Vroom Kart International #177 - March 2016

HOW THINGS STAND FOR THE NEW DIRECT DRIVE CLASS

TELEME...TRICKS DATA ANALYSIS SOFTWARE

N. 177 MARCH 2016 € 5.00

INTERNATIONAL

KARTING

TRACK TEST VORTEX DDS AND RKZ

RECLAMING DRIVE

ELECTRIC KART PART 4

HERE COMES THE CHAMPIONSHIP

CLOSE UP

WINTER LEISURE FOR F1 DRIVERS VETTEL, GUTIERREZ AND PEREZ STILL HAVE FUN ON KARTS

ANNUALVINTAGE KART SHOW

WWW.VROOMKART.COM

W W W.V R O O M K A RT.C O M

vroomgames

PHOTO: D. PASTANELLA

THE SUCCESS OF VIDEOGAMES

MOMENTS OF GLORY THE WINTER CUP IS A GODSEND. THE NEW ENGINES DRAW ALL THE ATTENTION AT RENOVATED TRACK IN LONATO. IT© S VORTEX DOMAIN AS THEY CONQUER KZ2, OK AND OK JUNIOR PODIUMS. MARCO ARDIGÒ LEAVES HIS MARK WITH A FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE. KZ WHAT A SHOW!

from the editor Our work, creating a magazine, and printing it within a set time schedule respecting our readers who are looking forward to getting it in the early days of each month, has been going on for 16 years now, presents some incognito, especially when you edit a specific TRACK TEST VORTEX DDS AND RKZ magazine like Vroom. A commitment and responsibility RECLAMING DRIVE that we have to live with continuously without even a ELECTRIC KART HERE COMES THE CHAMPIONSHIP school bell or a siren that, tells you when your turn is CLOSE UP over. Yes, this issue, the one you are holding is among ANNUALVINTAGE those that transmit this reality more than the others.

KART SHOW We have called it ª moments of gloryº b ecause it vroomgames responds to what we have lived on the track and in the news room over the last 10 days of February. From the Winter Cup in Lonato, that has returned to its former glory for a number of favourable coincidences, and our satisfaction of being able to publish in just 3 days (as THE WINTER CUP IS A GODSEND. THE NEW ENGINES DRAW ALL THE ATTENTION AT RENOVATED if it were a weekly magazine) a sensational magazine.

TRACK IN LONATO. IT'S VORTEX DOMAIN AS THEY CONQUER KZ2, OK AND OK JUNIOR PODIUMS. MARCO ARDIGÒ LEAVES HIS MARK WITH A FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE. KZ WHAT A SHOW! Yes, sensational, because it' s the first time in the history of publishing in this field that a magazine manages to publish track test with so many details in such a short time. The satisfaction is even greater if you think that this test was set up at brief notice, thanks to the kindness of Tony Kart team, and in particular two brilliant Kosmic mechanics, Alessandro Fracasso and Thomas Mardaga.

Yes, because on that fateful Monday 23rd, there were two Kosmic karts there for the team from Vroom: Patrik Hayek' s KZ and Karol Basz' Ok. And, at that point, Andrea Saccucci and Daniele Parravano (OIP) set to work and in just one hour they transformed the two karts into hybrid karts, seeing the number of cables that entwined connecting lots of sensors to the data logger. A moment of glory, when in the end we realised that after a frenetic and exciting day' s testing with the incognito of possible rainfall, the data we picked up led to believe that, if we had had a bit more time we could have gone below the 46º 4 lap time stopped by Hayek. The sensation we got seeing Patrik' s grin for having beaten by 3 tenths Fabian Federer' s pole in KZ2 was fantastic. A sensation that we' d like to transmit to you too, our readers reading this column written, as usual,

by Maurizio Voltini with the help of Andrea Saccucci Officine in Progress team manager, the same one who sees to the newborn column ª Telemetric@menteº , a useful guide for understanding telemetry and how to make the most of it to be able to help improve performance.

Another innovation that younger readers will enjoy is the new column ª VroomGamesº dedicated to videogames and driving simulators curate by Ayrton Becherini promoted to Vroom mascot Vroom. Ayrton represents a kart driver of the mew millennium and Vroom well, his racing DNA came out compellingly when he was reading the magazine back in 2001. For those who haven' t seen it yet, it' s important to watch the video https://www.facebook.com/1536552809930779/videos/1654374364815289/: dedicated to those who still have doubts on the function of Vroom at the newsagent' s ¼ Yes, life is also made up of these small satisfactions: allow me to say: like being the only international karting magazine printed and diffuse throughout the world.

Giuliano Ciucci Giuliani HOW THINGS STAND FOR THE NEW DIRECT DRIVE CLASS

TELEME...TRICKS DATA ANALYSIS SOFTWARE

N. 177

MARCH 2016 € 5.00

PART 4

WINTER LEISURE FOR F1 DRIVERS VETTEL, GUTIERREZ AND PEREZ STILL HAVE FUN ON KARTS

INTERNATIONAL

KARTING

WWW.VROOMKART.COM

W W W.V R O O M K A RT.C O M

PHOTO: D. PASTANELLA

THE SUCCESS OF VIDEOGAMES

MOMENTS OF GLORY

MOMENTS OF GLORY

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 3

FROM

CONTENTS MARCH 2016

32 47 TO

WINTER CUP 2016

26

COLUMNS 3 EDITORIAL 10 VROOMKIDS 12 VROOMGAMES 64 VROOMBOX 90 2016 INTERNATIONAL RACING CALENDAR

NEWS 16 MONDOKART

12

vroomgames 66

22 CLOSE UP Vettel, Gutierrez end Perez still have fun on karts 26 SPECIAL How things stand for the new direct drive clas

RACE REPORT 32 48 54 60

21st Winter Cup, Lonato (Italy) Rotax Winter Cup, Valencia (ESP) Florida Winter Tour, Ocala (USA) The Rotax Invitational, Sepang (MY)

TECHNICAL SIDE 66 TRACK TEST Vortex DDS and RKZ 80 TELEMETRICKS Data analysis software 86 TELEMETRICKS Here Comes the Chamnpionship 90 VINTAGE Karting Association Reunion

www.vroomkart.com 4 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

info@vroom.it

www.facebook.com/vroomkart

twitter.com/vroomkart

OKKART Srl Registered office: Via Pergolesi, 48 - 04011 Aprilia (Italy) info@vroom.it - www.vroom.it Giuliano Ciucci Giuliani (Editor in chief) cggiuliano@vroom.it FABINA GAVILLUCCI (Executive editor) fgavillucci@vroom.it WALTER GUCCI wgucci@vroom.it MARIA VERRENGIA mverrengia@vroom.it SPECIAL COLUMNS Maurizio Voltini CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE A. Becherini, C. Schindel, Canadiankartingnews, G.Cappello, FM Press, B. Leong, Motorsport@ Officineinprogress, M.Nassi, OTK&MC, D.Pastanella, A. Roca, RGMMC, F. Weir SUBSCRIPTIONS info@vroom.it ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION Europe 62 Euro USA, Canada 93 Euro Rest of the world 104 Euro BACKDATED ISSUES: 5 Euro per copy PRINTERS: GMG GRAFICA srl via Anagnina, 361 - 00188 Roma - Italy on behalf of Grafiche Professionali via Sequals, 4 - 00188 Roma - Italy Registered at Law-court in Latina N°714 date: 19.10.2000 © Copyright 2000 – all rights reserved.

RESPONSIBILITY: Unauthorized repro-

duction wholly or in part of texts and graphic material and translations of the same is forbidden unless prior authorisation has been given by publisher. All reports and illustrations received as contributions by the publisher will not be returned even if these are not published, and the magazine assumes no responsibility for their safety, even in case of rare examples. Neither dvoes the magazine assume any responsibility for articles published therein or any errors contained. All articles published are without patent right; furthermore articles bearing a registered trade mark will be used at contributors risk.

join the RoK world vortex-rok.com

ROK CUP IN THE WORLD ASIA

AFRICA

EUROPE INDONESIA

CYPRUS

POLAND

ISRAEL

CZECH REPUBLIC

PORTUGAL

CANADA

JAPAN

DENMARK

SLOVENIA

CHILE

PHILIPPINES

GERMANY

SWITZERLAND

COLOMBIA

SINGAPORE

ITALY

SOUTH AFRICA AMERICA

OCEANIA

MEXICO

LITHUANIA

AUSTRALIA

USA

NORWAY

NEW ZEALAND

ROK CUP INTERNATIONAL FINAL - Mini Rok, Junior Rok, Senior Rok, Super Rok, Shifter Rok 22/10 SOUTH GARDA KARTING, Lonato

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11/02/2016 11:21:30

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vroomkids

ROOM FOR YOUNG ONES

Hi kids, Tell the truth, are you plagued continuosly, being told off for when and how to use your smartphone? Parents, grandparents and adults around you always have something to say about how long you spend staring your mobiles, tablets and other things? Are they really so very wrong?

Maybe there's somethings in what they say. But, in any case, what does all this have to do with karting?

Glenda Cappello, Pedagogist, Green Karting School Trainer

ON THE TRACK WITH A SMARTPHONE:

WHAT DID I MISS? 10 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

11

K

arting is an extremely dynamic and challenging sport. There are a lot of things to do both on and off the track. The things one has to do to prepare to race as well as possible are labourious and complicated.

This is why we do not race alone but rather need someone to help us: a good mechanic, for example (usually Dad). It© s way too hard

for us, better to leave it to the big people... and, what a lot of work it is! So the waiting time between one lap and the next can get very long indeed. Is there a solution to all

this boredom? We can just fish our smartphone out of our pocket and dip into the virtual world without paying attention to what is going on around us. It© s a good way to pass the time, right? The answer just might be "NO", or rather, not really! Are you sure that© s a good idea to miss out on what is happening around you? Everything that happens off the track should definitely be of concern to a driver.

The driver is the one who must make sure that his vehicle is in order, the driver is the one who has to tell his mechanic what he hears out on the track, and it is always the driver© s job to lend a hand to the mechanic. He will do what he is capable of doing, but he needs to know what is happening on the track!

BEFORE, AFTER AND DURING THE RACE: STAY CONCENTRATED The most important moment for all kart drivers is certainly that of race. Not just after the start, but the time just before and just after being on the track. It is important to stay focused at these moments.

So? Should we fish our smartphone out of our pocket? No!!! This is definitely not the right time for that! It is very important that we stay connected with reality and everything happening around us. Everything can be useful on the track: a comment from the mechanical, a last-minute signal from a tournament official, some expert advice, even just realizing if it© s raining or not!

So, eyes and ears should be open, not only before starting, but afterwards, too! Why? Assessments, comparisons, criticisms or compliments! All of this happens off the track and has to be analyzed in detail. It is important for us to

think about what we just did and how we did it.

SO DO I HAVE TO THROW AWAY MY SMARTPHONE? Of course not, smartphones are a very useful tool, but they should be used responsibly. If we are unsure about how, when and for how long it is good to use them, we can ask Mom and Dad for help. In any case, when we© re waiting to get on the track and there is absolutely nothing to do, we might as well just fish our smartphone out of our pocket, put it in a safe place where it won© t get broken and play with our friends who are right there with us! Have fun!

Glenda Cappello Education professor at LUdeS University in Lugano, for years expert karting teacher on an international level, who sees to the psycho-pedagogic aspect of young drivers and their relationship with their parents. Acknowledged among the top authorities of karting and pedagogy, she is a collaborator and consultant of the most important sports institutions like the Scuola Federale ACI/CSAI Federal School in Vallelunga and other important companies both public and private.

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 11

vroomgames

THE SUCCESS OF VIDEOGAMES There is no doubt that people need to have a break and get a part of the day away from his problems. Some watch TV, some play sport or read books, and for others gaming is the best anti-stress. In the past gaming was a moment of social gathering playing in the streets, in recreation rooms or in friends' houses.

Technological evolution influenced also socialization customs and traditions, thanks to smartphones and informatic systems that allow people to be constantly in touch with someone who is a far away and, unavoidably, developers thought to focus themselves on the new era of gaming: the online multiplayer.

Who bet on gaming environment has achieved its goal, because the market is constantly increasing and the fast evolution of softwares and hardwares allows a graphic realism which has made gaming increasingly attractive for always more people. This process has been helped by the diffusion of low cost Internet connection, allowing almost everybody to be connected.

Italian association of gaming developers declares that also in Italy this sector is passing through a steady growth phase, with more than 29 million users and a sales figures of almost 900 million Euro, while in the United States revenues are 13.1 billion Dollar circa.

10 BEST SELLER OF 2015:

1. Call of Duty: Black Ops III (Xbox One, PS4, 360, PS3, PC) 2. Madden NFL 16 (PS4, Xbox One, 360, PS3) 3. Fallout 4 (PS4, Xbox One, PC) 4. Star Wars: Battlefront (Xbox One, PS4, PC) 5. Grand Theft Auto V (PS4, Xbox One) 360, PS3, PC) 6. NBA 2K16 (PS4, Xbox One, 360, PS3) 7. Minecraft (360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4) 8. FIFA 16 (PS4, Xbox One, 360, PS3) 9. Mortal Kombat X (PS4, Xbox One) 10. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (Xbox One, PS4, 360, PS3, PC)

12 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

BY WALTER GUCCI WITH AYRTON BECHERINI

DRIVING SIMULATORS TO SUIT US Even if they are not in the top ten, driving games are a big part of this market. Titles which populate stores shelves are destinated to different users: from the illegal road races to real driving simulators which reproduce real motorsport championships. The choice depends on the gamer' s taste, or on the game possessed by friends, which allows him to participate to on-line races.

Almost all games are available for all platforms, and generally who prefers acrade games prefers consolles because they allow gaming fluency and great graphic results at a low price. Virtual racers use more realistic

driving simulators using purpose-built PCs. An arcade racing game is a game which favors simplicity and graphic quality rather than the cars physical reactions, allowing for immediate fun with low effort and unrealistic manouvers impossible to replicate in the reality. Ofter there are different levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. A player can choose the appropriate level compared to his ability with the possibility to null car damages. In the arcade category the best seller are Need For Speed, which more than 100.000 copies sold worldwide, the official F.1 game licensed by F.I.A. and the popular Gran Turismo.

Driving simulator

In the past the driving simulator has always been a niche genre only for fans of sporty driving, because old examples of this kind of game were not easy and the less expert users gave up on playing shortly. Sometimes driving difficulties exceeded that of reality, creating a huge gap between professional simracers and common gamers that were unable to appreciate the product spending the majority of their time driving on the grass or out of the track.

Nowadays things are changing because of commercial rules which impose an opening toward less expert users that do not want to spend a considerable amount of time training with a simulator. If the factory does not sell enough copies, it will probably stop the development and consequently developers will lose their job. For these reasons now physical and VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 13

vroomgames graphic design are improved at the same pace and also in arcade games we can find a professional level of difficult in which physical reactions and all other factors are conform to reality.

How to choose the most suitable driving simulator Different developers have created a number of excellent products among which is not always easy to choose, often users buy the best of the moment and not the one that best suits their needs. Generally the purchase is ruled by needs of the single user or by its connectivity. Now most games could be bought directly from Internet, some others The high quality achieved by some driving game are available on steam platform or at least developers caught the attention of F.1 drivers, and several in the classic box on store shelves. Thanks collaborations have been made with the mutual exchange to the worldwide connectivity is possible of data and information which generated professional to play online at any time of the day, with dinamic driving simulators where also physical forces are servers dedicated. A community of modders replicated on the driver. The software sends information realizes cars and tracks to be downloaded to a control unit which controls actuators on which the from users on their own simulators. Users seat is mounted or, sometimes, and entire fake vehicle is benefit by the competition between mounted. Actuators move the vehicle replaying perfectly different teams of developers. strains such as acceleration, braking, centrifugal force

Driving simulators and real drivers

and suspensions' movements. Initially these sofisticated simulators were used to train drivers during periods of rest, but now they are the most used tools to test setups for each track of a championship.

Teams and factories use them to test gear ratios, engine performance, aerodynamic factors all by limiting transfers, the waste of fuel, tires and workforce. This collaboration between race engineers and computer engineers, thanks to the support of real data of the telemetry, reached high standards with continuous improvement for the future.

IN THE NEXT ISSUES, A BRIEF HISTORY OF DRIVING SIMULATORS, DRIVING GAMES’ REVIEWS, TITLES OF HANDBOOK OF THE BEST SIMULATORS, CHARACTERISTICS OF DRIVING SIMULATORS, HARDWARE, GAMING SEATS AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST KARTING SIMULATOR WITH COMPARATIVE TESTS FROM VIRTUAL RACING TO THE REALITY. 14 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

mondokart NEWS & PREVIEWS

TECNO 747T IGNITION

SPARKS FROM TURIN Ignitions made by Tecno in Strambino, Turin, (I) are available, even if they have a Jumbo Jet name they are really much smaller and simpler. They have been homologated for OK and OK Junior engines that have been presented this year by the Cik, the Tecno 747T ignitions have been presented in two versions, denominated respectively 16-A-24 and 36-A-24, where the difference is the control unit that determines ignition advance (fixed up to 500 revs before the limit) and the number of max revs: green for 16,000 rpm in the first case, blue for 14,000 rpm in the Junior version. The rest is the same and you can see the body of the stator is made of magnesium, as well as the flywheel in aluminium where the bores are integrated with magnets, to help when substituting them if the need arises. Another advantage is the external crown made of steel, the one that gives the “signal” to pick up. Can be easily inverted by 180° on the flywheel: this way you can comply in both rotation direction (depending on assemble and the engine) with the same ignition without having to get another homologation. Among other characteristics, the cylindrical bobbin cylindrical bobbin that in the picture is seen mounted next to the cylinder (a solution used for shortening the cables as much as possible), the connectors for the of the “automotive” class for simplified wiring and put n the market only after the ignitions had been tested one by one on the test bench. For further information call: tel. +39-0125-637034 or send email to info@tecnokart.com.

ADVANCED CARBURETTORS

TILLOTSON RESPONDS BETTER

At the last Winter Cup, at the Tillotson assistance point, we saw some innovation concerning carburettors especially for the new OK classes. In particular there are the HW43 for OK Junior (20 mm) and the HC-112 for OK “senior” (24 mm), the latter is easily distinguished also because it has been anodized blue. However, what is more important from an operative point, is that in both cases the Tillotson carburettors give an advantage of having an idle circuit that also depends on the “lower” part of the throttle valve, made specifically to get a carburetion that helps response on opening. For further information visit: www.tillotson-racing.com.

16 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

BRING YOUR OLD KART ENGINE AND GET A DISCOUNT OF 2 € FOR EACH CC ON YOUR NEW ROTAX KART ENGINE!* *offer valid until 31.12.2016 and only with the purchase of a brand-new Rotax evo kart engine. Only one old kart engine and only kart engines from competitors will be accepted in exchange per purchase.

We offer up to EUR 2,- incl. VAT or the equivalent in your local currency per cc (cubic centimeter) for your old 2-stroke kart engine but up to a maximum of 125 cc, as well as EUR 1,- for your old 4-stroke kart engine up to a maximum of 270 cc.

