brother) Nicholas beginning & maintaining his rookie career in the Junior categories here in North America. It came at a time that we are trying to make the best decisions for each individual driver in their development and this opportunity with Birel ART, for Michael, will provide a different level and direction we feel will be highly beneficial for him and an opportunity not to miss. We look forward to being a part of the Birel ART program and take on the European competition.”
“Martijn and myself wish Michael nothing but the best in his European karting adventure,” explained Koene USA Team Principal Mike Maurini. “He has attained several race wins and major championships in the United States and though we felt 2016 would have been Michael’s year in North American karting, moving to Europe to prepare himself for the future world of motorsports is also a great step in his growth and development. We have had a solid four years working with both Michael and Nicholas and molding them into the young drivers, race winners and national champions that they have become."
“We cannot thank Mike Maurini and Martijn Koene, and everyone at KoeneUSA, enough for what they have done for Michael’s development in North America and the driver he has become.” continues d’Orlando Racing’s Michael d’Orlando (father). “They have been an instrumental part of his growth. We have had great success together and we have made a lot of great memoires together. It has been a great four years. We look forward to building on the foundation they helped build.”

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[box type="shadow"] Fonte: dorlandoracing.com[/box]

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