The RGMMC Paddock Magazine No. 3

No. 003

MAY 2016

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U E X O A W T T O R CE A R

CASTELLETTO 2016

Pro`s Opinion

// Dan Holland

// Euan Jeffery

// Piers Sexton Driver Interviews // Matthew Latifi // Marko Andreas Muru

RGMMC NEWS // Telemundi Media

KEVIN LUDI // Driver-Interview

THE PADDOCK MAGAZINE IS THE WAY TO STAY CONNECTED TO WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE RGMMC’S RACE PADDOCKS. ANY TEAM OR DRIVER WITH NEWS IS MORE THAN WELCOME TO SEND IT TO US TO PUBLISH. Every RGMMC organised event will have another issue, sharing information and 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.

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CO ABOUT US

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RGMMC NEWS

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TELEMUNDI MEDIA

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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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FELINE FIELDS - OUT IN THE WILD

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RACE PREVIEW

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DRIVER INTERVIEWS

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PREDICTIONS

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THE EURO SO FAR

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INFORMATION 30

 rgmmc.com  info@rgmmc.com

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twitter.com/RGMMC

 telemundi.com

Design and visual concept by Weinblum + Stahl www.weinblum-stahl.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.

GET TO KNOW THE RGMMC TEAM KRIS LAMBRECHT – RGMMC OFFICIAL CHIEF STEWARD In 1980 when I was 18 years old, I started in rally’s. Firstly, working as a mechanic for a Swedish driver, then 2 years as a co-driver in Belgium and then after I raced myself in national and International races. Then in 1999 at my home rally, I had a huge accident, so I decided to go to the other side and begin to work as a steward in my national federation in Belgium. Here I actually got my training from the RGMMC’s official steward for many years Olivier Steveny, who is rated one of the best in the world and also was from Belgium. Many stewards from federations do not enjoy working in karting because of the high volume of work compared to other forms of motor racing. Nevertheless, I fell in love with karting, especially watching the drivers grow up and make careers in racing. It’s a wonderful feeling. As a national steward I began doing the RGMMC races in Belgium, and one day Roland Geidel asked me to be the official series steward together with Horst Seidel.

As a steward, our job is to be a judge. We receive reports from clerks and judge of facts, and with this information make our decisions according to the CIK-FIA regulations. Sometimes it’s easy, but sometimes we have difficult cases. The benefit at RGMMC events is that we have up to 30 cameras to help us with our judgements. We can also use this footage to help educate drivers to understand their mistakes.

When judging, it’s very important to follow the rules, so drivers and managers respect the decisions you make. After 10 years working as a steward in karting, they know you and trust in your decision. Only with clarity I make a decision.

THE RGMMC TENT The RGMMC Group strongly believes an important driving force behind karting is the effort and attendance of the driver’s parents. Therefore, we always come up with ways we can assist the parents and give more back. Our latest step is the RGMMC tent. In a time where having a good internet connection is vital, we at RGMMC understand the need to stay connected. We have now pur-

chased a second internet satellite which will be built up, and exclusively given use to the parents to stay connected to their lives off the race track. In addition, we will have screens set up to display live timing and the live Telemundi high quality TV feed.

You are all welcome to come in and enjoy RGMMC’s extra service we are happy to provide for you.

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ELEMUNDI Media is a newly formed sports filming company with a goal – to change the way the public sees karting as a sport and create an entertaining show that will attract viewers not familiar with the karting world. TELEMUNDI is made up of a crew of five, which includes two camera men, one editor, one producer and one handy man. The Rotax Winter Cup was the first event TELEMUNDI filmed in karting. This was used as a test to know how to improve and provide a better quality show for the opening round of the Rotax Max Euro Challenge in Genk.

Now going into the second round of the Euro Challenge, TELEMUNDI has stepped up the game, created a new structure and planning and really looks forward to show its efforts to the public. After months of preparation, firstly creating a new graphic TV software together with Apex timing, testing countless amounts of hardware and creating the “show plan”, the difference will be there.

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GET TO KNOW OLEG – TELEMUNDI CAMERA MAN

Born in the Soviet Union, raised in Greece, now lives in Brussels Studied photography in university Travelled the world for 2 years Hobbies include movies…...A lot of movies!