Offer is limited to all Rotax kart distributors / service centers which are participating in this program. Limited trade in contigent available only.

www.rotax-kart.com ®

© 2016 BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG. All rights reserved. and TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

mondokart NEWS & PREVIEWS

CHASSIS JB#17

Philippe Bianchi presents a kart called after his son Jules

On Saturday, during the Winter Cup in Lonato there was the official presentation of a chassis dedicated to Jules Bianchi on behalf of Armando Filini, now reference of the Croc but before supplier of karts to the French driver when he used to race in karts. The new line is called JB#17 – same initials on the steering wheel too – and it’s in Bianchi’s favourite colours. It is Jules father Philippe who has promoted this initiative; he has in fact been on the front line also at the presentation, right in the middle of the picture.

TOGETHER WITH INNOVATION IN HYDRAULICS

From Blackbull hydro-graphic trolleys Both technique and looks are innovations that concern this year’s production of hydraulic “racing” trolleys for karting made by Blackbull. From the first point of view, new valves have been added to the control unit for adjusting uphill and downhill movement, which are now more accurate. The visible innovations include a new basic colour and in particular a new technique for decorating, hydro graphics. It’s a method - also known as “water transfer printing” – which allows you to personalise the trolley with all sorts of art work and designs, like the “mimetical look” in the picture. You can find out more from Blackbull’s official website: www.blackbullkart.com.

18 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

AFTER THE FINAL APPEAL REJECTED

MARSEGLIA IS MINIROK CHAMPION

2015 is a year of great satisfaction for Leonardo Marseglia, even if it was maybe a bit … delayed.

Besides the 60 Minikart National Trophy the driver from Ostini had already won at the line the international Rok Cup last October, in the 60 MiniRok. But the final results had to be waited for due to Mattia Michelotto’s appeal, and appeal that was rejected some weeks ago. So, final results have been official and Mariglia is crowned winner leading on American Carlton Crawford and Michelotto.

1

BEN HANLEY 1st CIK-FIA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP (KF)

2015 INTERNATIONAL TITLES BEN HANLEY

1st CIK-FIA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP (KF) 3rd CIK-FIA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP (KZ) 5th CIK-FIA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (KF) 6th CIK-FIA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (KZ)

SENA SAKAGUCHI

1st JAPANESE CHAMPIONSHIP (KF)

MAX HESSE

2nd GERMAN CHAMPIONSHIP (KFJ)

CROCPROMOTION SRL - Via Lombardia, 6 - 25025 Manerbio, Brescia Italy - info@crocpromotion.com - office@crocpromotion.com +39 331 3079519

mondokart NEWS & PREVIEWS

CRG OPENS A NEW BRANCH IN SPAIN

CREATING CRG-SPAIN

CRG is increasing its presence on the territory opening new branches.

CRG Spain will in fact join CRG Nordam and CRG Great Britain to provide customers with an easier and more direct access to CRG products. CRG Group is continuing its expansion opening new national branches.

Following the introduction of CRG Nordam in United States and CRG Great Britain for UK, CRG is now announcing the opening of a new branch in Spain with the creation of CRG Spain. CRG is getting more and more present on the territory with the objective of providing customers with better service and with more timely chances of testing CRG products, through a more direct contact with clients and shorter provision times in those countries where CRG brand is experiencing a strong growth. CRG-SPAIN CRG Spain is be located at the Kart Center of Campillos and is directed by Francisco Duran. The whole CRG products range is now present in the new headquarter of Campillos where customers will have the chance to see and test it all, starting from the smallest kart Puffo, to the more performing and racing models, to the new Rental line. Meanwhile, CRG is happy to welcome the first Teams and Dealers of CRG Spain: Faluga Racing Team, DM Motorsport and Scuderia Rotax.

CRG SPAIN CONTACT IS FRANCISCO DURAN AT KART CENTER OF CAMPILLOS: Email: francisco@kartcrg-spain.com crg@kartcrg.com - www.kartcrg-spain.com

ALL READY IN THE EVOKART TEAM Recently gratified by the official MiniRok title with Marseglia (you can read more in a separate column) the Evokart team has completed the list of names for its team of drivers that will be racing for the 2016 season. The biggest group is the Minikart team with Leonardo Moncini, Francesco Sibula, Anthony and Alessandro Famularo, Leonardo Caglioni, Francesco and Andrea Crescente, Luca Micelli, Alfio Spina, Francesca Raffaela and Jacopo Cimenes. In the Junior classes: Francesco Simonazzi, Jacopo Guidetti, Matteo Roccadelli and, in the Rok, Andrea Procino. In the X30 (but also in other classes like the OK and KZ) there is Fotis Sotiropoulos, Kevin Breysse, Marco Maestranzi and Manuel Gradellini. Well, a brilliant group of 19 drivers and we wish them all the best.

20 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

www.righettiridolfi.com - info@righettiridolfi.com

the star of 2016.

ACTIVE NOISE FILTER. The new noise filter ACTIVE has finally been launched. Six years of experience on the track with NOX airbox and hundreds of feedbacks from the best engine-tuners, allowed us to improve the world's best noise filter. Some technical info: the inlet pipes are positioned one above the other. This allows the best compromise between the right inside flow of the air box and an exterior position which lowers the interference of the air flow caused by the front spoiler. The noise filter is placed at a 35-degree angle to leave more space to driver's legs. Thanks to a small steel tie, the rubber connection allows to fix the carburator very close to the body filter. The front fixing system is really handy and now you can fix the filter easily with a springs system. Rubber bands are not used anymore.

via S. Quirico, 9 - 37060 Sona (VR) - ITALY - T. +39 045.6080950 - F. +39 045.6080633

mondokart NEWS & PREVIEWS

DANILO ROSSI’S TEAM 17 DRIVERS

The official team that will be racing this season in international events in DR colours, that is Danilo Rossi’s brand. There are 17 drivers (many are new) that make up the team 2 in Minikart, 8 in Junior and 7 in KZ2. Some have already started the season with the first round of the WSK in Adria, the others will follow suit with the next events on schedule. Germany’s Jakob Bergmeister and Russia’s Nikita Artamonov, both born in 2005 will be racing in the 60 Minikart class. While in the OKJ we’ll see Italy’s

Filippo Lazzaroni, Arsenii Tunik, Nikita Aleksandrov and Ivan Grigoryev from Russia, Justas Jonusis from Lithuania, Spaniard Martin Oscar Jose Herencia, Dutch driver Luciano Kensenhuis and Abdul Garaf Muizzuddin Musyaffa from Malasia. While in KZ2 besides Austrian Alexander Zotti, Germany’s Maxmilian Paul and Viszlò Csaba from Hungary, there’s Italy’s Moreno Di Silvestre, Gilberto Massetani, Antonio Casolare and Mauro Simoni.

SUPERMAX UK The aim with Supermax UK is to create an affordable but competitive British Championship. They will be using the well proven and reliable Rotax Max FR125 engine, and have added the amazing Tillotson HX-12a carburettor and Komet K1H tyres.

The combination has proven to be very strong, out performing the X30 on a number of occasions. Supermax are encouraging unsealed engines to allow drivers and teams to maintain their own equipment, also to allow scrutineers to be able to carry out more engine legality checks without having to cut engine seals.

Race tyre usage has been restricted and using the Tillotson HX-12a carburettor allows for driver on track adjustment. This championship is affordable for everyone, so talent can win races not money..... contact driving will not be tolerated, just good hard clean racing...!!! Any incidents whether driving or conduct on or off track will be dealt with in a professional and consistent way. Also a junior class ready for launch in 2017 is being tested, which will undoubtedly be very popular.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT THE SUPERMAX WEBSITE 22 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

mondokart NEWS & PREVIEWS

WINTER LEISURE FOR F1 DRIVERS

Vettel, Gutierrez and Perez still have fun on karts During the F1 long winter stop, drivers have to keep themselves trained in some way. And what is better than karting to train muscles and reflexes? That is what Sebastian Vettel and Esteban Gutierrez have thought, spending some days at Lonato. The German champion, who is actually tied with Ferrari, has not betraied his passion for direct drive karts training with a Tonykart powered with a Vortex DDS, the new OK engine. Seb must have enjoyed the experience, covering about 130 laps (posting 47.7� as his best time on the renewed circuit) and spending his time at Lonato during the testing sessions before the Winter Cup (as if the commitment in F1 has not priority‌).

Even if Esteban Gutierrez grew up in the direct drive classes, precisely within Rotax Challenge, he trained with a Velox kart powered with a SGM SR216X provided by Severi Racing. The new Haas Formula 1 team driver adapted quickly to the manual gearbox and to the more powerful engine.

Lastly, also Sergio Perez had fun with go-karts, but,

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differently to his colleagues, he raced the Grand Prix International Wing’s Army 2016 disputed at Guadalajara in Mexico.

“Checo” competed with a DR chassis motorized with a 4 stroke Briggs & Stratton engine. He set the pole position, but the Force India driver concluded third after the 16 years old Raul Guzman (who is racing in the F4 Italian championship) and his brother Toño.

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ARE THEY REALLY O AFTER THE INTERNATIONAL EVENTS IN ADRIA AND LONATO WE CAN ACTUALLY SAY SOMETHING MORE CONCERNING THE QUALITY (AND DEFECTS TOO) OF THE NEW DIRECT DRIVE CLASS. REPORT: MAURIZIO VOLTINI

ne of the major innovations (at least we hope it is) of the 2016 karting season is the introduction of the new OK classes, with direct drive engines that combine somewhat some of the characteristics of the KF (displacement, countershaft and rev limiter) with other peculiarities of the previous 100 cc engines (direct drive with push start) and their own characteristics (decompressor on cylinder head). All these characteristics put together have brought about the initials, which apart from being a good omen, as in OK, the initials stand for Original Karting. However, this is the class that has taken over from the KF, which has been running for nine years and was no longer supportable. it has had little success. We can’t deny, in fact, that if the 125 KZ (gear class) has now become the most important class also in the Cik titled events, it’s due to the demerit of the direct drive (used to be the “queen class” despite volume being inferior).

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HOW THINGS STAND FOR THE NEW DIRECT DRIVE CLASS

Y OK?

Apart from all this, what we can now consider no longer just at a theoretical level is how these karts effectively respond when racing.

The international season has already started so the karting fans have had a chance of actually seeing the new OK karts in action both at Adria (round 1 of the WSK) and Lonato (Winter Cup). Therefore we have been able to probe and find out the opinion both of people who have driven or run them and people who have looked on with interest with the eventuality of using them in the future. Therefore we have been able to get a better and more realistic idea on what are the advantages, but also the disadvantage of the OK class.

MORE “WICKED” AND “MORE KART” We found that lots of people are really satisfied, even enthusiastic with how the new karts respond on the track. Their character is much more reactive, “wicked”, and even in the slower part of the track in Lonato. The turns where the KF were weak are no longer an agony with the Ok. And also along the straight acceleration is very different. One of the things that we heard more often was that the new karts “were more karts, they remind people of karts that were used long ago”. The thing is that the people who spoke to us about such feelings were people who have actually driver them, and experts who for the time being have just looked on while they were working. We all know, in fact, how there are lots more still “at the window” watching how this new class goes before doing anything themselves: the disappointment and the fraud, cheating with the KF is still fresh in their mind for kart drivers to jump headlong into a new adventure action “on trust”..

Nevertheless it is just as clear that it is generally speaking simpler, simplicity that derives from the new engines and for having not allo-

OK POWERED KARTS ARE LIGHTER AND THEREFORE MORE DYNAMIC AND REACTIVE; HOWEVER THIS IS NOT ENOUGH TO MAKE START EASIER FOR YOUNGER DRIVERS, WHILE FOR SOME IT IS HARD NOT TO END UP OVERWEIGHT.

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HOW THINGS STAND FOR THE NEW DIRECT DRIVE CLASS

wed the use of front brakes, which has resulted on making the kart easier to run on behalf of mechanics and whoever “fiddles with” them.

PROS AND CONS CONCERNING WEIGHT

MADE FOR THE ELEMENTARY The simplification of OK engines has been planned to help kart drivers who race on a regional level 28 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

One of the merits of those in charge at the Cik when they tried to find a solution for the harm caused by the KF, was that they fully understood the negative effect of caused by weight. All experts know that a heavier kart isn’t only penalised in performance and response and also in the fun you get from driving it, but it also becomes dangerous. That is, to put it simply, when you somersault or overturn, what is it that crushes you? An elementary observation that some though (certainly not the drivers) have just ignored for years.

For this reason the Cik has always worked hard to lower the weight limit as much as possible that is from 145 kg for the OK and 140 kg for the OK Junior (compared to 158 kg reached by the KF). Karts have benefited: the engines don’t work so hard and all the kart becomes

more reactive, as one would expect. In any case, maybe the issue has been forced a bit too much in wanting to lower maximum limit: true that the front brakes are no longer there, neither battery nor electric start, nor centrifugal clutch; but all these elements don’t compensate the difference in minimum weight, and so there are several drivers who race above the limit and this is a disadvantage during races.

As aspect that has been underlined in an open letter that Steve Tillett (seat manufacturer but also the father of a FK/OK driver) sent to Cik officers, where he explained that his 15 year-old son (180 cm tall) was racing in l7Lonato5 kg overweight. Obviously in his case (and that of others) 150 kg minimum weight would be fairer.

Is it better to change in this sense, seeing the various advantages of a lighter weight that we have previously mentioned? Perhaps it would be better to meet “half way” removing more ballast for example the plastic rear bumpers that could be substituted with some other more modern and effective solution, seeing that their contribute to safety has been ludicrous.

THRUST THAT BRAKES Another question brought up is that concerning push start. Together with those who don’t see any problem with it, it seems that there’s

a new current of “those who feel nostalgia for electric start” the miss the push button for starting the engine.

And yes this part of the issue has never been negative for gear class karts. And it definitely doesn’t seem to be for the Ok either. Instead for the OK Junior, there should be more thought given to it. It could be because the KFJ class was the class with the least problems out of the KF classes, but this is where we find those that aren’t satisfied with the OK, or rather the OKJ. The thing is that, despite having made them lighter as previously mentioned, the younger drivers struggle to start off again if the end up in a spin (of go off the track) during a race. In Lonato we saw how several managed to stat again, but undoubtedly the number was almost the same as those who didn’t even try to get started again. The irony is that to make things worse, the lighter drivers also have to deal with ballast consequently present on karts.

What we ask ourselves is. Are we sure that it is really a problem? After all, when you end in a spin, the race is compromised in both cases (KFJ and OKJ). And if u stop on the track, the risk of being hit is the same; rather with the engine still working for the KF, the chance that the driver could set off again immediately was a further element of ranger, cutting across the track in front of another kart that was coming along the track. Not to mention the fact that, if the driver knows he is exaggerating he could stop there, there is also a certain amount of preparatory factor.

Having said this, however, in a more general view, we are convinced that it would probably have been much better to wait a bit before passing from the KFJ to the OKJ. Or, even better, first start with the OK “senior”.

This is for a progressive reason: having presented the KF “abruptedly” about ten years ago, after all, is one of the mistakes that have compromised the class; why repeat the same thing with the OK? If we had differed the OKJ compared to the OK, with the latter we would have seen any problems connected with these new engines.

And in the meanwhile we’d have continued with the “not so problematic” KFJ. We can’t list them all, but there would have been lots of advantages if the introduction of the OK and OKJ would have been “gradual”.

AS FOR COSTS WE’LL SEE The last thing to take into consideration is costs. From this point of view comparisons have been quite different, and allow us to say that costs vary according to what one wants to show concerning the new OK class.

In any case, we think that that in this aspect the races

in Adria and Lonato are the most approximate. In fact, it’s true that various tuners always charge the same for renting engines; but, at this point it’s like saying that in any case the Ok don’t cost more than the KF , and so as far as costs are concerned , they aren’t worse. And also it’s impossible to know if there is maybe some speculation behind it all…

However, we’ll say it again, this wasn’t the right context.

The new OK engines have been, in fact, developed to bring the direct drive classes back to life in the different national events, that is, in regional races and not in the international ones. It’s the “normal” national events that we have to see to get an idea of costs and not the events where costs depend on transfers more than on the karts used. We think that it’s undeniable that the it’s the “normal” kart drivers who find these engines more advantageous and easier to run, there are less components and complications concerning the battery, wiring, starter and centrifugal clutch. All elements that involve costs. Then it’s true that on buying the engine you spend probably more compared to the “fixed price”, from which the manufacturers have accurately eliminated elements like the muffler, carburettor and cooling system, but it’s also true that overall cost is less.

It has been underlined that the pistons and connecting rod on the new OK need to be changed more frequently compared to the KF. Now, apart the fact that we find it hard to believe that the difference between 16,000 and 15,000 max revs is so devastating (besides also the KF started with the same revs set by rev limiter) we know that there are significant differences from one manufacturer to another. Therefore, if someone makes weaker connecting rods to save money, we don’t think that it can be blamed on the category, right?

WILL IT BE ACKNOWLEDGED? From a technical point, it seems that, although with some possible adjustments, the new OK karts are a hit; the new karts wanted by the Cik are certainly better than the KF that they want to be replaced. Now we have to see if this will be sufficient… in fact, the drivers who could make up the class on a national level are, besides those who “come up” from the Junior class (or from the 60 cc for the OK), others that have already passed to other classes: or to brad trophies or to the gear class. Therefore the OK classes should offer quite a lot from all points of views to convince drivers to passing in reverse. Furthermore, in Italy there is also “internal competition” represented by the new 125 Aci class. We’ll wait and see how things go, but it would be a shame if we lost this chance too.

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HOW THINGS STAND FOR THE NEW DIRECT DRIVE CLASS

CIK PUBLIC STATEMENT

THIS IS WHAT VAN DE GRINT AND OTHERS THINK ABOUT IT The traditional Winter Cup event on the renovated track of the South Garda Karting circuit in Lonato, now at its 21st edition, has confirmed the interest in the new OK and OK Junior classes that have recently made their debut. CIK-FIA Vice President, Kees Van de Grint, a fervent supporter of this change, didn’t miss the event.

«After the positive feedback from the first international event for the OK and OK Junior classes at Adria, I wanted to see for myself how things went at the Winter Cup, which for me remains the great traditional opening of the karting season. The atmosphere was fantastic and there were a vast number of spectators under the sunshine in Lonato. I am very happy and satisfied with what I saw. For me it’s a fantastic return to Original Karting!

The Corberis and all the team of the South Garda Karting have done a great job. The new circuit is longer and more impressive, and the paddock is fantastic. From the first start of the OK class that I saw, I realised the importance

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of hearing the pleasant sound of a racing engine, and how much this is now missing in Formula 1.

The first OK and OK Junior races have showed that we are heading in the right direction. The success must convince those who are more sceptical about convincing the national sports associations to introduce these classes as soon as possible in their local championships.

We think back on the conservatism that accompanied the introduction of the new CIK-FIA front cock-pit early 2015. Today there are several countries that use them. The same way, I believe in the future of these new classes, because they are good for the future of racing».

Sports wise, the Winter Cup has strengthened the first early season impressions. The sequence of racing is more interesting and better balanced than before. The battle between the various engine manufacturers Vortex, Parilla, TM Racing and LKE is already very close, while Techniengines has made

a promising debut in the events.

Drivers, especially the young drivers, are starting to understand how to use a direct drive engine, whose aspect is educational and will become more important as time goes on.

