No. 002
MARCH 2016
O R
U E X E A N T O O R CE A R
GENK 2016 Pro`s Opinion
// Ernst Penninger // Steven Chapman // Ronald Montfoort Driver Interviews // Olli Caldwell // Thomas Drouet
RGMMC NEWS // Presenting the new MOM System
THOMAS DROUET // Driver-Interview
THE RGMMC GROUP WAS THRILLED TO HAVE RELEASED THE FIRST EDITION OF THE PADDOCK MAGAZINE IN FEBRUARY AT THE ROTAX WINTER CUP. STAY IN TOUCH WITH WHAT‘S GOING ON IN THE RGMMC PADDOCK. Every RGMMC organised event will have another issue, sharing information, news about drivers as well as teams and much more. Known for being different, RGMMC is moving away from the traditional race booklet, creating a magazine that supplies more information about the sport and news about the teams as well as drivers. We will be creating an informative, entertaining magazine over the next 12 months, giving our readers, an insight into the karting industry and paddock gossip. Together with our new IPTV media partner Telemundi, we will be also supplying online video content such as interviews and news stories about the actual event. Digital versions of the ROTAX event issues are available for download at: WWW.ROTAXMAXEUROCHALLENGE.COM
If your team or driver has any news to share, please send it to us at info@rgmmc.com, so we consider to publish it in the following issue.
For placing adverts in our magazine contact us via e-mail at info@rgmmc.com.
S T N
E T N
CO ABOUT US
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RGMMC NEWS
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MOM SYSTEM
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ABOUT THE RACE TRACK
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COLUMN RINUS VAN KALMTHOUT
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WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE PADDOCK
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WHAT DO THE PRO’S THINK
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RGMMC PADDOCK POSTER
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WELCOME TO THE FELINE FIELDS
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RACE PREVIEW
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DRIVER INTERVIEWS
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PREDICTIONS
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ABOUT THE ROTAX EURO
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INFORMATION 30
rgmmc.com info@rgmmc.com
facebook.com/rgmmcAG
twitter.com/RGMMC
telemundi.com
INTRODUCING THE ORGANIZERS The RGMMC Group is a well established motorsport management company, with its interests in event organization and promotion, consultancy, manufacturing of chemicals as well as technology innovation. Established over 20 years ago, we have created a strong competent reputation in the motorsport world. Being involved in Karting, Rally Cross, Touring Car, GT Series, Formula racing and Motocross, is what differentiates the RGMMC Group to its competitors. At the RGMMC Group we have a simple driving philosophy which was embedded in the company from the first day. Our philosophy Attention to Detail and Innovation still today remains to be the heart of the company. We function in a high speed industry – keeping up with the times is an absolute must in order to push the market further. We look forward to our 2016 series, with plenty of new innovations being released on the market place as well as our newly formed company branding and ideals.
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ROLAND GEIDEL
JAMES GEIDEL
With a wealth of experience spanning some 40 years in sales, marketing and sponsorship, Roland is able to combine his passion for motorsport with a pragmatic business approach, which led to the creation of RGMMC as one of the most respected event management companies to exist in the world of karting.
From driver to Formula and GT racing engineer, James has gone on to become a race team manager and owner, developing a deep practical experience and understanding of the sport. Now he is concentrating his effort on the continuous development of RGMMC, where his skills in motorsport business and management are being fully implemented.