“The pressure in filming kart races live is different compared to anything else. You can’t make mistakes, they only race once and the viewers are depending on you. The most important is to be comfortable and let the camera be part of you.

It’s like a dance!”

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ABOUT THE RACE TRACK Castelletto kart track is one of the best known CIK-FIA international homologated kart tracks in Italy.

Having had an amazing amount of highly prestigious events held on the complex over the years, few of the top drivers in the world have not competed here. Known for its overtaking opportunities and fast flowing corners, Castelletto makes a great track to test the driver’s ability and race craft. The race always goes on until the last corner, not forgetting one of the most exciting moments in a Rotax event when the Dutch driver Lars Lamborelle went from 3rd to 1st on the last corner taking his first ever Euro Challenge victory on a Gillard kart.

The kart track and complex opened in 2002. Unique compared to many kart tracks as it allows a multitude of activities including, jet skiing, super moto and a rally track. The track in Castelletto is best known as “7 Laghi� which translated means 7 lakes. Surrounded by beautiful lakes, well known for carp fishing and nature parks, which attract many tourists every year. A great place to park up, chill out and enjoy exciting racing!

Start

TOUGH COMPETITION This season’s Rotax Max Euro Challenge competition is tough again! Having endured a difficult weekend at Genk I still managed to salvage third place in the final, and I’m very happy about that. With so many talented drivers, it’s going to be a great season. And I have some more good news: I will be joining the RGMMC in the IAME X30 Euro Series, a new challenge with a very fast engine!

It was a tough weekend for me in the Rotax Max Euro Challenge season opener at Genk. Qualifying didn’t go according to plan, so I had a lot of places to catch up in the heats.

Fortunately, I was able to move up from 17th to third (and the podium!) in the final. With this amount of talented opposition, I have no doubt that this is going to be a very exciting season.

In this second round at Castelletto, I want to be right up there in qualifying. I’m very much looking forward to this technical track. Last year, I did well with a win in the pre-final and second place in the final. I think that after the first two events we will be able to determine who is going to fight for the championship. I will have to perform at my absolute best to be among the title candidates.

I’m very pleased that we decided to expand our karting activities to the X30 Euro series. This quick karting category will be at Castelletto next week and at Zuera at 14–17 July.

I can’t wait, since this will be a great new challenge in a very fast kart.

As part of the KNAF Talent First program I joined a Formula 4 test at Valencia in early April. It went very well and provided me with yet another great experience. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to really enjoy my karting this year while also allowing myself the time to prepare myself well for my step up to car racing. I’m really happy that I decided to focus on karting for one more year, it’s such a great sport!

Best regards, Rinus www.rinusvankalmthout.com

fter years of racing the Rotax Max Euro Challenge, Kevin Ludi from Switzerland makes it in the top step of the podium in DD2 at the opening round in Genk / Belgium. We caught up with Kevin after the race to find out more about his journey in motorsport.

You have been in karting for a long time, tell us how did you get involved and what has kept you in the sport for so many years?

My father was a race driver before, so when I was 7 years old, he bought me a mini kart and in that moment everything started. It is a passion and in the same time my occupation to work and drive in this industry. I also worked to get better and better every year, to get where I am today.

Now you are not only racing, you are also working in the motorsport industry. Tell us about your day to day activities and how it helps you be a better driver?

Yes, my daily activities are different every day. On some days I work together with young kids to coach them and push them to reach their goal and on some other days I work for the Spirit Racing Team as a mechanic. Additionally, I have my races and practices to always improve our equipment.

If you could give advice to new drivers coming into the sport, what would that be?

I would tell everyone who has the option to start or try karting, to do so. Always important is to have a goal where you want to be in the future and work hard on it.

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INTERVIEW WITH KEVIN LUDI

What are your aims and goals for the next 5 years?

Just being successful at what I am doing as a race driver or as a coach or mechanic and always work to bring our team to the top.

How do you think drivers today compare to the drivers you have raced with and trained over the years?

Yes, I raced with some many good drivers so it’s difficult for me to really make comparisons. I would say that at the moment there is a higher level in the Rotax races than before.