The drivers’ demonstration confirms the interest in the new classes whose push start isn’t at all difficult. The kart being lighter is appreciated more; they are reactive and more fun to drive. «Speed round turns is higher, but doing away with the front brakes is an important thing for me», said Ben Hanley, Ok driver in force with Croc Promotions. «steering is more challenging especially on overtaking. The OK is undoubtedly a great step that should draw more drivers to the international and national championships». Felice Tiene, official CRG driver agrees: «It’s a good class; the engine is exciting to drive. The kart being much lighter means performance is better despite the fact that it’s early days yet for the engines. » A young American driver Anthony Gangi, is starting a European campaign this year in the OK class together with the Ward Racing team: «This is more difficult than what I tried in the USA in the Rotax or X30, but this is the interesting thing.

The engine is more powerful and linear, with good accelerations

at low revs. The kart is much faster.

I am happy to be racing the whole season in Europe under these conditions. » The new classes also draw amateur drivers like the Hugo Arnaud from France who has already starter his second racing season: «The OK class has given me a great opportunity to race in the Winter Cup with the best drivers, something that probably I would never have been able to do before, so I have been able to improve my experience.

I have learnt a lot and I am very happy, I even managed to start again after a small mistake. » Great satisfaction among the mechanics too. Speed and easiness in assembling and re-assembling, lightness and easy to manage and the end of problems with the battery are all common opinions. «I like to be with my drivers on the starting grid», says Christophe Noël del Kosmic Racing Team. «I don’t have to worry about the engine starting, a crucial instant where I couldn’t so anything in KF. With the decompressor it will start». Arnaud Kozlinski, CRG Racing Team mechanic, agrees: «We aren’t as anxious as we used to be.

All the engines start, while before there was always one or two that had some problems. With the basics of the KF, it’s a simple kart that any young driver can use with his dad.

That’s the way one learns!».

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21st WINTER CUP SOUTH GARDA KARTING, LONATO, (I) 18-21 FEBRUARY 2016

The right mix The pavillion was packed; a memorable day when everything seemed to just fall into place.

Even the Bridgestone tires used

The 125 gearbox race was the most spectacular, and rightly so: it is still the category in which the best drivers in the world compete. True, the numbers have not changed but the atmosphere at Lonato was somehow different.

This edition of the Winter Cup was longed for. It is the landmark event

were the same type for all three

of the early season, a mirror that

categories, a condition that

this year in particular thanks to a

made a one-tenth of a 1 second

layout more sitable for these little

lap difference between the KZ,

reflects the teams’ potential... and new and well thought-out track “fireballs”. For this reason it’s been promoted by all.

Equally convincing in performance and reliability was the new OK

the OK and the OKJ, showing

class. It will take time before it comes into vogue and sees an in-

just the right balance between

crease in participation, but in the

the categories.

this solution offers greater perfor-

paddock the majority agree that mance and teaches more without the help of front brakes. The be-

REPORT: G. CIUCCI GIULIANI PICS: D. PASTANELLA, FM PRESS 32 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

autiful spring day offered perfect conditions to see how things actually were.

MARCO ARDIGÃ’ CONFIRMS HIMSELF AS THE STRONGEST DRIVER WITHIN THE KZ CLASS, IN A HIGLY COMPETITIVE CONTEXT VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 33

21st WINTER CUP

Vortex! Vortex! Vortex!

REPORT: M. VOLTINI / PICS: D.PASTANELLA/FM PRESS

There is always a lot of anticipation for the Winter Cup, the usual race that kicks off the international season - even if it has now been “taken over” chronologically by WSK - that this year saw the new OK direct drive class for the first time at the South Garda Track in Lonato.

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The Danish driver Nicklas Nielsen stood out unchallenged in this class, while in the Junior class it was English driver Fin Kenneally to own the race.

Great performance was also seen from Marco Ardigò in the premier KZ2 class, while Francesco Pizzi dominated over the numerous Minirok class. Participation has always been great and plentiful, with 268 verified entries, although limited by the imposition of the Bridgestone tires. This is not so much due to the tire itself, but rather the fact that some have seen their own vehicles limited by the use of tires different to those used for their respective championship races. Nevertheless, the four classes nearly had full grids and, thanks to the good weather conditions, offered interesting races for the large number of spectators present. The OK class, in particular, went extremely well, either because the problems anticipated beforehand proved less dramatic than expected, or because these vehicles were appreacheated by those watching them in action for the first time.

The OK podium where the winner Nicklas Nielsen has been awarded by the CIK Vice President Kees Van de Grint togheter with Lorenzo Trevisanutto and Karol Basz, everobody motorized with Vortex engines. Below the British Fin Kenneally (361) in front of Timothy Peisselon (359) and Ivan Shvetsov (304) who have monopolized the OK Junior class being powerd

by Vortex engines.

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21st WINTER CUP

The “matchmaking” was mostly outlined in the KZ. At Lonato the Gold-TM duo composed by Davide Foré (149) and Joel Johansson (150) were really competitive in the fight for the podium. The same could be said for Sodi-TM duo Bas Lammers (123) and Anthony Abbasse (122), opponents of Ardigò and Corberi equipped with Tony Kart – Vortex. In the OK class behind the winning duo NielsenTrevisanutto, Karol Basz (209) and Mileli Noah (210) left their mark.

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Duo dynamics

Looking at the final standings one cannot help but notice the supremacy of Vortex engines in all categories on the track at the 21st Winter Cup. The top two in KZ (Tony Kart), the top three in OK (Tony Kart and Kosmic) and the top four in the Junior (FA, Tony Kart). Leaving this aside, the races nevertheless showed the teams’ excellent work, especially in KZ, that managed to make at least two of their drivers competitive. Starting with Marco Ardigò and Luca Corberi who did their best, crossing the line in first and second place. This result was duplicated in OK where Nielsen came out ahead of Travisanutto (again in a Vortex Tony Kart), though the latter is assisted by the Ward Swedish team. And then the Kosmic duo with world champion Karol Basz along with the Swede Noah coming in third and fifth place. The same applies to the Junior with England’s Kenneally and the French Peisselon of the British RFM team crossing the finish line first and second.

These “dynamic duos” were also seen off the podium, especially in the KZ.

Lammers and Abbasse driving for Sodi/TM were particularly convincing with time and then in the pre-final and final heats, which showed both to be the biggest rivals for Ardigò and Corberi.

A problem faced by Lammers prevented us from watching a heated final between the two duos mentioned above. Another showcase pair was that of Gold with the Tm engine, who deployed two top-notch pilots like the multi-titled and undaunted Davide Foré along with reigning European champion, the Swede, Joel Johansson, who finished fifth ahead of Foré. The driver from Brescia got a 10” penalty for the front bumper that came off during accidental contact with Lammers in front of him when the Dutchman made a technical mistake.

Lammers’ proof was not enough to clear him. Even Crg’s De Conto-Camponeschi duo’s performance was aligned.

Neither of them succeded in battling for lead. But these are still early days of the season, and we are sure that they will be part of the game in future meetings.

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21st WINTER CUP

Bas Lammers (123) had a little problem with his air intake while he was fighting for the leadership with Marco Ardigò, slowing him down in the pack.

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21st WINTER CUP

NATUR, OCCATEM ET EIUMQUO VOLORES EX EXCEARCHIRIBUNTIAM SA PRAE FACTANTEST VID IAMTUMUS

Fabian Federer and his CRG-Modena were on top during the whole week-end, but his performance has been ruined by a penalty of 10”. Below Paolo De Conto (129) and Leonardo Lorandi (134) during an intense battle concluded with the CRG ensign out for a contact. Luca Corberi (121) finished second, amplyfing the amazing week-end for Tony Kart – Vortex drivers.

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THE RACE KZ2 (66 DRIVERS)

KZ2 FINAL P N Driver

Nat.

Equipements

Gap

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

ITA ITA FRA SWE ITA ITA ITA ITA FIN SWE IRA NZL ITA RUS ITA ITA FRA IRL MAC ITA ESP MCO FRA SWE LIE DEU FRA NLD ITA HRV ITA ITA ITA ITA

Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Sodi / TM Racing / Bridgestone Righetti Ridolfi / TM Racing Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone CRG / TM Racing / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Croc Prom. / TM Racing / Bridgestone CRG / Maxter / Bridgestone Kosmic / Vortex / Bridgestone CRG / Modena / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone CRG / Maxter / Bridgestone Croc Prom. / TM Racing / Bridgestone Righetti Ridolfi / TM Racing CRG / Parilla / Bridgestone Sodi / TM Racing / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone CRG / Maxter / Bridgestone Jesolo / TM Racing / Bridgestone CRG / TM Racing / Bridgestone Sodi / TM Racing / Bridgestone Sodi / TM Racing / Bridgestone Righetti Ridolfi / Vortex / Bridgestone Dr / Modena / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Sodi / TM Racing / Bridgestone Birel ART / TM Racing / Bridgestone Gp Racing / TM Racing / Bridgestone TB Kart / TM Racing / Bridgestone CRG / Maxter / Bridgestone CRG / Maxter / Bridgestone CRG / Maxter / Bridgestone Maranello / TM Racing / Bridgestone

19 Laps 0.328 0.563 6.366 7.210 8.991 9.823 10.253 10.512 10.639 10.958 11.286 12.312 15.172 16.810 17.428 17.747 19.190 20.582 24.319 24.859 28.693 31.492 34.087 44.537 1 Lap 4 Laps 10 Laps 11 Laps 12 Laps 16 Laps 16 Laps 17 Laps 19 Laps

119 121 122 150 134 114 143 151 125 118 141 120 131 152 149 146 156 168 126 144 133 157 154 107 164 111 123 161 127 163 124 128 129 145

Ardigo', Marco Corberi, Luca Abbasse, Anthony Johansson, Joel Lorandi, Leonardo Dale', Andrea Piccini, Alessio Mazzali, Massimo Puhakka, Simo Backman, Andreas Federer, Fabian Armstrong, Marcus Pollini, Giacomo Chubarov, Ivan Fore', Davide Camponeschi, Flavio Gonzales, Nicolas Norris, John Chang, Wing Chung Cesetti, Sauro Cebrian Ariza, Gerard Prette, Louis Leuillet, Gabin Nilsson, Brandon Wohlwend, Fabienne Schmitz, Alexander Lammers, Bas Paauwe, Menno Zanchi, Matteo Habulin, Kristijan Rosati, Fabrizio Prosperi, Enrico De Conto, Paolo Mosca, Tommaso

The South Tyrolean driver, Fabian Federer, had an excellent first time in the trials, but a broken belt in one of the three heats compromised his overall performance.

It was a “smooth run” in the group match ups for Marco Ardigò, who led the Sodikart duo composed of Bas Lammers and Anthony Abbasse.

These continued to be the contender in the two pre-finals, along with (in pre-final B) Davide Foré in 2nd place, and Federer, who climbed back to take 3rd place.

Lammers was the centre of the first decisive episode of the final: while trailing behind Ardigò, he suddenly dropped back due to air induction problems and got tangled up with Abbasse and Foré. Ardigò managed to get some space behind him, but was quickly caught up to by Abbasse after the latter managed to pass Federer.

Luca Corberi, who had been trailing them, got past Ardigò to take the lead.

But Ardigò certainly had not given up and, making the most of the excellent “distancing” feature of his Tony kart, executed two perfect separation manoeuvres on the first curve to regain command, and then go on to final victory. This left Abbasse to overtake Federer, who continued fighting (receiving a 10-second penalty for his front-end), and take third place.

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21 WINTER CUP st

OK FINAL P N Driver

Nat.

Equipements

Gap

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

DNK ITA POL ITA SWE ESP ITA FIN NLD AUS DEU ITA GBR USA ITA ROU CHE ITA RUS ITA DNK ITA ITA PRT FRA GBR FRA CHN USA FIN

Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Kosmic / Vortex / Bridgestone Croc Promotion / TM Racing Kosmic / Vortex / Bridgestone CRG / Parilla / Bridgestone CRG / Parilla / Bridgestone CRG / Parilla / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Ricciardo / Iame / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Energy / TM Racing / Bridgestone: Birel ART / Iame / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / TM Racing / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Exprit / Vortex / Bridgestone Birel ART / Tecniengines / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Lenzo Kart / Lke / Bridgestone Sodi / Lke / Bridgestone Birel ART / Iame / Bridgestone Eks / Iame / Bridgestone Croc Promotion / TM Racing Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / TM Racing / Bridgestone FA Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone FA Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tonykart / Vortex / Bridgestone

21 Laps 1.646 3.552 4.546 6.594 7.048 8.655 9.628 10.487 12.006 13.812 15.660 16.181 19.682 20.412 23.791 26.835 30.325 33.414 34.359 34.796 5 Laps 11 Laps 12 Laps 17 Laps 17 Laps 18 Laps 18 Laps 19 Laps 21 Laps

211 218 209 221 210 215 214 216 201 227 224 220 226 203 235 223 207 231 204 234 206 225 233 228 213 212 208 230 229 202

Nielsen, Nicklas Travisanutto, Lorenzo Basz, Karol Hanley, Benjamin Noah, Milell Hiltbrand, Pedro Tiene, Felice Tonteri, Paavo Viscaal, Bent Sidebottom, Reece Lippkau Luca Palego, Gianluigi Tillett, Archie Gangi, Anthony Colafrancesco, Cristiano Vasile, Daniel Weibel, Samuel Aceto, Massimo Smolyar, Alexander Maiorana, Alessandro Lindberg, Philip Van Leeuwen, Martijn Schettino, Mario Ferreira, Joao Simmenauer, Jean Baptiste Novalak, Clement Hugo, Arnaud Yang, Sun Yue Sargeant, Logan Lappalainen, Konsta

NO BARRIER BETWEEN NIELSEN AND VICTORY,

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OK (32 DRIVERS) The time trials saw the French driver, Jean Baptiste Simmenauer, lead Lorenzo Travisanutto and the 2015 Junior champion, Logan Sargeant. However, the French driver was unlucky in two of the three heats and, at the end of the group matches it was the Danish driver Nicklas Nielsen to prevail, also going on to win the pre-final, in which Travisanutto got the better of Ben Hanley to take second place and Martijn Van Leeuwen was forced to withdraw due to a belt broken during his struggle with them.

It was less of a contest in the final, where Nielsen found no obstacles between him and the final victory, taking the lead undisturbed from start to finish. Staggering behind him to the goal were Travisanutto and then, always close together in the fight for third place, Karol Basz and Hanley, who was held back in the final by ignition problems (“the limiting device was 600 rpms off”, they explained). Sargeant had to forfeit the second lap due to a jam.

Loose front-ends Penalised in KZ and OK is

anachronistic It was clearly obvious to everyone at the Winter Cup that penalizing drivers for a loose front bumper creates problems that also penalise drivers’ performance and falsify the image of the KZ and OK. If applied to the Mini and Junior categories, there may be some logic, but it is not useful in categories where professionals compete and unexpected situations are bound to arise, like what happened to the drivers who followed the unlucky Bas Lammers on lap 2. Strangely enough this condition, rather than acting as a deterrent to hitting the one in front of you, promotes dirty play especially in the gear class. In the Winter Cup we saw several of these maneuvers. In brief, isn’t it time for the CIK to change this situation?

LEADING THE GROUP FROM FLAG TO FLAG

The Danish Nielsen (211) monopolized the OK final race. Good performance also for Lorenzo Trevisanutto (218), second on the finishing line. Ben Hanley (221) had a problem which limited his engine to only 15,200 rpm. Sixth place for Pedro Hiltbrand (215).

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21st WINTER CUP

OK JUNIOR (65 DRIVERS) Just 16 thousandths of a second separated Danny Carenini from the Russian driver Dmitrii Bogdanov in time, but neither of them did well in the heats, where the French driver, Timothy Peisselon, came out on top.

He also won in his pre-final, while the other one went to the Russian Ivan Shvetsov.

At the start of the final Peisselon held the lead ahead of the English driver Fin Kenneally. Coming out of the initial chaos behind them, Shvetsov managed to avoid any accidents and even catch up to the lead pair. The clear highlight of the race was when Shvetsov bore down on Kenneally in the first of the final curves: unfortunately the delayed breakaway left him “down” against Peisselon, and

benefitted Kenneally, who continued on unchallenged until final victory.

Shvetsov finished second, but race officials penalized him 2.360 seconds for the manoeuvre, landing him in third place after Peisselon, who managed to overcome Noah Watts after the collision that made him lose position.

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OK Junior podium with Fin Kenneally first, Thimothy Peisselon second and Russia’s Ivan Shvetsov third. Top Kenneally (361) thumbs the air on the finishing line

OKJ FINAL P N Driver

Nat.

Equipements

Gap

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

GBR FRA RUS DNK NOR RUS DAN BEL ARG AUS ITA ITA TA ITA RUS RUS MAR IDN ITA DEU RUS RUS RUS ITA DEU ITA ITA FRA FRA FRA ITA SWE ITA ITA

FA Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone FA Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone CRG / Parilla / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Exprit / Vortex / Bridgestone Kosmic / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone FA Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Formula K / Iame / Bridgestone Energy / Iame / Bridgestone Exprit / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / TM Racing / Bridgestone FA Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Croc Prom. / TM Racing / bridgestone Kosmic / TM Racing / Bridgestone Exprit / Vortex / Bridgestone FA Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Dr / TM Racing / Bridgestone Praga / Iame / Bridgestone Energy / TM Racing / Bridgestone Kosmic / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Lke / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Birel / TM Racing / Bridgestone Lenzokart / Lke / Bridgestone

17 Laps 3.511 3.589 3.616 4.507 5.193 5.696 6.417 7.030 7.853 8.560 10.952 11.020 12.265 12.697 12.799 14.355 15.787 18.733 20.747 20.809 21.084 21.181 21.254 21.758 23.055 27.587 29.220 31.338 32.477 1 Lap 15 Laps 17 Laps 17 Laps

361 359 304 338 327 309 329 324 346 360 350 344 318 325 315 302 356 352 355 312 319 357 333 308 332 339 351 342 323 303 326 306 320 349

Kenneally, Fin Peisselon, Timothy Shvetsov, Ivan Watt, Noah Hauger, Dennis Bulanzev, Pavel Vesti, Frederik Weerts, Charles Moggia, Guido Piastri, Oscar Ptacek, Petr Michelotto, Mattia Moretti, Marzio Marseglia, Leonardo Simonov, Mikhail Fetisov, Bogdan Taoufik, Sami Minang, Perdana Civico, Genis Marius, Zug Rozenfeld, David Bogdanov, Dmitrii Dzitiev, Yuriy Berets, Ivan Ghattas, Doureid Grigoryev, Ivan Petelet, Milan Mialane, Thomas Chappard, Franck Eteki, Adam Carenini, Danny Blomqvist, Isac Rosso, Andrea Fusco, Giuseppe

K P VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 45

21st WINTER CUP Mini ROK drivers racing one of the several manches raced during the 21st Winter Cup.

ROK at South Garda circuit The Winter Cup kicked off the karting season with the Mini Rok lined up on the grid for the official start at the renovated South Garda circuit REPORTO&PICTURES: OTK&MC, FG, FOTO FM PRESS

46 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

60 MINIROK (105 DRIVERS) Tommaso Cioci stood out in the times in the class for the youngest drivers, but it was the second-place time, Roman Stanek, who came out ahead in the 5 heats for all competitors. In the first pre-final Stanek managed to keep the lead ahead of Francesco Crescente, while in the second, it was Kirill Smal to beat Evann Mallet to the finish line.