RGMMC & TELEMUNDI MEDIA – KART STREAMING TO ANOTHER LEVEL Telemundi – a world network, providing sport promoters and organizers the opportunity to live stream their events across the globe in high quality. In an age where the only thing that matters is NOW, live streaming has become the pinnacle of importance and marketing for sporting events. Having used countless production companies and freelancers over the years, the RGMMC Group decided it is time to become involved in creating a high quality sports filming company, and thus Telemundi Media was born. Using professional high quality TV production material and an experienced crew, including a producer, editor and professional camera men, we believe we will create a new trend in karting especially offering high quality shows which will go on for two days during each RGMMC event in 2016. “We have a simple goal for 2016, that’s to break away from the traditional kart filming, of only the races and a few interviews and really create a show for the viewers at home and step by step push the sport of karting more into the public eye using all the technologies and platforms available to us today.” For viewing information please visit: www.telemundi.com
RGMMC & The RGMMC Group has always been known for creating its own solutions for software and hardware. After years of using our own administration and scanning systems, we have now together with a third party company helped create the MOM system – short for management of motorsport – to help us keep track of race material,
schedules and the overall event on track. After the successful beta test at the RGMMC Rotax Winter Cup, we are pleased to announce that we will be integrating it into all aspects of the RGMMC Group events to become even more efficient and speedy for the teams and drivers.
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PRESENTING THE NEW MOM SYSTEM Organisation and management are a major factor in creating a well-run event. Unlike many industries and sectors, motorsport organisers have few specifically engineered products to assist them in the day to day management of their events. Developed over the last year, the MOM system, an anagram for “Management of Motorsport�, was created. Designed and developed together with the RGMMC Group and Weinblum + Stahl, a Design Communication Agency, the first user friendly motorsport management system is soon to be released to the market. The system is created to make life easier for event organisers around the world by integrating every aspect of race administration, from entry forms online to tyre scanning on track. But the MOM system is far more superior than a basic administration software. Having the ability of calculating your company statistics from sales to race stats, makes the MOM system like no other event management system on the market. The MOM system is split into two sections. The off track section consists of an online portal and allows users to customise their entry forms, handle registrations, calculate statistics and sales, and publish and export data. The on track section carries our administrations, briefings, material checks such as tyres and engines. To avoid common problems with on track registration systems, the MOM system can function with and without internet connectivity by using the MOM server and hardware on race tracks to ensure a flawless result.
IN COOPERATION WITH
WEINBLUM + STAHL
ABOUT THE RACE TRACK The karting track in Genk was opened in January 1981. From then on the circuit in eastern Belgium hosted numerous international events. Especially in the 90ies, the golden age of karting, Genk gained a worldwide reputation since many races were broadcasted by TV. In order to maintain its high standard, the track was rebuilt in 2005. The new circuit was modernized in every way. Today the competition track is 1.360 metres long, counts ten corners and combines demanding chicanes with high speed passages. Two long straights make for many overtaking manoeuvres following some challenging hairpins. Equally the entire complex represents the state of the art in karting: the facilities include a parc ferme area, a shower block, a shop as well as a two storey control tower, a pit building, grand stands, a big outdoor screen, a restaurant, a separate motocross- and RC race track. All this turns Genk into a fantastic venue which welcomes series, drivers and teams from all around the world for more than 35 years now.
Start
ONE MORE YEAR TO ENJOY Over the winter season, I had a long think about my future. Should I graduate to formula cars as a 15-year-old or continue in karts for another season? I must admit that it was very tempting to move up to cars, though. The Netherlands have become part of the Formula 4 Northern European Zone (NEZ) championship, that is growing in strength just like Formula 4 is doing all over the world. In Holland, the F4 movement is led by the KNAF, the Dutch ASN. In 2014, they selected me to be part of their KNAF Talent First programme that helps young Dutch drivers with the development of their careers. Karters Richard Verschoor and Martijn van Leeuwen are the two other talents in this programme. Of course I’m interested in single-seaters but last year I enjoyed my time with the Rotax Max seniors so much that I want to use the forthcoming season to maximise my preparation before I will make my debut in car racing. Taking on the best karters in one of the strongest competitions in the world will be a huge source of education and enjoyment. It was fantastic being able to finish second in both the Rotax Max Euro Challenge and the Rotax US Open senior championships. I was in my first year and only 14 years of age, so it was a huge surprise that I was able to join the title fight. I enjoyed it all immensely, especially since it’s all so well-organised, allowing me to really focus on my driving. But there is still lots to win and learn. I’m convinced that another year Rotax will be the best way to prepare myself for a great career in cars. I have also launched a new English-language website which I will be able to maintain entirely by phone, and is linked to my Facebook and YouTube pages. Please take a look at www.rinusvankalmthout.com Best regards, Rinus