The reason for this is that everybody works hard and there is not a big difference between engines and chassis anymore, so it is a lot more about the driver skills than before.

Motorsport all the way up to Formula 1 have difficulties today because of many reasons. What do you think the biggest problems are in karting and what could the karting industry do to improve the sport?

It’s definitely difficult to go up to F1 because it depends a lot on money or on having a big name behind you who can push you far. I am also not a big fan that every 14 or 15 year old kid is already going into the formel car. For me that is way too early and also quite dangerous for them.

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O D S ` T A RO H W E P ?

H T INK TH DURING A RACE, WHEN YOUR KART IS IN PARC FERME AND THE TYRE CHOICE IS LEFT OPEN – WET OR DRY. WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO YOUR CHASSIS SET UP, TYRE CHOICE AND PRESSURES?

My approach may annoy my mechanics but I don’t like to be rushed into the decision regarding if it’s going to be wet or slick tyres.

It’s also not just the case of tyres as you are also likely to be needing to adjust the sprocket and kart setup. I try to leave the decision on the tyres as late as possible. The first thing I ask for, and continue asking for constantly is updates from the mechanics on how long before grid gates close. As the track conditions might be developing one way or another. As soon as I’m confident we can commit to a tyre and setup I give the instruction and the mechanics work with speed and calmness to make the changes.

In changeable weather conditions, of course the priority is to pick the correct tyres for the conditions. If we are able to make this call early enough, the next priority would be to do the gearing change followed by kart set up. Tyre pressures can be adjusted on the grid so I leave it to the mechanic to ensure they have plenty of pressure in the tyres ready to set them at the final call.

I also like to know what tyres other drivers have opted for. Sometimes this can help make our decision on tyres. If a championship rival has already committed to a tyre choice, we may follow this depending on points and what round or race it may be.

I think if the track condition is 50/50 there’s no point being the only one driver on slick tyres if everyone is on wets as if it’s the wrong call you’re going to be last, so in this scenario it’s probably wise to go with the majority rather than trying to be the hero!

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This is the $1,000,000 question that never has the same answer twice.

I’d say its all about really trying to read the weather conditions and anticipate what’s coming. It’s never an easy thing but it’s about testing on the tracks and knowing the tyre pressure and the set up’s in every possible circumstance. May it be sun, rain or even snow it’s always important to drive and learn the tracks in each condition. It’s not just down to luck!

The first thing I do is look what direction the clouds are going in, and think how much it might rain.

Then you basically have 3 options depending on the amount of rain, stay on slick with a wet set up, or wets on a dry set up, or if it’s raining heavy go full wet. Regarding the tyre pressures in my opinion it’s more dependent on the air temperature than the amount of rain.

I prefer to give the mechanics as much time as I possibly can. We prepare all the tyres with more air than we need so we can do the pressures on the grid. Every mechanic is given the sprockets with correct chain in advance in their tool boxes to minimise confusion in the heat of moment. All my drivers take their wet suits with them just in case, so they don’t panic in the case they need it. Communication with the mechanics is vital in that moment. I will calculate what they can do in the given time and make sensible decisions, as a priority is to take part in the race. The primary objective is to get the right tyres on the kart. If time is given, we will change in the order of gearing and then chassis. Of course depends, as various changes take less time to do. I advise the drivers to study the track on the rolling up lap to see dry lines puddles etc. and feel the grip within the track through the use of the steering and brakes. But finally it depends on how much it’s raining, how windy it is, and what position you are on the grid. For example, if you are last and it may dry out you may opt for slicks, but if you are on pole you might play it safer. There is a lot of variation here.

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S D ILD L E I F E W E H N I T L IN E F T OU he Lodge at Feline Fields, located in the middle of nowhere Kalahari, is one of those few places on earth where people have a chance to truly disconnect from everyday life. Surrounded by infinite and absolute pristine nature, with only the gentle and mysterious sounds of the bush to lull you to sleep in the evening, it is a magical place.

This pioneering project firstly created as a financial support for wildlife conservation and education for the local villages surrounding The Lodge, turns out to be one of the most luxurious and inventive lodges in Botswana.

regularly as well. For the more sportive ones amongst us, there are plenty activities that will keep them busy for a while.