In the final, it was Smal who took the lead while Mallet took the first curve wide and was passed by Luigi Coluccio and Francesco Pizzi.

Everything stopped when Riccardo Camplese flipped his kart, causing concern although it does not seem to have caused real damage. He did,

however, receive several knocks to the back and head and was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

After recommencing, Smal led Coluccio going into the first curve, but it was Pizzi to take advantage of the manoeuvre and grab the lead.

Both Mallet and Coluccio managed to overtake him, and there was also a struggle for position between Pizzi and Coluccio that was won by the latter, who also succeeded in passing Mallet on the last lap and crossing the finish line first. But his front-end came off in the collision and he received a 10-second penalty that gave the victory to Pizzi, while second and third place went to Mallet and Stanek.

Francesco Pizzi

Tommaso Cioci (492) pole position

MINI ROK FINAL P N Driver

Nat.

Equipements

Gap

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

ITA FRA ITA ITA CHE RUS ITA ITA ITA ITA ITA ITA ITA ITA ITA ITA RUS ITA SVN RUS ITA SWE POL ITA ITA GBR CHN ITA IRL ITA

Energy / Vortex / Bridgestone CRG / Vortex / Bridgestone Energy / Vortex / Bridgestone Evokart / Vortex / Bridgestone Righetti Ridolfi / Vortex / Bridgestone Energy / Vortex / Bridgestone Luxor / Vortex / Bridgestone Exprit / Vortex / Bridgestone Exprit / Vortex / Bridgestone Evokart / Vortex / Bridgestone Birel / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Energy / Vortex / Bridgestone Righetti Ridolfi / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Ipkarting / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone Tony Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone CRG / Vortex / Bridgestone Croc Promotion / Vortex / Bridgestone Hrk / Vortex / Bridgestone Energy / Vortex / Bridgestone CRG / Vortex / Bridgestone Evo Kart / Vortex / Bridgestone CRG / Vortex / Bridgestone Maranello / Vortex / Bridgestone

8 Laps 0.129 0.205 0.254 0.354 0.372 0.645 0.660 3.298 3.396 3.428 5.043 5.206 5.414 5.587 5.907 6.200 8.764 8.883 9.334 9.516 9.529 10.151 10.566 19.180 19.623 24.273 26.156 33.879 4 Laps

467 406 468 433 419 466 478 424 413 432 430 420 421 434 481 460 438 509 464 410 505 402 439 488 494 495 418 493 408 426

Pizzi, Francesco Mallet, Evann Stanek, Roman Crescente, Francesco Anderruti, Leandro Smal, Kirill Gomez, Josè Antonio Szablewski, Jakub Tomasz Weug, Maya Caglioni, Leonardo Ressico, Lorenzo Villa, Edoardo Scarfo', Alessio Mazzola, Rocco Albanese, Federico Delli Guanti, Pietro Soldatov, Maxim Miotto, Francesco Ignatov, Dmitry Sonkin, Sergey Coluccio, Luigi Victorsson, Philip Lenart, Mateusz Guerrera, Antonino Placa, Nicola Griggs, Luca Xizheng, Huang Spina, Alfio Andrea Caldwell, Cian Marin, Lorenzo

Evann Mallet

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 47

RACE

ROTAX WINTER CUP KARTÓDROMO INTERNACIONAL LUCAS GUERRERO, VALENCIA (ESP) – FEBRUARY 14th 2016

WIND: BIGGEST RIVAL

Senior Max start. From the right: Josh White (221), Leonard Hoogenboom (236), Besler Berkay (209).

The ROTAX Winter Cup has been held for the first time at on of the latest karting circuit in Europe the Kartódromo Internacional Lucas Guerrero in Valencia.

A great event that hosted drivers from twenty different countries. Drivers were attracted not only by prestige of the competition, but also by the prizes: there was a free season in the Euro Challenge 2016 for the winner, runnerup got two free races and the third placed driver one free round. Bad weather conditions made things difficult for both drivers and mechanics. Senior Max: Nicolas Schoell

48 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

dominates prefinal and final, but things changed after the race in the Junior class due to a double penalty given to Axel Charpentier and Mark Kimber. Edward Brand wins DD2 after coming up from the grid fourteen taking advantage of a the pouring rain.

SENIOR MAX NICOLAS SCHOELL WINS OVER JOSH WHITE AND TOM GAMBLE Strawberry Racing team started greatly since the first qualyfing session, monopolizing the first three positions

REPORT: A. ROCA / PHOTO T.DECK with its drivers: Nicolas Schoell, Tom Gamble and Jack McCarthy. On the other hand, the second qualyfing sessions was led by Leonard Hoogenboom followed by the Estonian Kaspar Korjus and Berkay Besler. The overall classification showed the first three drivers of the second group ahead of Nicolas Schoell and the Frenchman Florian Venturi.

During the heats the Turkish driver Berkay Besler took the leadership winning two heats and gaining the pole position for the prefinal. Josh White was in second place thanks to his 5 points scored in the three manches, ahead of Nicolas

Schoell, who was the only one besides Besler being able to take two heat victories. Concluded the top five Friday' s poleman Leonard Hoogenboom and the British Tom Gamble. The latter was the protagonist of the prefinal' s start, jumping first from the fifth position, but his leadership was really short because he was passed by Besler and Schoell during the first lap. The tight battle for the first position involved six karts led by the Austrian Nicolas Schoell, and after a few laps only three drivers were competing for the victory: Schoell, Besler and Jonathan Hoggart, who started

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 49

RACE

eighth from the grid. In the end it has been a huge fight between these three drivers until the checkered flag, but Schoell was able to defend his leadership from Besler who passed him during lap nine. The Turkish driver was passed also by Hoggard, but in the following lap he got the better of him. The top five was completed by Glenn Van Parijs, who started the race in twelfth position, and Josh White.

The final round has been dominated

by Nicolas Schoell: after a perfect start he managed his gap, which reached a peack of more than one second during lap three. Behind the leader the podium was clear since the beginning, with Tom Gamble and Josh White unable to 50 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

ROTAX WINTER CUP

reach the poleman. On the other hand, a huge battle for the fourth position has involved Hoggard, McCharty, Mavlanov and Van Kalmthout, and they finished the race in this order after a lot of overtakings.

JUNIOR PENALTIES GIVE ADAM SMALLEY A VICTORY The incredible week-end of Axel Charpentier started with a double victory in the qualyfing heats and another victory in the prefinal round, and, what seemed to be a designed victory, went wrong in the last chicane of the final race.

In the qualyfing session Adam Smalley set the pace being in front of Axel

Charpentier with a very small gap: only 0.036 seconds. Third and fourth place went to KR Sport ensigns Joe Phillips and Olli Caldwell, and Estonian Georg Koss concluded the top five.

Throughout the heats Adam Smalley could not repeat his performance, leaving the leadership to Axel Charpentier in first position with two point followed by Olli Caldwell with the same points. Third position for Joe Phillips ahead of Martin Carlos Saval, both with nine points. Completed the top five Adam Smalley. During the whole week-end drivers had to fight against a strong wind, which allowed a huge amount of overtaking in the turn one, after the straight stretch.

Garcia, Brand, Hoogenboom and Smalley smile after their performance.

Kevin Ludi (609) leads DD2 group. Adam Smalley (25) points his fingers to the air.

Ville Viilianen (630) fights against the wind. Edward Brand (688) leads on Kevin Ludi (609). The Junior podium with Adam Smalley on top, Tom Canning second and Toth Laszlo third.

In the prefinal round, Axel Charpentier starded well and immediately gained half second from his runner up Olli Caldwell, who fought hardly with Joe Phillips during the first lap. While the Strawberry Racing driver was leading the group, behind his shoulders Georg Koss passed Joe Phillips in the inside line in turn one and caught the third position. The KR Sport team driver lost another position being overtook

by Tom Canning, always in turn one.

The ceasefire was over, and from the fifth lap, the race became an amazing show: Olli Caldwell passed the leader thanks to his slipstream in turn one, and the same move was replied by Tom Canning over Gerog Koss. The reign of

Caldwell was really short, because he was passed by Charpentier, Canning and Koss during the same lap. The fight in the leading group was not finished yet, and Tom Canning took the leadership overtaking Charpentier, but the Strawberry Racing ensign used the leader’s slipstream to pass him in turn one. A huge recovery of the other Strawberry Racing driver, Mark Kimber, who gained positions lap by lap starting from the eighth position and finishing in second place, wheel by wheel with his teammate. But the best was yet to come, and that best was the final race.

At the beginning Axel Charpentier and Tom Canning were leading the group with a small gap over the following

group composed by four drivers: Toth, Kimber, Smalley and Leppa. During the third lap, Mark Kimber decided that it was the right time to make his move on the Belgian driver, and he did it in turn 7.

In the meantime the battle between the two leaders has stopped until the sixth lap, when Canning passed Charpentier.

The Strawberry Racing duo overtook the leader in the following lap, always in turn one, and in the same lap Adam Smalley got the better of Canning. Since the nineth lap, the leading group was a huge tangle of karts and drivers, with Charpentier always in the inside line to defend his leadership. If the leaderd could not be passed in the inside, Kimber thought to pass his teammate

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 51

RACE

in the outside delaying the braking leading to the last chicane. The two guys touched and Kimber cut the chicane and passed first under the checkered flag, followed by Charpentier. After the race the two drivers was penalized for the contact: Kimber received a penalty which threw him back to 16th place, whilst Axel Charpentier was penalized for a bad manoeuvre and ended up in 17th place. Due to these penalities, the victory went to Adam Smalley, who won the race ahead of Tom Canning and Laszlo Toth.

DD2 INCREDIBLE TRIUMPH FOR EDWARD BRAND In the gearbox category Edward Brand has been the leader since the beginning, setting a best time of 56.356 seconds.

His Spanish opponents were not fast enough for him: Caballero Dalmau set a time of 56.514 seconds, more than a tenth of second faster than the third

ROTAX WINTER CUP

Cristobal Garcia. After this trio equipped with CRG chassis, Switzerland’s Kevin Ludi gained the fourth place ahead of Sam Smelt.

The heats have shown a brilliant Kevin Ludi who won all the three qualyfing heats, beating in the first two manches Caballero Dalmau and Brand, with exchanged positions in the second manche, and in the third one Brand and Slavinski respectively in second and third position. The overall classification showed the Swiss leading the group ahead of Edward Brand with seven points and Oriol Caballero Dalmau with twelwe points. Forth position for Dzianis Slavinski ahead of Constantin Schoell.

In the prefinal, the scene changed radically: Edward Brand was involved in a collision and it pushed him back in the last position. He caught up some positions, but he finished only fourteenth. Kevin Ludi started well, fighting against Caballero Dalmau and

Schoell for the first position. During the sixth lap, the Swiss driver has been passed by Schoell and Ville, and since that moment he started loosing positions, closing the race in sixth position. Caballero Dalmau took the lead during the fourth lap, and he never lost it: the local driver cumulated a gap of 1 second circa during the ninth lap, and he mangaged it until the end. Second position for the Finn Ville Viiliainen who started from the eleventh place. Third position for Gerard Cebrian Ariza, who got the better of Dzianis Slavinski and Constantin Schoell.A bit of rain modified conditions for the DD2 final, changing all previsions. The prefinal winner Caballero Dalmau started struggling immediately after the green flag with the humid condition of the track and he lost a lot of positions, closing the race in thirteenth position. Ville Viiliainen, by the contrary, felt confortable in that condition, flying in solitude toward

MUST OCCUM RERRO TO QUIASISCIA CUSTOTASPED ET AUT ODI AD MAXIMUSA IL MOD QUISQUO DIGNAM QUODITA 52 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

an easy victory. The Finn driver did not consider Edward Brand, who started an incredible recovery from the fourteenth place being much more faster than his opponents, and overtaking them easily.

The CRG driver overtook the leader during the lap thirteenth and won an amazing race. Slawomir Muranski completed the podium, and he has been also the best Master driver. Kevin Ludi and Gerard

Cebrian Ariza complemented the top five.

Regarding the Masters category, Cristobal Garcia has been the man to beat in the qualifying, but he left his leadership to Martin Pierce who won the prefinal. The the above mentioned Slawomir Muranski took the triumph in the final race after an amazing race, ahead of Martin Pierce and Christophe Adams.

DD2 PODIUM WITH THE WINNER EDWARD BRAND, THE FINN VILLE VIILIANEN AND SLAWOMIR MURANSKI

ROTAX SENIORS FINAL P N Driver

Nat. Chassis

Gap

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

AUT GBR GBR GBR GBR RUS NLD EST TUR FRA FRA NLD ESP DNK GBR DEU FRA EST ESP ISR FRA FRA GBR ESP FRA GBR ESP SWE FRA NLD BEL SWE SWE SWE

15 Laps 0.923 1.314 2.687 5.555 6.041 6.107 6.308 7.457 8.086 11.121 13.369 14.016 14.345 14.447 14.558 15.266 16.073 16.697 16.774 16.833 18.445 18.631 18.733 19.752 19.846 21.843 23.332 6 Laps 6 Laps 14 Laps 14 Laps 14 Laps 14 Laps

216 233 221 300 218 210 202 228 209 223 232 236 235 222 230 214 234 240 242 229 231 238 219 225 239 217 237 241 224 212 206 220 227 243

Schoell Nicolas Gamble Tom White Josh Hoggard Jonathan Mccarthy Jack Mavlanov Denis Van Kalmthout Rinus Korjus Kaspar Besler Berkay Drouet Thomas Venturi Florian Hoogenboom Leonard Ibanez Lluc Johansen Jannie Skelton Josh Dreyspring Christopher Sarrazin Arnaud Kivi Kairo Garcia Marta Cohen Ido Williamson Andrew Rasmussen Oliver Croydon Tom Van Der Laan Mauricio Horemans Antoine Le Vesconte Stephanie Socias Femenia Miguel Rundquist Patrik Renaudin Adrien Willemse Luc Van Parijs Glenn Rehme David Fridell Rasmus Sjoberg Jesper

Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo FA Kart / Rotax / Mojo FA Kart / Rotax / Mojo OTK / Rotax / Mojo CRG / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo CRG / Rotax / Mojo Sodikart / Rotax / Mojo RK Kart / Rotax / Mojo FA Kart / Rotax / Mojo CRG / Rotax / Mojo FA Kart / Rotax / Mojo Expirit / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo CRG / Rotax / Mojo Praga / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo FA Kart / Rotax / Mojo RK Kart / Rotax / Mojo Sodi / Rotax / Mojo FA Kart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo RK Kart / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo Birel / Rotax / Mojo

ROTAX JUNIORS FINAL P N Driver

Nat.

Chassis

Gap

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

GBR GBR HUN ESP FRA NLD EST GBR FIN EST CHE ESP ZAF ESP NLD GBR GBR ESP DEU CHE FRA NLD DNK ESP EST DEU DEU POL GBR GBR DNK ESP BLR

Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo FA Kart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo FA Kart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo DR / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo Parolin / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo DR / Rotax / Mojo CRG / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Sodikart / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo CRG / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo FA Kart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo

12 Laps 0.207 0.501 0.529 0.592 0.768 2.579 2.724 4.844 4.910 5.354 5.574 5.887 6.297 7.791 8.342 8.970 9.084 9.570 9.633 9.653 11.670 13.751 16.479 17.606 20.518 27.052 29.511 45.263 1 Lap 1 Lap 2 Laps 8 Laps

25 38 42 16 44 34 32 31 36 35 22 40 24 99 37 7 88 41 28 68 30 100 29 26 20 33 17 45 23 64 47 27 39

Smalley Adam Canning Tom Toth Laszlo Saval Martin Carlos Perceval Antoine Willemse Daan Muru Marko Andreas Phillips Joe Leppa Lauri Koss Georg Ferati Jasin Schimpf Adrian Munaretto Luca Palomo Ortiz Oscar Kraaijeveld Pepijn Kimber Mark Charpentier Axel Schimpf Alejandro Doerr Phil Schmidli Titus-Shanghai Malizia Arnaud Del Sarte Ruben Lund Mathias Meyer Kilian Oja Jakob Mattias Bergmeier Tamino Estner Sebastian Wisnicki Piotr Mccarthy Connor Caldwell Olli Largim Ali Leedmaa Siim Kamenok Artsemi

ROTAX DD2 FINAL P N Driver

Nat. Chassis

Gap

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

GBR FIN POL CHE ESP BLR GBR ESP FRA AUT CHE ESP IRL FRA ESP GRC NLD ESP RUS ESP ESP

15 Laps 1.850 6.244 7.239 9.916 10.070 10.945 13.649 14.435 17.088 18.169 20.878 21.364 21.446 24.557 30.160 33.850 3 Laps 8 Laps 15 Laps 15 Laps

688 630 622 609 621 658 696 616 626 611 613 628 634 655 625 627 620 632 633 631 629

Brand Edward Viiliainen Ville Muranski Slawomir Ludi Kevin Cebrian Ariza Gerard Slavinski Dzianis Smelt Sam Davies Cristian Cousin Jules Schoell Constantin Seewer Philipp Dalmau Caballero Oriol Pierce Martin Adams Christophe Garcia Cristobal Laskaratos Andreas Arts Imke Martinez Ivan Shaposhnikov Maxim Abascal Lavin Raul Bejarano Manu

CRG / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo CRG / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo Parolin / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo FA Kart / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo CRG / Rotax / Mojo Kosmic / Rotax / Mojo Birelart / Rotax / Mojo CRG / Rotax / Mojo Tonykart / Rotax / Mojo CRG / Rotax / Mojo FA Kart / Rotax / Mojo OTK / Rotax / Mojo FA Kart / Rotax / Mojo Parolin / Rotax / Mojo

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 53

RACE

FLORIDA WINTER TOUR OCALA GRAN PRIX CIRCUIT, (USA) FEBRUARY 21st 2016 - ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE 2nd ROUND

Heated track Bright skies together with fantastic spectators is the perfect setting for the second round of Rotax MAX Challenge held at Ocala Gran Prix Circuit.

After this thrilling week-end, new winners and championship changeups promise to make the 2016 Sofina Foods Florida Winter Tour finale at Palm Beach Karting in West Palm Beach, Florida an exciting conclusion to another fantastic season.

TEXT BY: MAX PRESTON FOR MAXSPEED ENTERTAINMENT / PHOTO CREDIT: CODY SCHINDEL/CANADIANKARTINGNEWS.COM

54 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

ROTAX DD2 – OLIVER ASKEW WINS UNDISTURBED PSL karting ace Oliver Askew topped every single session, achieving a flagto-flag victory on Sunday running an average of two tenths faster than Robert Wickens, who took the second position on Luke Chudleigh. A technical issue occured to Chudleigh allowed Canadian Marco Signoretti to gain the third position.

Ramirez (258) scored two victories in two rounds within the Junior Max

position until the checkered flag.

DD2 MASTERS – LUIS SCHIAVO RUINS CORNEJO’S PLAN Christian Cornejo gained the first position in the beginning of the race, but Luis Schiavo chased down the Chilean driver. Cornejo lost the lead on the third lap and remained in second

SENIOR – ESTEP WINS A THRILLING RACE Poleman Kyle Kirkwood retired on lap three with an engine failure, and this event led the Senior MAX final to be an intense and exciting race with the top-five changing positions

numerous times. A tight battle between Zachary Claman Demelo and Jordan Lennox concluded with an accident, favored Trenton Estep who won the race. Second place for Garrison and Jordan Sherratt moved third after that Keane has been removed for a technical violation.