t what age did you start racing and how did you get involved? I’ve had an interest for motorsport and cars since a very early age as a result of my father‘s involvement in the sport. He used to compete in Rally at a fairly high level as well as some endurance racing later in his career and by spending a lot of time together with him in the paddock and in the garage it sort of came naturally to me that this was something that I’d like to do. When he then stopped racing he bought me a go-kart and I started racing at the age of 9, back then of course it was just to have a good time! What is your greatest moment in your racing career? That is a difficult one, there are so many great memories… In terms of results and accomplishments I must say both of the times I finished on the podium in the RGMMC Euro Challenge overall standings as well as the first podium I had in the Porsche. I had barely any experience in cars at the time and hopefully we can climb a few more steps this coming season! Who is your racing idol and why? To be honest I don’t really have a specific racing idol. I do not feel the need of inspiration of that kind, as I am naturally a very competitive person that wants to always improve and make the most out of every situation. However, I do look up to my father a lot, to what he has accomplished and by the way he always supports me in everything. Going from karts to Porsche racing must have been a big leap, firstly how did karting prepare you for this and did you have to change your driving style a lot? I’ve learned most of what I know today through karting, 12
especially from competing on an international level against all the top drivers and teams in Europe. You learn all the basics of racing... everything from car control, to the different driving styles, to the mental aspect and the attitude that is required to be successful in the sport. So for me, by having competed at the top level of karting, the transition wasn’t that hard to do. Of course you have to be able to adapt yourself and apply the knowledge a bit differently as you now drive a 1200 kg heavy car with nearly 500 hp, but the way you work is really all the same. Away from the track, what do you do to prepare yourself for racing? I spend quite a lot of time in the gym, probably six days a week, exercising in form of conditioning and weight training with focus to prepare myself for the racing. It is an interest and a “hobby” of mine as well, so it is something I do on a very serious basis. In addition to the training, I make sure to regularly drive the simulator/video game to prepare myself for coming tests/races. Last but not least, I am doing a lot of coaching in karting both in Europe and in Sweden which also favours me as it allows me to spend a lot of time on-track as well as ensures that I stay sharp. What’s your next three years racing plan? The coming season I will be competing in the Scandinavian Porsche Carrera Cup as well as a few rounds in the German Carrera Cup. Being still fairly new to the Porsche and Rally cars, in general my aim is to win the Scandinavian Carrera Cup and really get up to speed and establish myself with the European/World Porsche-drivers as quickly as I can to hopefully make some good results before the end of the season. It will definitely be a hard task having factory and ex
F1 test-drivers as competitors but at the same time it is a great opportunity for me to prove myself within the industry and the sport. Optimally, for the coming seasons, the aim is to get into the Porsche Junior Programme which offers a lot of support and opportunities to pursue a career as a factory driver.
PHILIP MORIN – EURO CHALLENGE TO PORSCHE CUP
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O D S ` T A RO H W E P ? H T INK TH WE ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF JUNIOR SPORT, IN OUR CASE MOTORSPORT. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A TEAM MANAGER OVER THE DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING OF THESE YOUNGSTERS?
Over the past years, in my point of view, the responsibilities in being a team manager have changed. Whilst before I have been more involved in teaching and educating drivers directly within their driving and technical skills, today I share that responsibility more with their technicians and driver coaches. My job is to ensure that the team works professionally as a team, that qualified key people are in key roles and that decisions are made together based on facts and in the best interest of the drivers. I personally have taken more responsibility to educate the youngsters in terms of social skills; what it takes to be professional and prepared not only for racing, but also in today’s world. As a team manager, I believe that I have to ensure that our youngsters or ‘young grownups’ understand how important it is to maintain communication. Only real dedication and putting the effort in, will lead to success and happiness in the long term. Sometimes I also take the role just being their friend who they can feel free to talk to about their thoughts, fears or even problems they might face.
