Dicinoski to race in America

Matt Dicinoski racing a Leopard Heavy.

THERE is a big difference between a go-kart and a high performance car but local racer Matt Dicinoski is well on his way to making the transition.

Dicinoski has been a regular on the local karting scene, and successful both locally and nationally, but now he is about to embark on the next leg of his competitive journey by racing on the Automobile Racing Club Association (ARCA) circuit in America.

"I have gained approval for my licence," he said.

"There are still a few things to be ticked off."

However, the signs are looking positive for Dicinoski to be racing in America by July with the Andy Belmont Racing team.

For the racer it is all a part of a learning curve as he hopes to race in five or six races in the States before returning to Australia.

An excited Dicinoski said the ARCA racing circuit is massive in the States.

"It rates highly over there, it's bigger than Formula One," he said.

The cars used on ARCA circuit are Mazdas and Dicinoski said they look very similar to those seen on any highway.

However, that is where the similarity ends.

"On the bigger tracks they get up to about 290kph," he said.

That is slightly quicker than the karts going around the Fitzroy Park raceway but that does not deter Dicinoski who said the cars are fitted with state-of-the-art safety equipment.

"I'm under no illusion about going over there to win," he said.

"It will be all about the experience.

"I tested a number of different cars and felt comfortable.

"I am sure there will be a steep learning curve but with the help of Andy Belmont, who does a great job mentoring rookies, I feel like we will be fine."

Dicinoski said he didn't want to look back in about 20 years time and think about it as being a missed opportunity.

"I'm young enough to do something now," he said.

"If it comes off it's a great opportunity."

While Dicinoski has no intention of giving up racing karts he would also like to see an ARCA racing circuit in Australia.

While in the US Dicinoski will be working with the marketing arm of the enterprise and learning how they "sell" the sport there.

In conjunction with Rolfe Schnur Motorsports Marketing, Dicinoski will also have the opportunity to put a package together to encourage businesses to assist with his venture.