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 55

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FLORIDA WINTER TOUR

MASTERS – ABOISSA OUTPERFORMS ROBERTS Christophe Adams started on pole but dropped down to fourth position on the start, recovering to third position after several laps. In the mean time the Brazilian driver Michel Aboissa was on cruise control in the 30-lap main event, posting the fastest time of the session and taking the victory in style. Scott Roberts finished in second position in front of Adams.

Trenton Estep (300) took home his first victory of this FWT in Senior Max. Tyler Gonzalez (157) is leading the Mini Max group

MINI – GONZALEZ GRABS THE VICTORY OVER MORGATTO Tyler Gonzalez drove unchallenged, with Matheus Morgatto keeping the leader on his toes but never getting close 21 FEBBRAIO enough to make a move. Third position MICRO MAX for Austin Torgerson who overtook 1) 48 James Egozi; 2) 02 Ashton Torgerson; 3) 14 Josh Pierson; 4) 22 Jeremy Fletcher; 5) 43 Santiago Jeremy Fairbairm in the final corner.

RESULTS

MICRO – A GREAT OVERTAKING GIVES PIERSON THE FIRST POSITION Josh Pierson and James Egozi swapped position for the entire race until the final lap. Pierson grabbed the second FWT victory over his opponent passing him inside of the final corner.

Ashton Torgerson completed the podium in third position.

Trisini; 6) 69 Branyon Tiner; 7) 29 Enzo Scionti; 8) 37 Diego Contecha; 9) 12 Marcello Paniccia; 10) 84 Alex Yankowski; 11) 77 Emmo Fittipaldi; 12) 88 Rafael Camara; 13) 23 Georgie Zouein; 14) 10 Andreus Asmar; 15) 59 Juan Pablo Cepeda; 16) 7 Nikita Johnson; 17) 15 Pedro Capparelli; 18) 36 Justin Arseneau; 19) 47 Defonce Karsten; 20) 32 Isaac Canto MINI MAX 1) 157 Tyler Gonzalez; 2) 162 Matheus Morgatto; 3) 181 Austin Torgerson; 4) 187 Jeremy Fairbairn; 5) 199 Arias Deukmedjian; 6) 152 Jak Crawford; 7) 121 Jade Hubert; 8) 158 Sebastian Montoya; 9) 141 Fernando Barrichello; 10) 145 Yuven Sundaramoorthy; 11) 127 Cody Krucker; 12) 133 Chloe Chambers; 13) 195 Elio Giovane; 14) 166 Cash Tiner; 15) 193 Luka Berazategui; 16) 131 Dale Curran; 17) 170 Andrew Maciel; 18) 118 Caleb Bacon; 19) 109 Noel Jesus Leon JUNIOR MAX 1) 258 Mathias Ramirez; 2) 215 Nicholas Dorlando; 3) 214 Dylan Tavella; 4) 269 Aidan Keel; 5) 210 Kilian Meyer; 6) 239 Andres De Alba E; 7) 291 Eduardo Barrichello; 8) 218 Matthew Latifi; 9) 251 Michael Dorlando; 10) 222 Max Hewitt; 11) 221 Zoey Edenholmm; 12) 226 Spencer Mills; 13) 216 Ryan

JUNIOR – RAMIREZ WINS IN SOLITUDE Mathias Ramirez took home his second FWT victory in as many weekends with a final gap of 4.7” driving in solitude since the green flag has dropped.

Nicholas d’Orlando overtook Ryan MacDermid and Mathew Latifi thanks to a great pace. The race continued with a tight fight for third, but after the dust settled, Ramirez was the clear winner with d’Orlando in second and Dylan Tavella in third position.

56 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

Macdermid; 14) 278 Harry Coulton; 15) 230 Lachlan Defrancesco; 16) 256 Zachary Hollingshead; 17) 211 Stephen Mallozzi; 18) 241 Dillon Defonce; 19) 281 Payton Durrant; 20) 253 Riley Dickinson SENIOR MAX 1) 300 Trenton Estep; 2) 329 Austin Garrison; 3) 301 Jordan Sherratt; 4) 344 Christian Brooks; 5) 313 Zachary Claman; 6) 322 Zach Holden; 7) 337 Davide Greco; 8) 314 Gianfranco Mazzaferro; 9) 377 Conner Ford; 10) 312 Matt Solarczyk; 11) 308 Logan Cusson; 12) 327 Diego Dominguez; 13) 371 Nicholas Hornbostel; 14) 323 Jesse Krill; 15) 316 Mateo Diaz; 16) 309 Justin Ovejero; 17) 307 Austin Bialaski; 18) 318 Stirling Fairman; 19) 355 Lane Vacala; 20) 359 Jordon Lennox MASTERS MAX 1) 608 Michel Aboissa; 2) 628 Scott Roberts; 3) 666 Christophe Adams; 4) 670 Nick Tucker; 5) 680 Pete Fritsche; 6) 609 Daniel Robertson; 7) 685 Bobby Greene; 8) 619 Alessandro De Luca; 9) 613 John Robicheaux DD2 MASTERS 1) 546 Luis Schiavo; 2) 501 Christian Cornejo; 3) 555 Christophe Adams DD2 1) 438 Oliver Askew; 2) 416 Robert Wickens; 3) 413 Marco Signoretti; 4) 446 Sebastian Herrera Martine; 5) 412 Dev Gore; 6) 407 Michael Mccarthy; 7) 492 Christian Munoz; 8) 411 Rubens Barrichello; 9) 408 Ethan Simioni; 10) 481 Moises De La Vara; 11) 439 Luke Chudleigh

RACE

FLORIDA WINTER TOUR OCALA GRAN PRIX CIRCUIT, (USA) FEBRUARY 14th 2016 - ROK CUP, 2nd ROUND

ROK ROCKS! WELL KNOWN DRIVERS LEADS THE GROUP DURING THIS SECOND ROUND OF THE SOFINA FOODS FLORIDA WINTER TOUR PRESENTED BY FIKSE WHEELS ROK CUP USA CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE OCALA GRAN PRIX CIRCUIT. ROK CUP COMPETITORS WILL CLOSE OUT THEIR TOUR AT PALM BEACH KARTING IN WEST PALM BEACH. FOUR RACES ARE DOMINATED BY THEIR WINNERS: KYLE KIRKWOOD IN ROK SENIOR, DANNY FORMAL IN ROK SHIFTER, MATHEUS MORGATTO IN ROK MINI AND MATHIAS RAMIREZ IN ROK JUNIOR. THESE DRIVERS SMASHED THE COMPETITION, SHOWING INCREDIBLE DRIVING SKILLS WHICH ENABLED THEM TO OUTPERFORM THEIR OPPONENTS. TEXT BY: MAX PRESTON FOR MAXSPEED ENTERTAINMENT / PHOTO CREDIT: CODY SCHINDEL/CANADIANKARTINGNEWS.COM

ROK Well known drivers have been in front of the group during this second round of the Sofina Foods Florida Winter Tour Presented by Fikse Wheels ROK Cup USA championship at the Ocala Gran Prix circuit. ROK Cup competitors will close out their Tour at Palm Beach Karting in West Palm Beach.

Four races have been dominated by their winners: Kyle Kirkwood in ROK Senior, Danny Formal in ROK Shifter, Matheus Morgatto in ROK Mini and Mathias Ramirez in ROK Junior. These drivers smashed the competition, showing incredible driving skills which enabled them to outperform their opponents.

MASTERS ROK – HONEYWEEL IS TOO FAST FOR PETTIT Anthony Honeywell started well and opened up a sizable gap between himself and Adam Pettit, who would slowly close the gap on the leader.

During the final laps Pettit tried to catch Honeywell with an incredible pace, but he failed. Andre Duek finished third.

SENIOR ROK – KIRKWOOD KILLS THE RACE Senior ROK was an easy procedure for Kyle Kirkwood, who dominated the race taking a 10-second victory over Alain Sisdeli and Ryan Norberg. The intense fight between these two driver in the final laps kept things entertaining. A post race penalty would see Sisdeli lose his podium spot through a two-position penalty.

KYLE KIRKWOOD AWARDED FOR HIS AMAZING PERFORMANCE VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 57

RACE

FLORIDA WINTER TOUR

DEREK CARMENATE (134) WHEEL TO WHEEL WITH TYLER MAXON (174) IN THE MINI ROK MINI ROK – THE UNSTOPPABLE MATHEUS MORGATTO The Mini ROK prefinal set the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Mini ROK weekend: with a three-way drag race to the finish line in the prefinal, Matheus Morgatto was determined to win the final. It took a few false starts to get ROK Mini Final underway, but, once it started, the Brazilian driver Matheus Morgatto overtook poleman Tyler Maxson and never looked back. The tight battle for second place was another display of talent from the Mini ROK drivers. In the end Jason Wellege earned him the runner-up place with Gold concluding third.

ROK SHIFTER – FORMAL WREAKS REVENGE ON GARRISON Within the fastest ROK class, Danny Formal started perfectly from the second place, gaining the lead of the group in front of Oliver Askew and Austin

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RESULTS 14 FEBBRAIO MICRO ROK 1) 43 Oliver Denny; 2) 72 Connor Zilisch; 3) 27 Freddie Slater; 4) 11 Brent Crews; 5) 22 Jeremy Fletcher; 6) 90 Criatian Pastrian; 7) 18 Anderson Leonard; 8) 95 Lucas Rodriguez; 9) 25 Brandon Carr; 10) 7 Nikita Johnson; 11) 5 Miguel Costa; 12) 6 Victor Cerrillo; 13) 49 Noah Baker; 14) 77 Emmo Fittipaldi; 15) 15 Pedro Capparelli; 16) 3 Leandro Juncos; 17) 48 Eli Trull; 18) 1 Elliot Cox; 19) 19 Ernesto Bueno; 20) 51 Granger Perra MINI ROK 1) 162 Matheus Morgatto; 2) 105 Jason Welage; 3) 155 Reece Gold; 4) 152 Jak Crawford; 5) 148 James Egozi; 6) 101 Rafael Camara; 7) 134 Derek Carmenate; 8) 173 Anthony Willis; 9) 174 Tyler Maxson; 10) 188 Luca Mars; 11) 128 Valeria Vargas; 12) 165 Ashton Chilton; 13) 158 Sebastian Montoya; 14) 131 Ryan Rackley; 15) 136 Justin Arseneau; 16) 184 Alex Yankowski; 17) 120 Donald Whorton Ii; 18) 121 Yusuf Moola; 19) 123 Santiago Trisini; 20) 137 Diego Contecha JUNIOR ROK 1) 258 Mathias Ramirez; 2) 257 Tyler Gonzalez; 3) 280 Gabriel Paturle; 4) 250 Jett Noland; 5) 288 Pedro Lopes; 6) 211 Pedro Goulart; 7) 222 Max Hewitt; 8) 251 Michael Dorlando; 9) 219 Anthony Zappone; 10) 221 Michael Stevens; 11) 255 Jose Alvarado; 12) 238 Antonio Serravalle; 13) 230 Lachlan Defrancesco; 14) 209 Joseph Galeano; 15)

256 Zachary Hollingshead; 16) 277 Willy Lambros; 17) 212 Mark C Donato; 18) 216 Ryan Macdermid; 19) 210 Vincenzo Sarracino; 20) 244 Andres Karam SENIOR ROK 1) 328 Kyle Kirkwood; 2) 348 Ryan Norberg; 3) 361 Luis Jose Forteza; 4) 303 Alain Sisdeli; 5) 322 Zach Holden; 6) 304 Olin Galli; 7) 314 Mauricio Hernandez; 8) 399 Matthew Paesch; 9) 318 Stirling Fairman; 10) 320 Franco Carabetta; 11) 329 Sebastian Alvarez; 12) 317 Brandon Collins; 13) 397 Carlos Rodriguez Lopez; 14) 351 Julia Boos; 15) 324 Victor Franzoni; 16) 300 Zach Banks; 17) 369 Dominic Tesoro; 18) 372 Dario Cangialosi MASTER ROK 1) 677 Anthony Honeywell; 2) 614 Adam Pettit; 3) 618 Andre Duek; 4) 613 Daniel Rieger; 5) 632 Evandro Di Mateo; 6) 671 Marc Julien; 7) 669 Ryan Gordon; 8) 648 Andres Salazar; 9) 676 Troy - Trei Smith; 10) 678 Drew Neubauer; 11) 675 Josh Martin ROK SHIFTER 1) 437 Danny Formal; 2) 429 Austin Garrison; 3) 405 Oliver Askew; 4) 422 Collin Daley; 5) 438 Mayo Livingston; 6) 431 Cole Mathewson; 7) 466 Don Whittington; 8) 411 Juan Acosta; 9) 414 Gianfranco Mazzaferro; 10) 492 Christian Munoz; 11) 412 Augusto Soto-Schirripa; 12) 493 Dominic Legrand; 13) 499 Nicholas Hargraves; 14) 425 Tyler Guilbeault; 15) 441 Jason Alden; 16) 428 Aj Myers

Danny Formal (437) took his DR kart to the victory within the ROK Shifter.

Ramirez (258) is leading the Junior ROK group. Oliver Denny (43) exults on the finish line.

Garrison. Later Garrison got the better of Askew, finishing in second position. After losing out on a near sweep in the first round, DR driver Danny Formal took an incredible victory.

ROK SHIFTER MASTERS – ANOTHER VICTORY FOR SCOTT DAVIDSON For Shifter Masters, Scott Davidson was the big winner with his Birel/ART chassis under PSL Karting. Davidson was calm and in control as he commanded the Masters drivers, scoring the fastest lap in the process.

MICRO ROK – AMAZING PERFORMANCE FOR OLIVER DENNY Second FWT victory in as many starts for BENIK driver Oliver Danny: he sat on pole-position, and he led the pack as the green flag dropped. Howewer during the third lap, Denny left the lead to Connor Zilisch and the battle began. Zilish, Denny, Nicholas Terlecki, Anderson Leonard and Jeremy Fletcher traded positions often until Denny attempted to pass for the lead on the outside of Turn 1 and he fell back to fifth position on the tenth lap. With Zilisch

leading the way, Denny began to work his way back forward and he took the another victory over a Zilisch and his teammate Freddie Slater.

JUNIOR ROK – TONY KART SWEEPS THE PODIUM The Junior ROK final was an intense race with a lot of drivers and some incidents without consequences for the guys involved. D’Orlando brothers retired due to mechanical issues for Nicholas and a contact for Michael. Ramirez has been able to start greatly and biulding up an early big lead since the green light. Tyler Gonzalez and Gabriel Patrule completed a Tony Kart podium sweep.

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RACE

THE ROTAX INVITATIONAL SEPANG KARTING CIRCUIT MALAYSIA, 22th FEBRUARY

KICK OFF TO NEW S

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SEASON

The Rotax Invitational event serves as a season warmup to the 6 round Rotax Max Challenge Asia series, held across different tracks in Malaysia. International competitors are welcome, and while those outside of Asia don’t earn championship points it’s well worth the visit for a round or two to enjoy some great Rotax competition.

REPORT BENJAMIN LEONG KRS MOTORSPORTS - PHOTOS BY MIKKO NASSI

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RACE

THE ROTAX INVITATIONAL

ROTAX SENIOR SILVANO CHRISTIAN

ROTAX JUNIOR ALEXANDER DIMAANO BROWN The season-opening Rotax Invitational event in Malaysia is always great warmup to the season ahead, and often attracts foreign competitors to enjoy the Malaysian heat and impressive Sepang Karting Circuit. This year was no different with some great racing throughout the field and lots of overseas competitors.

Race Report Spanish driver Jorge Carlos Pescador made his first trip to race in Malaysia taking part in the 22-driver strong Rotax DD2 category. His unfamiliarity with the

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circuit did not slow him down as he took pole position in practice, and made a clean-sweep of the rest of the weekend.

On-board his Praga kart he didn’t have it all his way as he had to fend-off the likes of Melvin Moh and Senna Sulaiman Noor.

As the final got underway Senna grabbed the lead and a lot of aggressive racing up front shuffled up the order. This included Presley Martono flying over James Veerapen resulting in a DNF for both drivers, and Senna too dropped out of the race when his tyre burst - probably the result of contact a few corners earlier.

The initial chaos left Pescador out in the lead to grab the win with Melvin Moh in 2nd place, and DD2 first-timer Nazim Azman in 3rd, which is the order they finished well distanced from other.

Nayan Chatterjee grabbed 4th place from David Sitanala, the final driver on the 5-step podium.

The Junior field had Singaporean driver Alex Brown lead the field during practice by over a tenth ahead of Prassetyo Hardja and Arsh Johany.

Brown dominated heat 1 with a huge 5 second margin ahead of Prassetyo and Arsh respectively. In heat two, the order of the top 2 was reversed as Brown finished 2 tenth behind Prassetyo, with Brown then proceeding to dominate the pre-final with a huge 5 second margin again.

As the Junior final got underway a turn 1 incident saw a few drivers drop out. This included Danial Frost, Kane Shepherd, Arsh Johany, and Lim Tsen Han as all of them got caught up in the incident. At the front, the lead changed as Prassetyo grabbed the reigns but with Brown and Cao Zhuo in pursuit. A patient Brown finally made a move with about 6 laps to go. He out braked Prassetyo but didn’t have an easy time as the two went toowide through the corner and their battle wasted time allowing those behind to close in. After a few close moments Alex Brown suddenly had a gap as the three

ROTAX MICROMAX ADAM HALIM PUTERA

ROTAX SENIOR PODIUM

drivers behind him started duelling amongst themselves. Maintaining and slightly extending the gap, Alex Brown took the win ahead of Prassetyo Hadja and Cao Zhuo. Romain Leroux and Muhammad Amirul Haikal rounded out the top 5.

A comparatively small Senior field witnessed Izzat Hanif put in a very impressive time practice performance grabbing pole by over 4 tenths ahead of new Senior driver Barrichello Noor and Silvano Christian.

The heat wins went to Barrichello and Izzat, but when it really mattered it was Indonesian driver Silvano that took control winning the pre-final ahead of Izzat. In the final Izzat momentarily dropped to 3rd behind Adam Haikal, but regained third on lap 2. After a comfortable pre-final win. Silvano had his work cut out to maintain his lead ahead of Izzat in the final. Silvano managed to fend-off the Malaysian driver with a gap of just 0.108 at the finish line. Adam Haikal grabbed 3rd in his first ever Senior level race, with Gabriella Teo in 4th.

The MicroMax battle was on right from the start as the top two in time trial - Putera Adam and Oscar Ng were separated by just 9 thousandths of a second! Dylan Bondi qualified in 3rd ahead of Xu Zhenhe and Ruhaan Alva.

While Putera proceeded to win both

heats, the pre-final, and final, it wasn’t at all as easy as it may look from the results sheets.

In the Final Putera led to 4 when an incident mad ehim drop down to 5th place. He quickly recovered, 3 laps later he regained the top spot, but once again wasn’t let off to an easy win as Oscar Ng fought back regaining the lead and holding it until the final lap in which Putera regained the lead and crossed the line a few tenths ahead to take the win! The battle wasn’t over even after the line because some of Putera’s moves on his way back to the front were regarded as aggressive by his competitors and officials, but the results stood as nothing was

found worthy of a penalty other than a monetary fine. Third went to Xu Zhenhe after an impressive rise up from 6th on the grid.Hayden Haikal and Dylan Bondi followed him over the line.

