Marcus Armstrong is returning to his motorsport roots this summer. The Kiwi Formula 2 driver confirmed to appear in two kartsport meetings before heading back to Europe.
Armstrong will compete in the City of Sails meeting on Auckland anniversary weekend and the CIK Trophy of New Zealand meeting in Hamilton seven days later.
Unfortunately, due to the government’s red light Covid restrictions, no spectators are permitted at the City of Sails event.
There is yet to be an official decision concerning spectators at the CIK Trophy of New Zealand.
Either way, Armstrong is buzzing to go up against some local heroes.
He has constantly reiterated how important karting is to him. Not only did he forge his racecraft in the discipline as a youngster, but he continues to see it as a vital training tool even now as an F2 driver.
“[Karting has] played the biggest role in my development,” he said. “The biggest learning curve and the most valuable lessons have come from karting.
“It’s super fun, super physical, and it’s good training. We do not get much track time overseas, so I do as much karting as possible.
“It’s often overlooked. Not many people realise how great it is. Kids rush into the likes of Formula Ford and the likes but in my opinion, karting offers more benefits.”
Armstrong has raced karts internationally, including tilts with the world-renown Tony Kart Racing Team.
In fact, it was Oliver Oakes who recruited Armstrong to race karts in Europe. This year, Oakes becomes Armstrong’s F2 team principal at the Hitech GP team.
After his domestic karting stints, Armstrong will relocate himself to London for F2 pre-season work.