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It‘s about learning and developing for the future! The winning takes care of itself then! I believe it‘s our job to mentor and guide these young sports stars. This prepares them for the future, by giving them the tools and knowledge to understand and learn how to perform at the highest level – some people confuse this with telling them what to do! We don‘t need to spoon feed children and especially young adults. We need to guide them and help them choose the right ways and develop the best techniques to perform on any given platform in any given situation. Junior karting is NOT always about winning, as much as we would like it to be.
My responsibility as a team manager in karting is that we establish a common ground between driver and the real world out there. Our drivers all have the dream to become the next talent in car racing. With maybe the Formula 1 as an end goal. True; nearly all Formula 1 drivers have their roots in go-karting, and after 16 years as a team manager I get a smile on my face, when I see a name in car racing that I once saw as a young junior driver in karting. However, not all of them will reach their goal. So, my responsibility is, besides giving them a safe environment to develop themselves, is to provide them with the best equipment and support, to the best of our abilities. We also help them to create an understanding that they are already fortunate to be able to participate in these championships, and that not reaching their goal as a professional race driver does not mean that they have failed. An even greater reward for me as a team manager is that former race drivers now still are at the track as coaches and mechanics for the next generation. In our teams we should give them the opportunity to develop themselves for the next level.
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A D VA N C E M E N T
IN
MOTORSPORT
E H T
TOS E D M L O IE C F L E E W LIN FE he Feline Fields Trust is a registered trust that aims to shape the future of conservation by integrating social, environmental and commercial initiatives into a comprehensive, holistic approach to conserving natural resources. Natural areas are under increasing pressure from climate change and anthropogenic activities, resulting in the loss of habitats, resources and biodiversity. Stakeholder investment is key to the success of conservation efforts, so Feline Fields aims to develop cutting-edge projects incorporating the needs of local communities, government, wildlife and tourism ventures.
Education Objectives Ensuring that children in local communities have access to the facilities that they require to learn about the environment is key to Feline Fields’ long-term understanding of conservation. Feline Fields has been pledged the deed for a piece of land in Sexaxa village by the chief of that community so that they can build a Wildlife Education Centre for the children.
The Lodge The Lodge and Spa represents the commercial, private sector component of our organisation, and is the vision of Marjan Blom and Raphael Real del Sarte, two experienced travellers who wanted to actualise their idea of a perfect safari lodge. It is located in a stunning area of pristine wilderness deep in Conservation Objectives the Kalahari landscape that is ubiquitous in the central region Feline Fields recognises the importance of conserving of Botswana. This remote luxury lodge has been designed to natural resources for future generations so that they can minimise its environmental impact, while embodying the inenjoy access to traditional materials, pristine environments and abundant wildlife. They also understand that conserdulgence and comfort that travellers have come to expect from safari destinations in Botswana. Part vation relies upon a large number of stakeThe Lodge of the income generated from lodge guests holders, every one of which must be comcontributes towards funding the activities of mitted to success. One of the most crucial the Feline Fields Trust. They also organise for tasks is instilling a sense of ownership of naKALAHARI local youths to visit the lodge and learn about tural resources into the local communities, employment opportunities in the eco-tourism and making sure that they see real benefits sector, which are not limited to guides and managers, but from conservation efforts. To this end, they engage in educainclude chefs, tent ladies and maintenance staff as well. tion initiatives in village schools, promote careers in conservation-related sectors and filter some of the profit from More information and booking at www.felinefields.com private sector enterprises back into local communities.