RESULTS SENIOR

1 ) 251 Silvano Christian; 2 ) 225 1Zzat Hanif; 3 ) ?02 Adat4 Haikal Mazrul Haizad; 4 ) 250 Gabriella Teo Yu Nng; 5 ) 298 Gabriel Anionio Tayao Cabrem; 6 ) 252 [4.Ferel Fadhil; 7)286 Pavan Mvishankar; 8 ) 253 Rifqi Mkamulya; 8 ) 2f5 Pasha 14 Shaquille; 10 ) 2Og Barrichelto Noor

MICRO MAX

1 ) 25 Putem Adam Halim; 2 ) 22 Oscar Ng; 3 ) 18 Xu Zhenhe; 4 ) 81 Hayden Haikal; 5 ) 55 Dyi-An Roger; 6 ) 90 Serg]O Noor; 7 ) 72 Ethan Brown; 8 ) !7 Nikhil K Bohm; 8 ) 2I Yevan David; 10 ) 20 Adam I4ikail; 11 ) 1O Ruhmn Alva; 12 ) 99 I’istr’ Krit Boonyang; 13 ) 11 Shahan Au I’4Ohsin; 14 ) 28 Adrian Sula] Man Hasan

DD2 ROTAX

1 ) 315 Jogre Carlos Pescador; 2 ) 306 I’ielvin Moh; 3 ) 317 Nazim Azman; 4 ) 369 Nayan Chattere; 5 ) 312 David

S1tanala; 6 ) 42 Ong Chee Mang; 7 ) 555 Kong Chun Keat; 8 ) 311 Brendan Paul Anthony; 8 ) 419 Thiru KuiAran; 10 ) 310 Timothy Thoivias Yeo; 11 ) 525 Handi Harg; 12 ) 588 Chua Peng Chew; 13 ) 514 Eric Asgrimur Hugues; 14 ) 336 Hafiz] Samad; 15 ) 400 Johnny Shang

ROTAX JUNIOR

1 ) 105 Alexander Dimno Brown; 2 ) 168 Prassetyo Hard]A; 3 ) 150 Cao Zhuo; 4 ) 171 Romain Leroux; 5 ) 125 Muhammad Amirul Haikal; 6 ) 115 Nik Zam]R Zakwan Nik Hamdan; 7 ) 127 Shiu Ting Hau; 8 ) 134 Manav Sharma; 8 ) 124 Lii4 Tsen Han; 10 ) 108 Akheela Chandra; 11 ) 101 Danlal Frost; 12 ) 21 Akmal Mohammad Ashibli; 13 ) 138 Arsh ]Ohany; 14 ) 128 Ivluhammad Afiq Haikal; 15 ) 1BB Mschd Anakkawee; 16 ) 119 Tayaphol Kongsuwan; 17 ) 136 Retchakan T Antony; 18 ) 106 Alex Huang; 19 ) 177 Kane Shepherd

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VROOMBOX USA – CHALLENGE OF THE AMERICAS MUSSELMAN HONDA CIRCUIT, TUCSON (AZ), JANUARY 31st 2016, 1st ROUND

Senior Max Christian Brooks

The Challenge of the Americas kicked off its ninth season at the Musselman Honda Circuit in Tucson, Arizona. Three-days of competition took part on the challenging 3/4-mile course with over 100 drivers taking part in the seven categories that began the championship chase. Three 2016 Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals tickets are on the line in the headline categories, going to the Senior, Masters and Junior champions.

lap, and assumes the championship lead.

Nash Motorsportz Senior Max - Jim McKinney took over Christian Brooks driving away to a 2.2-second advantage for his first series victory. Brooks held on to second at the checkered, but would be removed from the results for an emulsion tube out of spec. That promoted Senior rookie Kellen Ritter to second and fellow rookie Michael Michoff in third. Brooks bounced back the following day for round two, earning a demanding victory. The podium was completed with two Canadians as Coltin McCaughan edged out Ritter for the second position while Saturday winner McKinney took over fourth on the final

Cambrian Go-Karts Masters Max - Billy Cleavelin won the prefinal and final on Sunday, but his efforts were deleted from the record books because of his reed cage was ‘out of spec’. This gave John Crow the victory on both days. Scott Falcone and Christopher Patterson made up the podium for Saturday’s main event.

Sunday was Mike Jones in the runner-up position, one spot higher than Patterson.

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Rolison Performance Group Junior Max - Nick Brueckner won both prefinal and final, in front Trey Brown, who was removed from the final classification due to his reed cage ‘out of spec’. This promoted Matthew Taskinen to second for his first series podium and Zoey Edenholm to third on Saturday. The two swapped positions Sunday.

Energy Kart USA Shifter Senior - Jake French made it look easy, earning a perfect score both days to establish himself as the championship leader. Kolton Griffin

and Don Whittington joined him on the podium while Whittington returned Sunday with the runner-up finish and Jacob Neal placing third.

Dallas Karting Complex Shifter Masters - Ryan Kinnear swept the action on Saturday, besting Nick Firestone and Juan Garcia.

Darren Elliott put on the challenge, winning the prefinal. Kinnear however fought back in the main, earning his second victory of the weekend. Elliott landed second step of the podium with Firestone in third.

Go Kart Hero Mini Max - Marco Kacic fought against Diego LaRoque all weekend long, with Kacic earning the top spot.

LaRoque settled for second with Austin Torgerson running third both days.

Ryan Perry Motorsport Micro Max - Ashton Torgerson earned his first ever series victory on Saturday and double his win total on Sunday. Carson Morgan drove to second in all the on-track sessions as did Enzo Scionti in third.

MICRO MAX MAX FINAL P N Driver 1 02 Ashton Torgerson 2 88 Carson Morgan 3 29 Enzo Scionti 4 63x Tuesday Calderwood 5 17 Piers Aspiras 6 7 Gabby Brienza 7 14 Enzo Swan

MINI MAX MAX FINAL P N Driver 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

151 156 188 105 183 110 125 136 169 191 113 134 168

Marco Kacic Diego LaRoque Austin Torgerson Joe Brienza II Dustin Salaverria Townes Allen Cole Ciraulo Logan Calderwood Carsen Kunz Cooper Becklin Rayce Dykstra Jaden Stohr Ethan Ho

JUNIOR MAX FINAL P N Driver 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

274 221 227 205 256 281 206 202 297 271 276 208 226 209 223 267 215 210 228

Nick Brueckner Zoey Edenholm Matthew Taskinen Max Fedler Carter Herrera Payton Durrant Griffin Dowler Derek DesLauriers David Rafailov Mason Buck Everest Fedler Hannah Greenemeier Alexis Apodaca Nick Persing Ellie Musgrave Shawn Harmon Jacob Gulick Filip Niemkiewicz Trey Brown

SENIOR MAX FINAL P N Driver 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

344 320 399 330 319 326 398 318 300 388 315 313 310 378 309 328 322 335 305 332 377 380 345 351

Christian Brooks Coltin McCaughan Kellen Ritter Michael Michoff Jim McKinney Adam Smalley Phillippe Denes Walker Hess Mason Marotta Derek Wang Noel Dowler Nathan Adds Kyle Dupell Annie Breidinger Matt England Christopher Mann Zach Holden Spencer Kunz Kyle Loh Whitney Stevenson Miguel Mier Toni Breidinger Davey Hamilton Jr. Josh Sarchet

Points 120 99 90 82 75 72 64

Points 115 104 90 78 76 69 65 58 50 48 46 37 33

Points 115 99 89 81 70 65 63 56 54 47 41 41 37 29 25 25 22 16 0

ROTAX MASTERS FINAL P N Driver 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

651 604 692 674 619 622 699 608 612 609 627 652 646 617 693 626 663 605 658

John Crow Mike Jones Christopher Patterson Donald Durbin Jr. Brian Taylor Diego Pelosi Scott Falcone David Pergande Roman Alekseenkov John Breidinger Perry Needham Mike Weatherman Vijay Nagarajan DJ Ortiz Jim Keiger Ed Quinn Scott Thompson Chad Wallace Billy Cleavelin

SHIFTER SENIOR FINAL P N Driver 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

6 66 33 69t 86k 36y 624 3 396 55 388 23 4 26

Jake French Don Whittington Jacob Neal Harold Gottsacker IV Kol Bailey Hunter Pickett Graig Alvarez Jason Campbell Lawson Nagel Ben Schermerhorn Colby Yardley Joe di Vito Kolton Griffin Andretta Young

SHIFTER MAXTER FINAL P N Driver 1 71c Darren Elliott 2 85 Ryan Kinnear 3 606 Nick Firestone 4 613 Juan Garcia

Points 115 99 90 82 75 72 61 55 53 47 41 37 33 29 25 23 22 16 0

Points 120 90 90 81 76 69 68 55 50 46 45 37 36 35

Points 110 109 90 83

USA - GOPRO MOTORPLEX KARTING CHALLENGE GOPRO MOTORPLEX, MOORESVILLE (N.C.), FEBRUARY 27TH 2016, 1st ROUND A chilly, February day didn’t damper the spirits of our 2016 GoPro Motorplex Karting Challenge Presented by Hoosier Racing Tire series opener today. A total of 104 competitors, divided in sevenc categories, converged on GoPro Motorplex for Round 1 of the 12-Round series.

RESULTS:

Kid Kart Division – 1) Jett Miller; 2) Nicholas Byrd; 3) Wes Schroeder IAME Mini Swift Division – 1) Danny Dyszelsky; 2) Sam Corry; 3) Mason Cantrell Briggs LO206 Junior Division by Race City Mobile Detailing – 1) Seth Gentry; 2) Taylor Standford; 3) Ian Habiuk Briggs LO206 Cadet Division – 1) Aiden Baker Crouse; 2) Bree Miller; 3) Alex Delemo Yamaha Junior Division – 1) Steve Frank; 2) Kerin Banfield IAME Swift Division by HMS Motorsport – 1) Leland Honeyman; 2) Gray Leadbetter; 3) William Robusto IAME Heavy Division – 1) Nick Tucker; 2) Cristian Vomir; 3) Al Whittle

USA - CALIFORNIA PROKART CHALLENGE BUTTONWILLOW RACEWAY PARK, TEMECULA (CA), FEBRUARY 9TH 2016, 1st ROUND A record-breaking event to open up the

12th season of the California ProKart Challenge took place at the Buttonwillow Raceway Park. Two hundred drivers gathered at the Buttonwillow, California facility to open up the six-round championship chase for the Superkarts!

USA regional event, matching up the best drivers in eleven categories.

RESULTS:

2Wild Karting S1 Pro Stock Moto division – 1) Billy Musgrave; 2) Jimmy McNeil; 3) Jarred Campbell Phil Giebler Racing X30 Senior – 1) David Vasquez; 2) Matt Johnson; 3) Nick Ramirez Leading Edge Motorsport S2 Semi-Pro Stock Moto – 1) Callum Smith; 2) Will Preston; 3) Hunter Pickett Vemme Kart X30 Master – 1) Mike Rolison; 2) Tim Meyer; 3) John Crow Nash Motorsportz S4 Master Stock Moto – 1) Darren Elliott; 2) Rob Logan; 3) Alan Michel Mike Manning Karting S4 Super Master – 1) Ken Schilling; 2) Darrell Tunnell; 3) Todt Scholta Ryan Perry Motorsport X30 Junior – 1) Dante Yu; 2) Trey Brown; 3) Ryan Schartau Outsource Utility Contractor S3 Novice Stock Moto – 1) Garrett McKelvie; 2) Julian van der Steur; 3) Morghan Loganathan Rolison Performance Group S5 Junior Stock Moto – 1) Dean Heldt PKS Professional Kart Support Mini Swift – 1) Dominic Gorden; 2) Anthony Willis; 3) Jalen Mack Top Kart USA Micro Swift – 1) Kailey Meris; 2) Kai Sorensen; 3) Carson Kragh

Points 115 98 88 84 81 69 63 62 51 47 41 37 33 29 25 22 19 16 13 10 8 6 4 2

Shifter Senior Jake French

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Reclaiming

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drive

TRACK TEST VORTEX DDS AND RKZ

WE TESTED THE KARTS FOR THE OK AND KZ2 CLASSES DRIVEN BY BASZ AND HAJEK IN KOSMIC COLOURS, GREAT HELP GIVEN BY OIP TELEMETRY. THIS IS WHAT WE NOTICED IN THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE DIRECT DRIVE AND GEAR CLASS. Report: Maurizio Voltini – Pictures: Davide Pastanella

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TRACK TEST VORTEX DDS AND RKZ

e just couldn’t refuse this occasion, nor

vellously with all the operations (Alessandro Fracasso and

could we minimise it, so when the OTK

Thomas Mardaga) but of also others who were working un-

group gave us a chance to try, immedia-

der one of the best tents in the world karting circus.

tely after the Winter Cup, the official Ko-

However still appreciating the skill of assistant mechanics,

smic-Vortex karts that had raced driven

the support of the official drivers, with whom we worked

by Karol Basz and Patrik Hajek, we did

to take these karts to the limit, is priceless. Also because,

more than just do a few laps. A chance of

obviously, besides being professionals they know their

lapping with the help of the most winning

“work instruments” inside out and in any case, at a level

team spurred us to try and get more out of

that people like the person writing and the other test dri-

this test, and our friends from Officine in

ver, Daniele Parravano, could ever dream of reaching. On

Progress came along to help us, they filled

the other hand, it is up to us to describe those sensations

the kart with sensors, connector and data

that skilled “regular” drivers have long metabolised to be

acquisition blocks. Often under watchful

able to explain properly. And the fact that after the test we

eyes, at times playful and at times a little bit

all practically agreed on everything only confirms this. Let’s

worried, but at the same time interested, not

take a closer look at what we got emotionally and technical-

only of the two mechanics who helped mar-

ly from these two karts.

Not just the “owners” of the karts we tested were present, but also Marco Ardigò, winner of the race held the previous day, he was very interested in some of the OiP telemetry comparisons.

THE DAY AFTER THE WINTER CUP WE TOOK THE KARTS THAT HAD BEEN DRIVEN BY BASZ AND HAJEK FOR THE RACE BACK TO THE TRACK: THE OK WAS EVOCATIVE AND THE KZ KANTANKEROUS BOTH WERE EXCITING IN PERFORMANCE AND RESPONDED WELL 68 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

ACTUAL ORIGINAL KARTING Starting from Basz’ kart number 209, we can but confirm that drive of the OK kart is something that reconciles you with karting in general. It’s reactive, with a firm character and without too many uncertainties. A small beast that has to be tamed without the danger of necessarily finding yourself mangled. And yet there have been lots of small things that have made something that, even just by watching these karts lapping you get a very good impression. It all mainly concerns weight, it is lighter, but also for who like me was 10kg over minimum weight allowed by regulations, and things weren’t at all depressing, on the contrary. There is also a limiting device set at 16 thousand revs to help us too, and this allows for better ratios without being condemned to suffering ignition cuts, that we did however feel it just before entering the “big turn”. We must underline that ratio on our kart was that used during the race, so there were no “discounts” at all: the lads from the Brescian team aren’t that type…

So with exciting acceleration, we got a taste of the

kart’s excellent response round turns. Here in fact, the engine, which although “set up for racing without any compromise”, is always reactive and in torque between one turn and another, without any drop. Obviously you have to take great care as you drive along so as not to go below a certain value. However, this we find to be positive, meaning that we go back to find that, what makes the difference is managing to “find” those 100 revs more round the turn, without being hopelessly under-torque “always & however” like it used to be with the KF. To be clearer, round the last turn in Lonato we found that the engine was already in torque well before reaching the external curb – this was so even when the turn in question wasn’t tackled in the best of ways, otherwise you have everything already when you “open” – while the engines from the previous generation gave “signs of life” also only when you were at the end of the external curb. We got the impression that delivery is distributed much better over the revs, and it is good that this result has been reached apparently without any important changes.

MORE ADVANCED THAN GOOGLE These pictures allow you to see the various path “lines”, obtained by means of a GPS with the OK kart, on the new track n Lonato compared to the old one.

Strange the fact that, as the system does a parallel with the satellite pictures of the track on Google Earth, it is overlaid on the previous track because the American implementation hasn’t updated the maps of the area yet. In the view over the last turn in Lonato you can also see how between the penultimate turn and the last turn you don’t have to make the most of all the width of the “road”; better to save some metres, also so as not to give too much space to anyone wanting to overtake.

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TRACK TEST VORTEX DDS AND RKZ

YOU MUST BE PHISICALLY FIT

Thanks to this engine response, it is also much easier to find the limit for chassis response too. As usual for chassis made in Prevalle, among which Kosmic is one of the main brands, physically speaking you have to have excellent steering wheel control. Doing this, when you are physically fit, forecarriage response is guaranteed; also because you have the right evaluation for tackling turns neither too fast nor to slow. We all know the reason for not arriving too fast; rather, talking of “too slow”, the thing is arriving with sufficient speed you can allow the kart to work as it likes, that is loading forecarriage well to give the right direction on corner entry (and hence increase exponential speed on corner entry) and lifting internal left wheel properly. This way you also get improved ground rest and stability when you accelerate again, the chassis is released so as to give a progressive glide on exit. If, instead there has been some hesitation, it’s easier not to get enough wheel lift, or it comes down too soon, ruining set up and the kart starts jumping. The overall candour of the kart does so, however, it allows you to “start off” well and get better and better as you lap. To give you a specific example, it’s the same kart that makes you feel how, at the part of the track after the first turn when you go onto the old track, there is no need to brake too soon and it’s better to enter the turn with as much speed as possible, for you “to rest” well on forecarriage in release and join the two turns that take you to the downhill part.

For our test, we made do with sensors “made in series”, but we

The kart “made in Prevalle”, to put it mildly, has determined forecarriage response. And, for this very reason you must have well-trained arms to be able to control it…

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mounted others with high precision, including a “racing” lambda probe on the exhaust to check carburetion accurately. A calculation that proved to be very useful later.

OVER-REVING ON BRAKING The histogram with the red bars is a typical graph for anyone who wants to check out the use of an engine, that is, how long it stays in the various revs. It is useful to understand both how the driver is using the engine and if a given track is required to get more thrust in certain areas of delivery. In this case it refers to the gearclass Vortex RKZ and you can see that Hajek practically manages never to let the engine go below 10,000 revs. The engine remains at about 13,000 revs for 9.6 seconds in the arc of a lap and it rarely goes over 14,500. Moreover, this happens on braking, only due to the more violent drop in gears, and this you can see in the second graph, the one that shows minimum revs and maximum revs marked at various points of the track. We see in fact that it’s at the sharp braking after the big turn (the one that used to lead to the “winding turns”) that the engine reaches 15,600 revs.

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TRACK TEST VORTEX DDS AND RKZ

WICKED BRAKING

Talking about the chassis, Kajek’s kart number 117, the basic chassis response doesn’t alter, although we are talking of two distinct classes, seeing that in this case it’s the DZ2 class with gears. What you feel immediately just one rear disc to a system that works on all four wheels, but the usual power of the OTK brakes is something that at first, always takes you a bit by surprise that you have to remember to support yourself resting quite a bit on the steering wheel when you brake. In any case they are quite modular during the turn entry phase.