Practice your swing on the only golf practise set in the bush, play tennis on the termite mount tennis court, work out in the lovely bush gym with a whole range of up-to –date fitness machines. And of course guests could also grab one of the two indestructable Fat bikes parked in front of each suite and do a lovely bycicle tour guided by our guides, which is an extremely pleasant way to discover the bush. Every visit of a guest will generate a 30 USD donation, which is included in the price, to the Feline Fields Trust, which then will be employed to support for example the schoolbus driving daily 60 schoolchildren to school, organise wildlife talks at primary schools and educative weekends which will introduce children to eco-tourism, wildlife management and wild conservation.

The suites are simply homes away from home, guests could easily spend their whole day in the suites which are roomy, with 180 degrees view over the Kalahari landscape, private The Lodge is also unique for its location near pools and beautiful en suite bathrooms, and The Lodge one of the last authentic « Bushmen » villages not even feel the urge go out for a game drive. at the Aha Hills, or rather the San . Guests If one feels to do a game drive, even in the who stay longer than 3 nights are guaranmiddle of the afternoon, our game viewers KALAHARI and guides are there to take you for a lovely teed to go on a luxurious Flycamp, with bush drive to discover the particular beauties of showers, a bush lounge area, dinner under the Kalahari. Our policy is; guests are invited to make their the stars and to enjoy and even participate if desired to the own planning, no schedule, no obligations. Everyone should spiritual Trance Dance of the Bushmen, the „ oldest people be able to be on holidays at his ones own pace. This is no Big on earth“. After a peaceful sleep in the middle of the bush, Five area, but in fact guests can learn to know rare species guests will wake up to take a delicious beakfast and a busonly present in this typical landscape, such as the Brown hwalk with the Bushmen to learn how they managed to surHyena, aardvark, African Wild cats, and from time to time vive for thousends of years under the extreme conditions of a pack of wild dogs. But more common species such as lethe Kalahari desert, a life altering experience. opards, elephants, steenboks and zebra s do come in quite

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RISE BEFORE DAWN TO SEEK ADVENTURE AND SUNSET WILL FIND YOU EVERYWHERE AT HOME.

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ROTAX MAX EURO CHALLENGE: NEXT STOP ITALY There are only a few days left until the ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge goes for the second round of the year. From 9th to 15th of May 2016 Italy marks the next stop of Europe’s unique ROTAX series. The organising RGMMC Group expects full grids in the three categories of junior, senior and DD2.

cene of action will be the beautiful karting circuit „7 Laghi“ at Castelletto Di Branduzzo. As its name implies (seven lakes) the 1.256 metres long track is situated right within a lake district not too far away from Milan, providing a good opportunity to combine a few days of holiday with the racing weekend. Castelletto will not only be the second stop of the year, but marking the halftime race of the season. And there is another fact making the event outstanding: Italy is always a very special event since it represents the sporting and economical home of kart racing.

All told the ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge will give its sixth appearance in the country of pasta, pizza and dolce vita.

After the season opener at Genk revealed the first pace-

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makers of the year, everyone is excited if the favourites will confirm their performances, especially since one celebrated double winners in each category during the first round in Belgium.

Having a look at the upcoming competition of the juniors, Axel Charpentier (Strawberry Racing) is the hunted. After his double win at Flanders, he clearly leads the championship. Yet Dutchman Glenn van Berlo (Hugo Moorsport) is close at his heels missing only four points. But even the other chasers such as Finland’s Lauri Leppa (VRT) or the British duo Oli Caldwell (KR Sport) and Mark Kimber (Strawberry Racing) – not to forget ROTAX Winter Cup winner Adam Smalley (Coles Racing) already left a mark.

Date: Distance:

09–15 May 1.256 metres

Rotax Gearing:

12/76

Junior Laptime:

50.7 sec

Orientation:

Start

clockwise

With his double triumph at Genk Nicolas Schoell (Strawberry Racing) plays the leading role in the senior class.