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ROTAX MAX EURO CHALLENGE AHEAD OF PRIME SEASON About 150 drivers from over 20 nations 4 events in Belgium, Italy, Spain and France Improved live timing and live stream The countdown has started: From 28th of March to 3rd of April 2016 the ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge kicks-off its new season. For the 13th successive year Europe’s most popular ROTAX series is promoted by Roland Geidel and his RGMMC Group which has always been a warrantor for perfect organisation and professional processes. Over 80 international events have been run by the RGMMC Group and 2016 are many more to follow. he opening round will be held on the 1.360 metres long track of Genk (Belgium) followed by the second stop on the Italian track „Laghi 7“ in Castelletto (Italy) from 9th to 15th of May. The high speed track of Zuera in Spain will mark the second halftime of the season from 18th to 24th of July, before Salbris (France) will host the final round from 22nd to 28th of August. A foretaste was already given by the traditional ROTAX Winter Cup in Valencia (Spain) in February. During this rehearsal the international ROTAX scene already showed breath taking fights on the tarmac while RGMMC set new benchmarks in the field of broadcasting: Apex, the new time keeping partner was introduced, delivering even more
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data to the drivers and mechanics. Equally the display of results never was visualized better: impressive graphics and innovative features make live timing and live stream even more appealing to thousands of viewers all around the world. Speaking about streaming service one has to mention another improvement too. All new HD cameras and a team of cameramen make for most vivid and real pictures during the events, bringing the purest racing action live to your mobile, tablet or PC. Having a look at the subscriptions, the ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge will welcome about 150 drivers for the first round at Genk. Over 20 nations will compete in the three categories of junior, senior, DD2 and the special classification of DD2 Masters.
Start
Date: Distance:
28 MAR – 3 APR 1.360 metres
Junior Gearing:
13/76
Junior Laptime:
57.3 sec
Orientation:
clockwise
Over 50 junior drivers will start at Genk, fighting for the first points of the season. Adam Smalley (Coles Racing) could play a leading role in this category. After winning the Winter Cup, the British youngster belongs to the top favourites. Same applies to his fellow countryman Tom Canning (KR Sport) who finished second at Valencia. But there are many more top drivers such as Axel Charpentier or Mark Kimber (both Strawberry Racing) who look back on a strong 2015 season in the Euro Challenge. Yet these candidates only mark a fraction of the large grid, which surely will come up with some surprising twists in the end. A great show is expected in the senior category. Over 40 drivers are heading for the European crown this year. But the grid not only impresses with its quantity. Drivers’ quality is extremely high too and represents the best of international ROTAX racing. First to mention is Rinus van Kalmthout (Daems Racing): The reigning vice champion of the Euro Challenge is ready for the big hit this year and surely will not be satisfied with the runner-up role again. Yet the Dutchman will not have a walk-over. Winter Cup winner Nicolas Schoell (Strawberry Racing) from Austria or the Turkish top driver Berkay Beslar (Bouvin Power) will give him a hard time. Then there is another name one should keep an eye on: Jack McCarthy (Strawberry Racing) from the UK. The reigning European junior champion will debut in the senior class, challenging the established drivers and as the past has proven, the youngsters are always good for a surprise. The listing of favourites could go on endlessly but finally we have to wait and see what the season start really comes up with. The DD2 category promises a lot of action, too. With around 40 drivers the grid is well-stocked and consists of designated top drivers of ROTAX gearbox karting. The man to be beaten certainly is titleholder Ferenc Kancsar (VPDR). The Hungarian switched the team and is now racing for the successful squad of VPDR. The new combination still has to prove its power but should not be underestimated at all. Kancsar’s hardest opponent could be Edward Brand (CRG SPA). The Brit finished fourth in the
senior category of the 2015 Euro Challenge, now stepping up to the DD2, where he already proved his skills by winning the Winter Cup at Valencia. Alongside there is Brand’s teammate Luka Kamali (CRG SPA). The German not only convinced by some strong Euro Challenge races in 2015 but even took the title in his domestic RMC championship. The Swiss Kevin Ludi (Spirit Racing) is another quick man to be mentioned, always convincing with top results and consistency. Austria’s Constantin Schoell (Daems Racing), Finland’s Ville Viiliainen (VRT), Spain’s Dalmau Caballero Oriol or Britain‘s Barrie Pullinger (Dan Holland Racing) are some more prominent and successful names completing the circle of favourites. As for the Masters classification, the former champions Christophe Adams (GKS Lisette Power) from France and Martin Pierce (Uniq Racing) from Ireland aim to take another title. But they have to watch out for Slawomir Muranski (Wyrzykowski Motorsport). The driver from Poland impressed at the Winter Cup, when he not only won the Masters category but finished third on the podium in the overall grid of the DD2 class. Eventually it could be time for a female champion: Tamsin Germain (DG Racing) is ready for another successful Euro Challenge season which may finally bring the total victory for the British racing lady. The 2016 season of the ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge promises a highly balanced level of competition and most thrilling race action in each category. At last, Genk will unveil the first pacemakers and everyone is invited to join the event live. More information regarding reports, photos, results and live TV stream are available on the official websites www.rotaxmaxeurochallenge.com or www.telemundi.com. To the media: Text and photos are of charge for editorial use. If you need more information or further photos please have a look at our website www.rotaxmaxeurochallenge.com or contact us at info@rgmmc.com.