Davide who felt less at ease with some of the delivery characteristics of the powerful Vortex RKZ also found this response exciting. On one hand it’s evident that set up to the limit bring about more power, but also a more restricted area of use, that only the best drivers in the world manage to make the most of this power. In fact, luckily there are gears, because in this case each time there was a hesitation the engine stalls and it wouldn’t pick up

72 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

again if we couldn’t drop a few ratios. This is quite a difference compared to the response of its “little brother” for the OK class.

Nevertheless, in this specific case, we even found that to make everything even more “explosive” was the sudden delivery, when we opened throttle, was a minor problem concerning carburetion.

An effect that probably official drivers manage to overcome thanks to their aggressive use of the acceleration pedal like “full down immediately”, but that requires a rather cantankerous drive style when tackling turns. And this also reflects on chassis behaviour along the straights. Furthermore, at higher speed you notice, besides so much thrust also a tendency to “stall” once you have gone over the power peak that you have to change gear promptly without any hesitation. Obviously we are all well aware that “professional” engines make things more difficult for amateur drivers, but it’s always hard to run into this “technical truth”. But it’s also exciting…

KZ THRUST Mixing the different values that registered by the sensors mounted on the KZ you can get the torque flow (top) and power (below) delivered by the engine at various instants, in the form of red ª dotsº . Just for curiosity sake, power picked up at wheels is 48.5 hp and torque is 25.3Nm, with peaks at 14,000 and 13,000 revs respectively. The distribution of the dots leads to understand what the delivery curve is; to make it clearer it' s the red line. Besides the rather brusque drop at just over 14,500 revs, you can see there is a lack of linearity around 11,500 revs (inside the circle) which is explained in the graph that analyses carburetion speed (shown 1

respectively as RPM and Lambda): coming out of a turn and gearing up three gears in a sequence, you can see how the first phase has is not continuous but has a stop and start trend that also affects speed, even if Hajek accelerated without any hesitation (TPS). The Lambda graph shows how carburetion had moved too much towards ª richº and then it changes in an undulating way causing evident jolts. The third graph, which analyses a longer part of the track, shows how this carburetion oscillation wasn' t an isolated issue. Obviously, carburetion had been set for the previous day, but we are convinced that if a carburettor expert had been present at the test, he' d have stopped with us for quite a while clearing these considerations.

2

3

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TRACK TEST VORTEX DDS AND RKZ

CARBURETTOR SETTING This graph shows that the previous disquisition on carburetion and on the consequent irregular delivery, aren' t just whims connected with gear comfort... Analysing the same area of the previous track, in fact, you can see how lateral and longitudinal accelerations (in the circle) ª go crazyº , showing chassis oscillation that affect road hold and traction certainly not positively. This is a shame because the same lines ± obviously at other parts of the track ± show excellent directionability on turn entry that could be used even more on turn exit. Instead the chassis has to deal with the problems that are not its problems¼ 74 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

THE NUMEROUS SENSORS MOUNTED ENABLE YOU TO ASSES INDUCTION AND ENGINE THRUST, GOING BACK TO POWER: WE GOT 48.5 HP AT THE WHEEL

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TRACK TEST VORTEX DDS AND RKZ

THE VORTEX RKZ TECHNICAL FORM HAD AN “EXPLOSIVE” DELIVERY ALSO DUE CHASSIS TO PROBLEMATIC CIK HOMOLOGATION CHASSIS HEIGHT FRONT/REAR CARBURATION THAT TRACK FRONT REAR OFFICIAL DRIVERS SUPPLEMENTARY BARS MANAGE TO OVERCOME TOE IN CAMBER

BY USING THE CASTER ACCELERATOR MUCH AXLE MORE AGRESSIVELY. THIRD BEARING

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125 OK

125 KZ2

KOSMIC MERCURY MY 15

KOSMIC MERCURY MY 15

49/CH/14

49/CH/14

HALF WAY

HALF WAY

- / 140 CM

- / 140 CM

FRONT: FLAT

FRONT: FLAT

2MM OPEN AT FRONT

2MM OPEN AT FRONT

NEUTRAL

NEUTRO

NEUTRO

NEUTRAL

TYPE N

TYPE N

LOOSE WITHOUT GRAINS

NARROW WITHOUT GRAINS

HUBS

95 MM MAGNESIUM

115 MM MAGNESIUM

RIMS

MXJ 130/210

MXJ 130/210

TYRES

BRIDGESTONE YLM

BRIDGESTONE YLM

ENGINE

VORTEX 125 DDS

VORTEX 125 RKZ

CIK HOMOLOGATION

18/M/24

19/M/24

CARBURETTOR

IBEA F3

DELL’ORTO VHSH 30

RATIO

11/75

-

EXHAUST

CIK STANDARD

ELTO HOMOLOGATED

MIXTURE

4% ROK LUBE

ROK LUBE

DATA-LOGGERS ARE “FLIGHT RECORDERS” MOUNTED ON KARTS: THEY MEMORISE AND ELABORATE ALL THE DATA PICKED UP BY THE SENSORS (SEVERAL) TO GET THE BEST OUT OF THEM.

Lambda value and gas temperature at exhaust, engine revs, temperature, and inducted air pressure and temperature, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, GPS position, position of pedals, braking system pressure… During this test, together with the lads from ‘Officine in Progress’, we picked up loads of data and this you will see in a future exclusive column.

DIRECT DRIVE MORE LINEAR This graph concerns the direct drive DDS (OK class) and compared to the gear class RKZ it shows how carburetion flow is much less problematic. The lines in this chart show kart speed (green) and carburetion via lambda (yellow). Already at the start you don’t see as much oscillation, if not at the time of braking and you release gas (you can tell by the way speed drops).

You have another small movement of carburetion when the accelerator “picks up” to maintain speed round the turn, but then everything becomes stable again rapidly.

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 77

TRACK TEST VORTEX DDS AND RKZ

OTK AS IT SHOULD BE Vortex and Kosmic are two well known brands that depend on the OTK group, with separate manufacturing sites: everyone knows that the chassis are made in Prevalle, near Brescia, while the engines are made near Pavia, now at the new factory in Campospinoso. Among the characteristics of the Vortex DDS for OK classes – available also in versions for the Junior DDJ without a valve on the exhaust – there is an aluminium cylinder with five transfers (instead the exhaust is oval with two boosters) with cast iron barrel machined on a numerically controlled machines. According to regulations it has reed induction (in this case with horizontal reed pack) and bore/stroke ratio is “square” (54.00x54.29 mm); there’s the balancing countershaft in the base and there is the housing for a water pump if needed, which is usually left externally though. Cylinder and cylinder head are very similar, at least theoretically, for the Vortex 125 RKZ with gears: compared to the DDS, looking you only notice that the valves are missing, from the one on the exhaust to the decompressor valve that characterises the OK direct drive engines. However the barrel isn’t made of cast iron but with a Nicasil insert. In this case in the besides, obviously the gearbox in the base there’s a reed pack that goes better with the 30mm Dell’Orto carburettor. While the driving shaft offers 54.45 mm stroke and it is connected to a 115 wheel base connecting rod made from a solid.

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CONTATTI OTK KART GROUP SRL VIA DEI SOPRINI 16 - 25080 PREVALLE, BRESCIA (ITALY) TEL. +39-030-6804601 VORTEX ENGINES VIA ENRICO FERMI 5 - 27040 CAMPOSPINOSO, PAVIA (ITALY) TEL. +39-0385-765200 E-MAIL: INFO@VORTEX-ENGINES.COM

WHEN PRECISION COUNTS!

SINCE 1986 UNIPRO HAS DEVELOPED AND DELIVERED PIONEER PRODUCTS TO ACTIVE RACE DRIVERS WHO WANT TO IMPROVE THEIR RESULTS ENSURING PRECISION, QUALITY AND FLEXIBILITY

UniTire uses a flexible cable between the handle and the gauge, and that means that all the air that is normally wasted in the hose, is no problem in UniTire. both a Laptimer and a Data Logger. It means that all data are stored in the Laptimer at up to 60 times per second. It makes it possible to transfer the results to a PC or MAC for further analyzing. The included analyze program will give you the complete overview together with the possibility to compare results between drivers, training sessions and heats.

UniStop is the right choice when you want an easy to use stop watch with the high quality and elegant design that comes standard with the Unipro products. You can take lap- and split times on up to 4 drivers.

W WW.U N I PRO L A PT I ME R.COM

UniGo 6005 is both a Laptimer and a Data Logger. It means that all data are stored in the Laptimer at up to 60 times per second. It makes it possible to transfer the results to a PC or MAC for further analyzing. The included analyze program will give you the complete overview together with the possibility to compare results between drivers, training sessions and heats.

TELEME...TRICKS

Data analysis software EPISODE 2 – In part 1 we talked about dataloggers, showing the main features. Once the data has been acquired it has to be processed to get “ information” EDITED BY ANDREA SACCUCCI

Hi Guys!

Telemetricks could represent a chance to have a focus on the processes and method of data analysis, few concepts but well-calibrated to analyze, investigate and produce useful information about kart set-up. If you have questions or suggestions contact:

MOTORSPORT@OFFICINEINPROGRESS.IT

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It may sound funny, but the data analysis software that is most used is….Excel. The

In this picture Each row is a ‘sample’ (read ep1), the entire file is sampled at 50 Hz (50 samples per second) and putting together 50 rows we have 1 second of logged data.

Playing with data, for example plotting GPSlatitude in the X axis and GPSlongitude in the Y axis, look what we have…

computational power of this tool is impressive but a bit difficult to use (in advanced mode). Indeed most software suite allow to export data in excel or .csv (comma separated value), this feature is particularly appreciated when we need to obtain ‘specific information’.

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 81

TELEME...TRICKS

SPEED’ VS ACCURACY Most of the software for data analysis uses pre-formatted windows where you can see: time based view or space based view; in time based view, low speed point looks “wider” spaced at the point where the kart is going slowerand more compressed where it’s going faster. Vice versa in distance based view they look “wider” where the kart travels at higher speed (it covers more metres) and compressed at lower low speed point.

Distance mode is used most because it allows you to compare different laps. Track map (gps or inertial) ‘inertial’ means track map plotted by longitudinal, lateral G-sensor.

EVEN IF THEY LOOK THE SAME THEY AREN’T, TO ANALISE THEM YOU CAN USE INSTRUMENTS LIKE: EXCEL AND THE LIKES

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User profiles; if you had to analyze carburetion, you need at least 5 channels: TPS, RPM, Lambda, water temp, exhaust temp. I can recall and set up all these channels in one shot. Few software provide this function, in a race weekend you pick up a lot of data and there isn’t much time for analysing it.

Software should simplify your work as much is possible with data integrity guaranteed.

XY GRAPH; the one with coloured

dots, the importance of this is often underestimated, for example it shows if gear ratio is ok, or if intake air speed is too slow or too fast (this we’ll deal with next time).

HISTOGRAMS; if I wanted to know at what “range” it would be better to use my engine on a given track, or the time a driver travelled at “full gas” this is the one I’d use. Histograms are very useful for having a quick look.

ANALYZE THEM… LET’S NOW STUDY THE FEATURES OF THE MOST USED DATA ANALYSIS SOFTWARE.

OFF CAMBER DATA (UNIPRO) This is a Unipro data analysis device. Modern graphics are easy to use. You can load ‘Run’ and choose one lap or more than one to compare. Data can be viewed in: Graphs (timedistance mode), histogram, table mode. Trackmap. Very useful automatic upgrade function, data export, and Google earth & racerender export function. Off camber allows you to analyze the ‘vital functions’ like engine temp or exhaust temperature.

Not present virtual channel (or maths channel) used to create alarm, or specific channel to analyze understeering and oversteering.

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 83

TELEME...TRICKS

RACE STUDIO ANALYSIS (AIM) Aim software: maybe the first entry level software made and now with years of experience. Minimal graphics, data can be shown in different ways: graphs, histograms, XY dots graph. The engine power device for measuring power and torque is good. Maths channels are available: for example, you can write this formula: ‘med(Speed1,Speed2)’ and get a new channel ‘average speed’.

DATAVIEW (ALFANO) Alfano data analysis device. Old graphic but easy to use. The braking function that allows you ti analyse braking and acceleration using an algorithm is very nice. No math channels allowed, you can use standard set of channels.

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To choose the best one according to your needs, first of all you need to know what you want to analyse; if I need to see speed on corner-exit or maximum speed, exhaust temperature I don’t need math channels!

Or, if I need to know kart

WINTAX (MAGNETI MARELLI)

balance or investigate

Maybe this is one of the most used analysis software forn racing car and cycling. It works with real time data (telemetry) and it is powerful, you can alog thousand of channels (real or math), and you can write maths function in C or C#(programming language).

understeering-oversteering, brake balance and so on; I need to use math channel.

Next time we will see how to made a math channel, and how to set up a sensor.

Keep pushing!

Of course this software is only for professional use (you can buy a licence for more than 10,000 euros) VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 85

electric kart

PART FOUR

HERE COMES THE

CHAMPIONSHIP he proposal of a series of events for electric karts comes from Aci Sport and the Italian universities, it is a series that could well start at the end of this year and which would be vanguard in Europe.

You can probably remember how this series of columns dedicated to electric karts starter, suggesting that the time was right – from a technical but also from a sports and political point – to start thinking about electric traction, not just for “rental” vehicles, but also for vehicles used for racing. Well, we aren’t the only ones who think this is so, there are some who continue to work towards a birth of a real and proper championship for electric karts. As confirmation of some basic situations being real so you too can reach our same conclusion, it’s not ecologists connected to some idealistic or impossible dreams, but representatives of the national sports authorities who are well in on the matter who are working on this project: we’re are talking about Giuseppe Tomasso and Mario Bonifacio, two members of the “Commissione Energie Rinnovabili and Alternative in Aci Sport”.

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e Le c

tric

START WITH KARTS The project for a championship with electric karts fits in with the aim of ª Aci Sport Educationalº , whose name is justified by the fact that it involves the universities directly for research, development and technical support for the various teams, the latter not necessarily being university teams.

The series starts with electric karts and then progressively will expand to other higher categories, always with electric traction and/or hybrid cars.

For example, they are already talking about higher classes (single seat) with electric drive. However, this will come later. The important thing to point out here is that there is already a procedure being developed to set down specific national regulating norms, which are already being discussed by a Commission; the already existing basic Fia norms that

concern electric racing vehicles, karts included have been taken in consideration. It is pointless to underline how important this early phase is, and the importance of being able to count on, almost immediately, a series of regulating norms that can guide things without wasting too much energy (physical, mental and economical) of those interested in this type of competition.

You can see by the success of ª the electric partº within the Formula SAE, a small university single seaters that compete on a European level is proof that there are people interested in this project.

EUROPEAN VANGUARD «The Educational project was also presented to the Fia ± says Giuseppe Tomasso, who has, among other things, a lecturer of ª Veicoli Elettrici

e Automazione Elettronicaº (Electric Vehicles and Electronic Automation) at the University di Cassino ± and Italy is the vanguard nation on this initiative. In fact, the International Federation had asked all the ASNs (National ASN, in 2014 (practically when Formula E was launched, author' s note), to promote projects, activities and races in the electric field. In the rest of the world, Germany is moving in this direction, but they are still behind compared to Italy. I entered to be part of the ERA Commission of Aci Sport early 2015 and it was the first thing that I worked on, together Bonifacio».

Tomasso tells us what we can we expect from this initiative in the near future: «We' re still debating on some details, but approximately 2016 is going to be a year of transition, during which karts will be made, the

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 87

electric kart

initiative will be promoted and the regulations within the Aci Sport will be approved. As from 2017 we will have to set up and start a national championship made up of 3 races and not less than 12-14 teams».

The tracks on which these electric karts are going to race doesn’t seem to be a problem: they are thinking of holding the events both on kart racing tracks and racetracks (in the latter with provisional perfect tracks made with traffic cones and other things), however out of those that have been contacted the response from the karting circuits has been favourable.

Well, there seems to be no problems concerning the circuits for hosting the events, on the contrary, the forthcoming events could even put a shine on “the name” of host tracks for the series.

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PART FOUR

THE ENVIRONMENT IS WELCOMING Therefore, the karting environment seems to be favourably disposed to welcome electric karts, even if it is still the “pioneering” phase, the welcome is evident not just by the positive response from most circuits, but also from teams, as soon as they heard that things were moving in this direction, they showed great interest in the project, wanting to know more on how the situation effectively stands. So, as previously mentioned, regulations are still being defined, however, the guide lines are already available. For example, the early aim is to help things from a kart part stand point, making it possible to use today’s karts and mount electric engines directly on these. For this reason, the tendency is to enforce just one

rear axle, at least to start off with, and then later develop a modality with two engines “decoupled” on both sides. This last modality being a system that allows for interesting solutions for controlling torque on both drive wheels differently (they use a technically horrifying term but one that sounds rather good for the market, “electric differential”) but at the same time it defines more difficulties at the start. Well, it’s best to have a “softer” approach if you want to start with a greater number of entries.

START WITH SIMPLICITY Using a chassis which is already available allows you to overcome many of the early problems, and having just one axle, same for everyone, allows you to mount

info SEGRETERIA COMMISSIONE ERA TEL. 06-49982820 E-MAIL: OTTAVIO_BUSARDO@CSAI.ACI.IT

PROF. GIUSEPPE TOMASSO TEL. 07762993730 E-MAIL: TOMASSO@UNICAS.IT WWW.TOMASSO.SITE

just one engine: and this is all in favour of starting with simplicity.

Something that mustn’t be taken for granted is controlling electric traction, which isn’t so easy for drivers with less experience. Then again, one of the advantages of the having the participation of various universities is to have students (or x-students) who have already built up some experience in this field over these last years – and besides racing personally, they can act as consultants for teams who want to take up this new challenge and this championship.

Going back to a more technical issue, today’s karts can make it easier for the traction motor to be mounted, the one that would take over from the thermal engine mounted in the same position, and also the arrangement of the

batteries, which would be easily inserted where you now have the side pods. The spaces behind the seat (where the muffles is, no longer exists) or where now you see the tank would be used for the different control devices and the electrical system.

KITS ARE AVAILABLE Besides the fact that several university teams are already interested and have started working on this project, we can add that some factories involved will be supplying “electric kits” in the near future; these will allow you to transform a traditional kart into and electric one.

Besides the fact that those who would like to enter for these races don’t have to learn everything concerning each component from

scratch, this, as you can imagine, means advantages concerning modularity and expense too.

While we await an official schedule and regulamentary norms, and news on the development of this topic from teams that will be competing, anyone interested or wanting to know more can contact the Commissione Energie Rinnovabili e Alternative dell’Aci Sport and in particular Giuseppe Tomasso, at the address and email given below.

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 89

XII

ANNUALVINTAGE KART SHOW

THE LATE SIR TERENCE DAVID JOHN ` TERRY' PRATCHETT OBE WAS AN ENGLISH AUTHOR OF FANTASY NOVELS ESPECIALLY COMICAL WORKS. TERRY ONCE SAID ª IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHERE YOU COME FROM, THEN YOU DON' T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE, AND IF YOU DON' T KNOW WHERE YOU ARE, THEN YOU DON' T KNOW WHERE YOU' RE GOING. AND IF YOU DON' T KNOW WHERE YOU' RE GOING, YOU' RE PROBABLY GOING WRONG.º REPORT AND PHOTOS: FRANK WEIR. FAYE PIERSON' S PHOTO: JERRY IMBODEN. KART ART.