The youngster from Austria is only racing his first senior season and was able to stand up against the established and more experienced opponents immediately. Surely that was not a flash in the pan. But he will not be given a walkover either. His hardest opponent comes from the same team: Gary Donnelly (Strawberry Racing) was the only one at Genk who kept the winner’s pace. Let’s see if the Irishman is ready to hit the jackpot this time. Moreover Sam Marsh (Dan Holland Racing) from the UK and Belgium’s Glenn van Parijs (Bouvin Power) follow in the championship table right behind, both aiming for more than supporting roles. That applies to the reigning vice champion Rinus van Kalmthout (Daems Racing). The Dutchman is racing his last karting season and wants to take his leave victoriously.

Austria’s Constantin Schoell (Daems Racing), Denmark’s Martin Mortensen (RS Competition) and Switzerland’s Kevin Ludi (Spirit Racing) were the outstanding DD2 drivers of the opening event, taking the top in turns throughout the weekend. Yet Kevin Ludi did the best job, winning both the prefinal and the final, thus celebrating his first Euro Challenge win ever. Consequently that success will quicken him on Italian soil. Backlash will come from Poland’s

Lukasz Bartoszuk (CRG S.P.A.) and Barrie Pullinger (Dan Holland Racing) from the UK, who are following in second and third place of the table.

When it comes to the special classification of the DD2 Masters Martin Pierce (Uniq Racing Team) is the prey.

By his double win at Genk, the former Masters champion gained a lot of points, but it is nothing to rest on. His Irish fellow countryman Richard Faulkner (Coles Racing) is not too far behind and third placed Slawomir Muranski (Wyrzykowski Motorsport) mustn’t be underestimated, especially not after his great performance at the ROTAX Winter Cup. All told the ingredients promise a very exciting show at „7 Laghi“. Everybody is invited to join the race action as RGMMC offers a full range with live streaming, live timing and social media coverage. 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: Matthew Latifi Birthday: 18 December 2002 Lives in: Toronto, Ontario Team: Chapman Racing

Racing idol?

Lewis Hamilton Greatest sporting highlight?

When I became the Canadian National Champian in 2012 What do you do when you’re not racing?

Enjoy sports such as soccer, tennis, skiing Favourite food?

Pasta

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Do you compete in other sports?

Soccer If you described your character on a race track in 3 words what would they be?

Smart, calm, aggressive How would you make karting better?

It would be great if everyone had equal equipment Favourite thing about racing?

Competition

GET TO KNOW THE DRIVERS

Name: Marko Andreas Muru Birthday: 18 November 2003 Lives in: Tallinn, Estonia Team: Aix Racing Team

Aim for the season?

To get as good places/results as possible and to get experience in Junior class since I started competing in this class this year Racing idol?

Peter Solberg in rallycross Greatest sporting highlight?

Rotax Winter Cup 2016 in Valencia 7th place in Rotax Junior class, Rotax Euro finale 2014 6th place in MiniMax class What do you do when you’re not racing?

I am a student

Favourite food?

Good steak Do you compete in other sports?

Yes, I compete in rallycross in Junior class and car modeling during winter time If you described your character on a race track in 3 words what would they be?

Focused, fast and stable How would you make karting better?

I would make things more equal Favourite thing about racing?

Speed and thrill

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ROTAX EURO CHALLENGE ROUND 2: THE PREDICTIONS

SENIOR – As well as being very quick, Gary’s a natural born racer - but knows when to be patient too. I think that will suit the sometimes frantic nature of the competition in Italy. While some of last year’s Junior graduates like Nicolas Schoell and Rinus van Kalmthout have been catching their eye, Gary’s quietly gone about his business and is every bit as capable of going for the title.

Prediction: Gary Donnelly DD2 – Fifth place in Belgium was a solid start to the defense of his title, but I’d have thought it’s highly unlikely that Ferenc Kancsar will be happy to keep picking up solid results. He came second in both the pre-final and the final in Italy last year and so we know he’s got the pace. And, with a little ground to make up in the points table, he’ll have his sights set on victory.