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Name: Olli Caldwell Birthday: 11 June 2002 Lives in: Stockbridge, England Team: KR Sport
Aim for the season? Top 2 in the championship and a World Finals ticket Racing idol? Sebastian Vettel, he’s an amazing driver and a true gent with it Greatest sporting highlight? Either being a nationally seeded driver at 11 years old or my first formula car test What do you do when you’re not racing? Play computer games Favourite food? Pizza
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Do you compete in other sports? No, but I have a personal trainer 3 hours a week If you described your character on a race track in 3 words what would they be? Keen, focused & fast How would you make karting better? Make the rules stricter regarding contact Favourite thing about racing? The speed and adrenaline rush
GET TO KNOW THE DRIVERS
Name: Thomas Drouet Birthday: 17 November 1998 Lives in: Bétous, France Team: RM Concept
Aim for the season? Be the number one Rotax Senior driver in France and top 10 in the Euro Challenge Racing idol? Kimi Raikkonën Greatest sporting highlight? Top 5 National Series Karting 2015, top 10 Winter Cup Rotax 2016. 3 titles, 5 wins and 27 podiums What do you do when you’re not racing? Go to school, running, and training on rFactor Favourite food? Pasta with chicken Do you compete in other sports? No, because karting takes too much time but I run... alone haha
If you described your character on a race track in 3 words what would they be? First of all, I would say CONCENTRATE, blend out the distractions. Then WORKER and demonstrating HUMILITY. You have to always question yourself How would you make karting better? I think we should remove some categories to make larger fields. This will make races really exciting like those of the Euro Challenge Favourite thing about racing? The cohesion between the different members of a team. This appears to be an individual sport, but many people working in the shadow of a driver, are also important
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O I T
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ROTAX EURO CHALLENGE ROUND 1: THE PREDICTIONS
the Winter Cup. Add to the mix other impressive junior graduates like Tom Gamble, Jack McCarthy and Jonathan Hoggard and you begin to see that there are no clear favourites. But after a first-corner knock ruined his Winter Cup, I told Berkay Besler that – if he keeps driving the way he has been - the wins will come. Prediction: Berkay Besler
COMMENTATOR – CHRIS HARTLEY COMMENTATOR – CHRIS HARTLEY JUNIOR – Tom Canning and the KR Sport team look very strong, but in Spain, Strawberry Racing’s Axel Charpentier and Mark Kimber were the leading lights - right up to the point where they entered the final chicane on the final lap. They were both, I’m sure, hugely frustrated by the subsequent penalties that were dished out; but if they can put that behind them, I see no reason why this tasty inter-team battle won’t continue. Prediction: Axel Charpentier SENIOR – With last year’s champion moving on, there’s no doubt that 2015 runner-up, Rinus van Kalmthout looks well capable of pushing for the title. But Nicolas Schoell was super-impressive en route to victory at
