Karter bags Surfers' drive

Hunt will drive a third car for PKV Racing, the team owned by ex-pat Australian and series co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven.

Hunt, who has only contested four rounds of the US Formula Ford 2000 Zetec series in cars, will compete in Champ Car feeder series Toyota Atlantic with top team Lynx Racing over the full season, before taking the giant stride into the headlining series in October.

Hunt will be only the third Australian to contest the Surfers' Champ Car race. Jason Bright was the last in 2000. The other was Gary Brabham, back in 1992 and 1993.

Hunt comes from the Gold Coast area of Australia where the Surfers' track is and backing comes from local businessman Craig Gore's WPS Financial Services Company, which also funds the WPS Racing Australian V8 Supercar team.

"There is no doubt that this is one of the greatest opportunities I could be provided," said Hunt. "I realise I have responsibilities as a representative of Queensland and I will be doing everything possible to fulfill those on and off the track."