COMMENTATOR – CHRIS HARTLEY

JUNIOR – While it wouldn’t be accurate to claim that Axel dominated in Belgium, it would be fair to say he had that all-important edge over his rivals. There were notable performances from Glenn van Berlo and Lauri Leppa, amongst others and – though the final ended in disappointment – newcomer, Adam Smalley continues to impress. Castelletto will provide an entirely different set of challenges of course, but given how well he’s driving, it’s hard to see Charpentier being dislodged.

Prediction: Axel Charpentier

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Prediction: Ferenc Kancsar MASTERS – There’s nobody in the Masters division with a better pedigree than this hugely experienced former world champion. He had an excellent start to the year in Belgium and all the evidence points to another Piercing performance...

Prediction: Martin Pierce

KARTING MAGAZINE UK – CHRIS MCCARTHY

COMMENTATOR – MATT SUCKLING

JUNIOR – Another stand out performance came from Axel in Belgium as he did a sterling job of doing the defensive drive throughout both of Sunday’s points scoring races, the Brits were noticeably quick but had their fair share of problems including Adam Smalley, Joe Phillips and Tom Canning but if they can put them to one side then maybe a win can be on the cards.

Prediction: Axel Charpentier SENIOR – Nicolas Schoell grabbed another win for 2016 after his winter cup victory in February but the rest are starting to catch up. One man who clawed his way through every heat at Genk was Sam Marsh who can surely carry it on in Italy.

Prediction: Sam Marsh DD2 – After a disappointing season for Martin Mortenson in 2015 he certainly wasn’t phased by it at round 1 as he stormed to two heat wins in the new to him DD2 class but bad luck struck on Sunday with a couple of incidents. A real contender for this years championship and definitely a strong chance of a win next time out.

Prediction: Martin Mortenson MASTERS – Quality not quantity is the story for masters this year and that was put on show in Belgium as Martin Pierce shone brightly to not just win the class but mix it in the top 10 overall in the final race...

JUNIOR – If Mark Kimber can get a good set of heats I think row one or two start will be on the cards.

From there a win will be very possible. The Brits look like they are going to once again crowd the top 10 in terms of the championship and I think his biggest challengers will come in the shape of Tom Canning and championship leader, Axel Charpentier.

Prediction: Mark Kimber SENIOR – Coming away 27th in the championship really means Berkay can afford no more bad rounds. I’ve always been a fan of his and can see him making a big impact at Castelletto! If he can stay out of trouble I see no reason why he can’t win come Sunday.

Prediction: Berkay Besler DD2 – I backed Ferenc Kancsar last time and a 5th place was a great result for him, but I think there could be a surprise package this round in the shape of Irish man, Aaron Sherlock. He’s in with Strawberry Racing and after a bad qualifying showed great pace, especially in the final. I followed Aaron in the BNL series last year and he had no problem going toe to toe with Kancsar.

If he has a good qualifying there’s no reason why, with a bit of luck, he can’t finish on the podium!

Prediction: Aaron Sherlock MASTERS – From one Irish man to another! After a hugely impressive round one, Martin Pierce surely has to be a favourite to win the Masters category. He showed fantastic pace all weekend and if he can repeat that at Castelletto I think the top step could be calling him!

Prediction: Martin Pierce

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O R EU E R H A T F SO The ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge finished a successful season opener at Genk.

Some thrilling final races of the three categories of juniors, seniors and DD2 did not only entertain the spectators but thousands of live stream viewers from all around the world.

After the start of the final, Axel Charpentier had to leave way to Glenn Van Berlo, equally having a lot pressure from behind. The lead changed a few times between Van Berlo and Charpentier until the race approached its decisive stage. Up to 20 youngsters closed the gap to the leading group and a big fight began. This was when Charpentier seized his chance to pull away, leaving his opponents behind. Finally the Brit took the second win of the day, crossing the line over seven seconds in front of Glenn Van Berlo and Adam Smalley. Yet the latter was given a time penalty due to unfair driving which threw him back to 19th place. So Lauri Leppa inherited the last podium place ahead of Oli Caldwell and Mark Kimber (Strawberry Racing).

Nicolas Schoell was in control of the final race, too.