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DD2 – Where to start?! Reigning champion, Ferenc Kancsar is back. Ed Brand, made an astounding start to his first full season in DD2 at the Winter Cup. And, with Aaron Sherlock and Martin Mortensen joining the party, he isn’t the only fast ex-Senior. Then we’ve got regular front-runners Luka Kamali, Constantin Schoell and Kevin Ludi. Oh, and did I mention Barrie Pullinger? So, it’s almost impossible to pick a winner, but I’ll go for someone who increasingly looks the part these days: Ville Viiliainen he has taken podium finishes in the last two RGMMC events and I reckon he has as good a chance as anyone. Prediction: Ville Villanen MASTERS – Undoubtedly, regular front-runners like Martin Pierce, Tamsin Germain, Richard Faulkner and Christophe Adams will be up there. And if it rains (it is Belgium after all), watch out for Winter Cup class winner Slowomir Muranski. But there’s a new kid in town, so to speak, and his name is Cristobal Garcia. He didn’t win Spain, but he looked very quick for the majority of the weekend. Prediction: Cristobal Garcia
KARTING MAGAZINE UK – CHRIS MCCARTHY KARTING MAGAZINE UK – CHRIS MCCARTHY
COMMENTATOR – MATT SUCKLING COMMENTATOR – MATT SUCKLING JUNIOR – Joe was a new name to appear at the Winter Cup for me but the experience was definitely there along with the pace as he set the field alight. He had an unfortunate result in the Pre-Final which left him 31st on the grid for the final but he soon made up ground to grab a top 10 finish at the end of the weekend. Prediction: Joe Phillips SENIOR – It was pretty much new territory for the field at the Valencia track in the Winter Cup, Jack was one who progressed nicely through the weekend to take away a respectable top 5 in seniors. Now it‘s onto Genk and a circuit that he knows very well indeed after claiming last years’ junior title there and finished on the overall podium. Prediction: Jack McCarthy DD2 – I‘m sticking with Ed for the first round of the Rotax Max Challenge after he blew everyone away in Spain, problems in the Pre-Final last time out didn‘t phase him whatsoever as he claimed a superb win in the final. It‘ll be hard to stop him but watch out for a couple of home favourites maybe.
JUNIOR – Tom Canning had a taste of the Euro Challenge last year, but this year comes as a definite title contender. He’s with the hugely competitive KR Sport and after his impressive performance at the Winter Cup I think if luck is on his side this weekend he’ll be on the top step. Prediction: Tom Canning SENIOR – I watched Rinus throughout last years BNL Karting Series and he was listed in the Karting Magazine ‘Top 5 European Drivers 2015’ list. Pound for pound he’s one of the best out there and if his engine problems at the Winter Cup are behind him there’s no doubt he’ll be in with a chance come the last lap. Prediction: Rinus van Kalmthout DD2 – As Karting Magazine’s best rated European driver last year , I think my guess has to be on Ferenc Kancsar for this one. He’s in the form of his life and I’m expecting him to hit the ground running in 2016. Aaron Sherlock now with Strawberry Racing will be an interesting watch. Prediction: Ferenc Kancsar MASTERS – Richard Faulkner is in the very capable hands of Coles Racing and I think their proven ability should see him win this weekend. Prediction: Richard Faulkner
Prediction: Ed Brand MASTERS – Experience should do him well. Prediction: Christophe Adams
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BOOST YOUR
LOGOS, CREATION & HOSTING OF WEBSITES, ANNUAL BROCHURES, NEWSLETTERS, SPONSOR KITS ETC.