Tom Smith’s potent 1966 Rupp Chaparral/Dual West Bend 820’s.

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VINTAGE VINTAGE KARTING ASSOCIATION REUNION RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, FEB 4, 5 AND 6, 2016

These sentiments are championed by CIK

Motorsport Park located off Market Street

clutch manufacture which has been in

VP Kees Van De Grint and are the reason

in Riverside California. Over 100 karts

karting from the very early days was in

that he has a passion for vintage karting

were signed-on by event promoter Louie

attendance to provide guidance and

and the same sentiments are also held in

Figone to race and numerous others

service for his customers. As well, Jim

high esteem by many of the membership

took the opportunity to use the event

provided and cooked an appetizing

of the Vintage Karting Association based

practice as a track day. The number of

complimentary lunch for everyone at

in the United States of America. Kees

competition karts in attendance was

the track of pulled pork with Sweet Baby

is adamant that everyone in karting

increased by the appearance of the

Ray’s barbecue sauce followed by a

today should have knowledge about the

beautifully restored machines that only

slice of fruit pie or a Californian orange

sport’s beginning especially the younger

participated in the Friday evening kart

courtesy of Louie Figone and Tom Wilms.

generation some of whom will end up in

show. The weather was typical of winter

Formula 1.

in southern Californian with temperatures

Friday is also the day at the event when

For this reason it was great to see junior

in the low seventies Fahrenheit for the

vendors set out their stalls to sell vintage

competitors participating in the annual

entire meeting.

karts and parts. Many hard to find parts

Vintage Karting Association Reunion.

Both Thursday and Friday were given

were bought by enthusiasts determined

Just as in the past eleven reunions the

over to free practice. Jim Donovan the

to complete a restoration project. Past

twelfth was held at the historical Adams

VP of Max-Torque the Chicago based

icons of west coast American karting

At the top, from left to right Gary Medley’s Cates look a like constructed by Kent Fuller and powered by a McCulloch MC7.

Faye ‘Ladybug’ Pierson an American karting icon for over fifty years. (Photo: Jerry Imboden, Kart Art).

Wayne Seeburg’s highly modified Stratos chassis powered by a four cylinder Mercury Marine motor circa 1990’s.

Left, 1966 Bug Sprint/McCulloch MC93.

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 91

usually appear at the track on Friday

from Kenny's Kart Shop in Minneapolis,

running at the same time. Dart kart serial

and this year was no exception. Faye

Minnesota. Most of the races that the kart

number 284 racing in A-Stock (single

© Ladybug© Pierson one of the top female

participated in were held at the Hastings

engine) was timed at 108 MPH along the

drivers in the 1960's and wife of the

Kart Track, Hastings Minnesota. The kart

main straight. Larry had a custom fuel

late Tom Pierson who owned K and P

also competed at the 1962 International

tank made for the race which he mounted

Manufacturing makers of Bug karts was

Kart Federation National Championship

under the steering shaft. Together with

the headliner. Faye is an octogenarian

races held in Pueblo, Colorado. At that

the regular fuel tank mounted behind

who can still manage to set competitive

meeting the kart failed to start in the first

the seat Larry was able to go from start

track times in her 1960 Bug; she was part

heat so the owner/driver Larry Buggie

to finish non stop which gave him victory

of Captain Red Crise's Grand Prix Kart

had to start the second heat from the

in his class and second overall. Despite

Club of American karting team that raced

very back of the grid. Larry made it up to

having to stop for fuel on occasions the

at Shenington, England and Milan, Italy

12th place by the end of the race and for

outright winner was a fast dual engined

in 1961. Faye also acted as host to the

the third and final heat starting from 12th

kart. In November 1963 Larry's mother,

Australian brothers Graeme and Bruce

place he finished 5th. That wrapped up

father and two other brothers moved to

Barwick who were making their annual pilgrimage to the Vintage Kart Reunion.

Unfortunately Bruce became ill and as unable to compete. His brother Graeme had a much more enjoyable Riverside experience and won the Dual Rear class on board his Rupp Chaparral powered by a Peter Ward prepared Maico.

DART KART, NUMBER 284 USED TO RACE IN THE A-STOCK CLASS, IT WAS ACCREDITED WITH 174 KM MAX SPEED ALONG THE STRAIGHT

Paul Molloy from Kartpro Stratos, an English company that was based in

Larry's 1962 season. In 1963 Larry took

California. Larry and his older brother

Hitchin Hertfordshire back in the day also

part in the first ever endurance race to

were so enthusiastic about kart racing

attended the event. Paul was pleasantly

be held in Minnesota at an abandoned

that they remained in Minneapolis to

surprised to find one of his Stratos karts

airport, the runway being the main

see out the remainder of the karting

participating in the meeting. The kart

straight. The race was of two and a

season at their local track before joining

however did not quite resemble the way

half hours duration with all the classes

their parents and other brothers in the

it left Paul's premises sometime in the 1990's; the kart had been highly modified by its owner Wayne Seeburg to carry a Mercury marine engine with 4 cylinders!

race results

The main business during Friday

CLASS Dual Rear (16.5 cu.in. max displacement engines)

WINNER Graeme Barwick, Sydney, Australia

afternoon was the judging of the kart

Dual Sidewinder (16.5 cu.in. max displacement engines)

Rich Swantek, Pasadena, California.

show. Chief judge Jack Murray assisted

MAC 49 (80 cc McCulloch engine)

Tony La Rocco, Palmdale, California.

by Scott Wigginton and Gary Wlodarsky

Sidewinder 1980 ± 1985 (6.1 cu.in. max displacement engine) Jon Woods, Whittier, California.

had the difficult task of picking the

Tom Wilms, Redlands, California.

winners in the many different categories.

Senior Over 60 (6.1 cu.in. max displacement engine ± driver 60 years of age and over)

There were many beautiful and period

Historic Single (1956 ± 1962 historic karts)

Tony Garbarino, Martinez, California.

correct karts worthy of prizes but

Historic Dual (1956 ± 1962 historic karts)

Leon Rippy, Van Nuys, California.

only one in each category could be a

Single Sidewinder 6.1 (6.1 cu.in. max displacement engine) Darnell Woodward, Perris, California.

winner. A Dart kart Grand Prix model manufactured in Mansfield Ohio by Rupp, serial number 284 entered in the Un-Restored Original Rear Engine category had an interesting story to go with it. The kart was purchased in 1962

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Single Rear 6.1 (6.1 cu.in. max displacement engine)

Greg Gouveia, San Luis Obispo, California.

Single Sidewinder 8.2 (8.2 cu.in. max displacement engine)

Richard Mahaffay, Lake Balboa, California.

Single Rear 8.2 (8.2 cu.in. max displacement engine)

George Friend, Lancaster, California.

Yamaha KT100

Phil Rockwell, San Luis Obispo, California.

Junior

Ralph Dorr, Lancaster, California.

VINTAGE Show Awards

VINTAGE KARTING ASSOCIATION REUNION RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, FEB 4, 5 AND 6, 2016

AWARD

RECIPIENT

Best Un-Restored Original Rear Engine

1960 Blue Steak/West Bend 580 owned by Jack Murray, San Diego, California.

Best Restored Original Rear Engine

1961 Evans Flyweight/McCulloch MC10 owned by Leon Rippy, Van Nuys, California.

Best Modified Rear Engine

1963 Nike/West Bend 610 owned by Ted Johnson, Arizona City, Arizona.

Past Champion Rear Engine

1961 McCulloch R1/McCulloch MC10 owned by Jeff Van Arsdale, Costa Mesa, California.

Best Un-Restored Original Sidewinder

1973 Bucket Bug/West Bend 820 owned by Tim Hinson, Santa Clarita, California.

Best Restored Original Sidewinder

1980 Yamaha RC100/Yamaha KT100 owned by Scott Wigginton, Santa Clara, California.

Best Modified Sidewinder

1978 Yamaha RC100/Yamaha KT100 owned by Dave Cabico, Lancaster, California.

People's Choice

1961 Caretta/McCulloch MC10 owned by Tony Garbarino, Martinez, California.

Past Champion Sidewinder

1978 Bug Black Widow/Dual Komet K99's owned by Rich Swantek, Pasadena, California.

Tom Pierson Memorial ©B est Bug in Show©

1978 Bug Black Widow/Dual Komet K99's owned by Rich Swantek, Pasadena, California.

Best Mini Bike

1969 Taco 22/Briggs & Stratton 3 HP owned by Jon Woods, Whittier, California.

Best Enduro

1971 Rupp Mean Machine/Dual Komet K99's owned by Terry McDonald, Martinez, California.

SCOTT WIGGINTON’S 1980 YAMAHA RC100SE CHASSIS POWERED BY A YAMAHA KT100

VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE 93

VINTAGE VINTAGE KARTING ASSOCIATION REUNION RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, FEB 4, 5 AND 6, 2016

Golden State. Larry continued to race in

complete when he sees Terry Ives drive old

One competitor gave some concerns to

A-Stock in California using his old engine

284 around Adams one more time.

all watching about his well being when he and his kart parted company resulting in

but victories were not as forth coming as before. Larry’s philosophy was that you

After the hustle and bustle of the show it

the driver lying face down on the tarmac

can’t expect to win races with last year’s

was time for the famous Adams family food

for too long before being resuscitated

engine. Many of the karts that were behind

feast in the large track side marquee follow

by the Emergency Medical Technicians.

Larry were faster but not fast enough to

by the ballot for the many generously

Thankfully, his injuries were minimal

pass him giving him many second place

donated gifts and the 50/50 draw which

requiring only a splint bandage to a couple

trophies. That was pretty much the end of

paid almost $400.

of fingers.

Prix serial number 284. Larry explained

Saturday was totally given over to the

The marathon three day meeting was

that he has lived in only two houses his

serious business of racing. Each class was

concluded with a comprehensive prize

entire life, the one in Minneapolis and the

allocated three races. The first two races

distribution. Gratitude was expressed

one in California. This has allowed him to

were treated as rehearsals but the third

by all who participated to Event Director

keep his Dart kart in a storage shed at the

race was the serious contest to decide

Louie Figone, his band of helpers and the

rear of his home. Larry said that his visit to

the class winner. Despite the rareness of

two dozen or so sponsors that helped

the Twelfth Vintage Kart Reunion will be

these old karts the racing was intense.

make the meeting such a success.

Larry’s kart racing using Dart kart Grand

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REST OF THE WORLD GARAGE AIR FILTERS

OFFENBACH SHOW IKA 2016 A TEMPLE OF EXCITEMENT

N. 164 FEBRUATRY N. 176 2015

BELGIAN COMET

POPULAR?

• LOOKING TO A "TOP" KZ CLASS SPECIAL OUTDOOR VS INDOOR

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KARTING KARTING

PHOTO: FM PRESS

SURVEYS RESULTS • NEW KF 2016: WILL THEY BE

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LEGENDARY KARTS GLENN DAVIDSON REPLICAS – JAMES COURTNEY’S TONY KART EXTREME

At the first round of the continental KFJ championship held in Portugal, Kenny Roosens sets the pace. The Belgian now deservedly leads the provisional standings that will award the European crown.

ON THE TECHNICAL SIDE

TILLOTSON CARB MAINTENANCE

N. 172

GARAGE COOLING SYSTEM

OCTOBER 2015 € 5.00

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LEGENDARY KART / MISLIJEVIC’S 1996 ESPRIT KZ WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SPECIAL

FOCUS

BRED CHAMPION N. 164 FEBRUATRY N. 169 2015

INTERNATIONAL

€ 5.002015 JULY € 5.00

KARTING

INTERVIEWING THE CHAMP WINNING KART THE RACE LAPTIME ANALYSIS

RACE ROTAX EURO CHALLENGE SHOWDOWN

GO! KART KARTING ACADEMY TROPHY 2016 ACADEMY EVOLVES

SIX YEARS AFTER THE THEY SET OUT THE CIK ACADEMY TROPHY CHANGES SUPPLIER: AS FROM THIS YEAR THEY WILL BE RACING WITH PRODUCTS MADE

BY THE OTK GROUP, THAT IS, EXPRIT NOESIS FOR CHASSIS AND VORTEX DDJ FOR ENGINE, NO LONGER WITH THE TAG

International season ready to start.

The new OK engines, after lots of testing the time has come to see how they work. Let the show begin

ELECTRIC KART PART 3 CRG E-DRENALINE

TECHNICAL SIDE

THE COMBUSTION AND DETONATION PROCESS (PART ONE)

T DA ELE NEW TA M C LO E OL G .. U AN GER .TR MN A L S A IC Y S ND K IS D S AT : A

TRACK TEST EVOKART/TM: STIFFER-FRONT

Focus

PHOTO: D.PASTANELLA

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FROM KART TO F1

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ON THE TECHNICAL SIDE ROTAX MAINTENANCE

2015 ROTAX EURO CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS

TALKING TO OELSINGER & VOGLSAM, BRP-ROTAX / ALEX IRLANDO CLOSE UP XPS 2015 ROTAX GRAND FINALS CHASSIS

N. 174 DECEMBER 2015 € 5.00

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BRIT ATTACK

ONE ON ONE • RALF SCHUMACHER • JEAN-MARIE VERGNE

FOCUS NEW ENGINES - THE CIK SPEAKS OUT

DOUBLE TRACK TEST!

THE NEW PARILLA OK BY IAME THE LATEST KZ10C BY TM FOR 2016

KARTING

ITALY RULES!

LEGENDARY KARTS GLENN DAVIDSON REPLICAS – ROSSI’S 1997 CRG HERON

EURO CHAMPS RD.2 Martono (KFJ) and Joyner (KF) grab the win at PFI, but despite the quality of the on-track action, the event was hardly a success. Too many problems afflict the sport, starting from ever-feeble grids. But dwindling numbers, now also at the highest level – both in directdrive and gearbox classes - is only the tip of the iceberg.

INTERNATIONAL

ALEX IRLANDO TAKES THE FIRST EVER ROTAX GRAND FINALS TITLE TO ITALY WITH A DOMINANT PERFORMANCE IN SENIOR MAX

N. 173 NOVEMBER 2015 € 5.00

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CIK-FIA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

DOMINATOR

FOCUS HOW TO GET TO GRIPS WITH OK ENGINES

KAROL BASZ ON KOSMIC/VORTEX DOMINATES THE KF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT LA CONCA; THE FIRST TIME EVER THAT A POLISH DRIVER, AND KOSMIC GAIN THE WORLD TITLE. IN KFJ, SARGEANT TAKES THE TITLE BACK TO THE USA AFTER 37 YEARS. PHOTO: D. PASTANELLA - WAFEPROJECT

JANUARY 2016 € 5.00

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HOMOLOGATION SPECIAL

THE PREVIEW OF THE NEW ENGINES, CARBS, ACCESSORIES AND SILENCERS

WINTER CUP BUILD UP

HOW TO DRIVE ON THE RENOVATED SOUTH GARDA TRACK IN LONATO

ROTAX INTERNATIONAL OPEN THE LAST ROTAX GRAND FINALS SPOTS AWARDED IN ADRIA FOCUS

WE TAKE A LOOK AT SODI RTX ELECTRIC KART

CELEBRITY OF THE MONTH

RUBENS BARRICHELLO

CLOSE UP

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SINTER OUTBRAKING COMPETITION

TECHNICAL SIDE

COMBUSTION CHAMBER (PART TWO)

ELECTRIC KART

WHY ELECTRIC TRACTION GOES WELL WITH KART TECHNOLOGY

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FULL STEAM AHEAD!

THE NEW HOMOLOGATION ENGINES HAVE STIRRED MUCH INTEREST ALSO THANKS TO A GREATER RESPONSE. COULD THIS BE THE RIGHT TIME FOR THE CIK DIRECT DRIVE CLASSES TO BRING KARTING DRIVERS BACK TO RACING? AWAITING CONFIRMATION VROOM PRESENTS THE NEW ENGINES, AND YOU CAN READ ABOUT THE TRACK TEST ON THE NEW PARILLA OK ENGINES AND THE NEW TM KZ10C.

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N. 175

MAX VERSTAPPEN 2013 EUROPEAN & WORLD CHAMPION

MAx VerstAppen

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2016 INTERNATIONAL CALENDAR March 06 WSK Super Master Series (1) 7 Laghi Kart (ITA) 12 X30 Challenge Singapore, Karting Circuit Singapore SGP 13 27th Andrea Margutti Trophy, Lonato (ITA) 13 FWT ROK Cup USA Rnd.3, Palm Beach (USA) 20 FWT Rotax MAX Challenge Rnd.3, Palm Beach (USA) 20 WSK Super Master Series (2) Sarno-Napoli (ITA) 27 Championnat de France SK Open (1), DijonPrenois (FRA) April 03 Rotax Euro Challenge Rnd.1, Genk (BEL) 03 WSK Super Master Series (3), La Conca (ITA) 03 Asia Rotax Max Challenge Rnd. 2, Elite (MYS) 17 Italy Campionato Italiano ACI Karting (1) Kartodromo 7 Laghi, Castelletto di Branduzzo (PV) 24 CIK European Championship for KZ & KZ2 / CIK Karting Academy Trophy, Round 1, Essay (FRA) 24 US Open Rnd.1, NOLA Motorsports (USA) May 01 Asia Rotax Max Challenge Rnd. 3, Elite or Shah Alam (MYS) 15 CIK European Championship for OK & OKJ Round 1 / CIK European Championship for KZ Round 2, Zuera (ESP) 15 Rotax Euro Challenge Rnd.2, Castelletto (ITA) 22 X30 Euro Series Rnd.1, Castelletto (ITA) 29 Asia Rotax Max Challenge Rnd. 4, Sepang (MYS) June 7 CIK European Championship for OK & OKJ / CIK European Championship for KZ2 Round 2, Adria (ITA) 26 CIK European Championship for OK & OKJ Round 3 / CIK Karting Academy Trophy Round 2, Portimao (POR) 26 US Open Rnd.2, Miller Motorsports (USA)

98 VROOM INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE

July 17 X30 Euro Series Rnd.2, Zuera (ESP) 24 Rotax Euro Challenge Rnd.3, Zuera (ESP) 31 CIK European Championship for KZ & KZ2 Round 3 / CIK European Championship for OK & OKJ Round 4, Genk (BEL) August 06 US Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Nationals, Sonoma (USA) 07 Asia Rotax Max Challenge Rnd. 5, Shah Alam (MYS) 28 Rotax Euro Challenge Rnd.4, Salbris (FRA) September 04 CIK World Championship for KZ / CIK International Super Cup for KZ2 / CIK Karting Academy Trophy Round 3, Kristianstad (SWE) 04 Asia Rotax Max Challenge Rnd. 6, Sepang (MYS) October 09 Rotax International Open, Adria (ITA) 22 17th Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, Sarno (ITA) 22 Rok Cup International Final, Lonato (ITA) 30 Trofeo delle Industrie, Lonato (ITA) November 05 US Open Rnd.3, Las Vegas (USA) 20 CIK World Championship for OK & OKJ, Sakhir (BHR) 20 Xeramic Rotax Open, Sepang (MYS)

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