Although he had to struggle with his opponents the first laps – even losing the lead shortly – the Austrian showed no weakness and defended the top against all chasers during the 17 laps race distance. By a secure gap of 1.294 seconds, Schoell saw the chequered flag first in front of his teammate Gary Donnelly. The fight for the third place was far more open. Up to 8 drivers aimed for the last podium position and in the end it

was the reigning vice champion Rinus van Kalmthout (Daems Racing) conquering the third place. Sam Marsh finished fourth ahead of Frenchman Thomas Drouet (RM Concept).

In the final, Kevin Ludi and Barrie Pullinger set the pace at first. Both headed away from the grid until they began fighting by halftime. Consequently Mick Wishofer, Lukasz Bartoszuk (CRG S.P.A.) and the reigning DD2 champion Ferenc Kancsar (VPDR) closed the gap. An exciting final spurt began and Ludi seized the chance to pull away. Metre by metre the Swiss bunked off and finally took his longed for victory. Almost two seconds behind him Bartoszuk asserted himself in second spot in front of Wishofer and Pullinger. Kancsar finished on a conciliatory fifth place, regarding that he started the weekend with 34th place in the qualifying due to technical problems. As for the DD2 Masters, Martin Pierce (Uniq Racing Team) was a class of his own. He celebrated both wins, in the prefinal and the final. On the podium Slawomir Muranski (Wyrzykowski Motorsport) from Poland and Dennis Kroes (Team Kroes Goedsign/JVD Power) from the Netherlands completed the top three.

27

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS ROTAX EURO Challenge 2016 // Class Juniors

Pos.

No.

Genk

Castelletto

Zuera

Salbris

28 Mar – 3 April

9 –15 May

18 – 24 July

22 – 28 August

Points

Name

Nat.

PRE

FIN

PRE

FIN

PRE

FIN

PRE

FIN

total

1

88

Alex Charpentier

GBR

34

55

-

-

-

-

-

-

89

2

49

Glenn Van Berlo

NLD

33

52

-

-

-

-

-

-

85

3

36

Lauri Leppa

FIN

30

50

-

-

-

-

-

-

80

ROTAX EURO Challenge 2016 // Class Senior

Pos.

Genk

Castelletto

Zuera

Salbris

28 Mar – 3 April

9 –15 May

18 – 24 July

22 – 28 August

Points

No.

Name

Nat.

PRE

FIN

PRE

FIN

PRE

FIN

PRE

FIN

total

1

216

Nicolas Schoell

AUT

34

55

-

-

-

-

-

-

89

2

266

Gary Donnelly

IRL

33

52

-

-

-

-

-

-

85

3

205

Sam Marsh

GBR

31

49

-

-

-

-

-

-

80

ROTAX EURO Challenge 2016 // Class DD2

Pos.

28

Genk

Castelletto

Zuera

Salbris

28 Mar – 3 April

9 –15 May

18 – 24 July

22 – 28 August

Points

No.

Name

Nat.

PRE

FIN

PRE

FIN

PRE

FIN

PRE

FIN

total

1

609

Kevin Ludi

CHF

34

55

-

-

-

-

-

-

89

2

644

Lukasz Bartoszuk

POL

29

52

-

-

-

-

-

-

81

3

606

Barrie Pullinger

GBR

32

49

-

-

-

-

-

-

81

21

N O I T A M

R O

F N I

ON TRACK INTRANET LIVE TIMING (NO 3G OR 4G REQUIRED)

1. Step Connect to live timing WIFI network.

4. Step Open Safari or web browser and type in www.rgmmc.com, it will automatically redirect you to the live timing app.

2. Step Apple devices may require you to deactivate auto-login.

3. Step Deactivate auto-login on Apple devices.

For internet live timing Open the event website and click on the live timing link. OR In your web browser fill in the URL: http://www.apex-timing.com/live-timing/rgmmc/index.html Watch live TV at www.telemundi.com

30

WINNING EMOTIONS RACING KART

KAROL BASZ - 2015 CIK-FIA WORLD KF CHAMPION

KOSMIC KART by OTK KART GROUP

KOSMICKART.COM

A D VA N C E M E N T

IN

MOTORSPORT

RGMMC Limited An der Halde 3, 9495 Triesen Liechtenstein