Meet us at the Rotax Max Euro Challenge 2016 in Genk 28 March – 03 April 2016
WEINBLUM + STAHL GmbH AGENCY FOR COMMUNICATION DESIGN Berlin | London | Zurich Phone +49 30 2462 7777 info@weinblum-stahl.com www.weinblum-stahl.com
E H O T R T U U E O ABTAX RO
The Rotax Euro Challenge is now in its 13th successful year, organised and promoted by the RGMMC Group. Having seen some great driver’s go through the ranks over the years, countless names come to mind including the first to reach Formula 1 the young Dutchman Max Verstappen – who started his career on the world famous race track Genk, which is also host to the opening round of the 2016 Rotax Max Euro Challenge. Guanyu Zhou well on his way to F1, came to the Rotax Max Euro Challenge series as a junior. Now he is in the Ferrari Driver Academy competing in the 2016 FIA F3 series after much success in Formula 4, where he was team mates with another Euro driver and talent Ralf Aron. Jack Hawksworth first sat in a kart in May 2004, and raced with us at Braga in October 2004 and subsequently several seasons with RGMMC. Jack went on to become a full time professional race driver in the USA driving Indy car and NASCAR. Lando Norris started racing the Rotax Euro Challenge as a junior, demonstrating amazing natural talent from the beginning. None today in the world of karting hasn’t heard of Lando, World and European Champion in KF classes and now showing great promise in single seaters and GT racing storming his way up the motorsport ladder – definitely a name to remember. Apart from drivers now going through the ranks of Formula and GT racing, names like Ben Cooper and
Chris Lock became factory kart drivers in KF categories and proved their talents were second to none by winning some of the most prestigious titles in the world in their first years. Coming from outside of Europe, including South Africa’s own Wesleigh Orr & Cristiano Morgado, both champions which went on to race high levels of single seaters including A1GP. Still in the world of karting, as team managers and driver coaches, you will meet a lot of Euro veterans around the paddock every weekend passing on their skills to the next generation of racing drivers. Motorsport legend Ayrton Senna said “A very important message, go-karting is the best school children can have to learn how to drive. It is a safe and healthy sport, and the speed of competition and challenges are very pure. The young competitors will become the future champions of Formula 1”.
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2015 CHAMPIONS ROTAX EURO Challenge 2015 // Class Juniors
Pos.
No.
Salbris
Laghi
Wackersdorf
Genk
3–5 April
29–31 May
24–26 July
4–6 September
Points Points with
Name
Nat.
Race Team
PRE
FIN
PRE
FIN
PRE
FIN
PRE
FIN
total deduction
Jack McCarthy
GBR
Strawberry Racing
34
55
26
37
29
52
34
50
317
254
1
8
2
34
Fin Keeneally
GBR
Aim Motorsport
31
26
33
50
30
23
33
55
281
228
3
46
Scott Symons
GBR
KR Sport
15
40
31
46
28
26
31
43
260
219
ROTAX EURO Challenge 2015 // Class Seniors
Pos.
Salbris
Laghi
Wackersdorf
Genk
3–5 April
29–31 May
24–26 July
4–6 September
Points Points with
No.
Name
Nat.
Race Team
PRE
FIN
PRE
FIN
PRE
FIN
PRE
FIN
total deduction
1
206
Pierce Lehane
AUS
Strawberry Racing
34
55
20
46
34
55
34
22
300
258
2
219 Rinus van Kalmthout NLD
DAEMS Racing
6
35
34
52
33
48
33
49
290
249
3
263
Strawberry Racing
33
52
8
23
30
50
31
46
273
242
John Steward
GBR
ROTAX EURO Challenge 2015 // Class DD2
Pos.
28
No.
Name
Nat.
1
613
Ferenc Kancsar
2
628
Paolo DeConto
3
648
Roope Markkanen FIN
Race Team
Salbris
Laghi
Wackersdorf
Genk
3–5 April
29–31 May
24–26 July
4–6 September
Points Points with
PRE
FIN
PRE
FIN
PRE
FIN
PRE
FIN
total deduction
HUN BirelART/KMS
34
52
33
52
30
45
34
52
332
257
ITA
CRG S.P.A.
22
44
34
55
33
55
7
48
298
247
VRT
30
21
29
47
31
42
32
55
287
237
21
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F N I
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30
BORN FROM THE WIND TO DOMINATE THE ASPHALT.
The OTK M6 bodywork: as fast as the wind that gave them form and as precise as the calculations that carved their profile. A decisive detail of the Racer 401. Winning, as usual.
M4 -0.40
-0.20
M6 0.00
0.20
0.40
CFD analysis results -0.5 TONY KART by OTK KART GROUP
0.5
A D VA N C E M E N T
IN
MOTORSPORT
RGMMC Limited An der Halde 3, 9495 Triesen Liechtenstein