CIK-FIA European Superkart Championship, Assen (NL) 10-12 August 2007
Karting in the Superlative
Is the number 60 becoming the common denominator of CIK-FIA European Superkart Championship events? The fact remains that this figure, which constitutes the maximum number of eligible drivers at each event, is regularly reached: there were 60 starters last May in Magny-Cours (France) and they will be as many on the starting grids in Assen (Netherlands) on 10-12 August 2007 for the second leg of the European tour of 250 cc karts.
As the years went by, Assen, with its very popular race called “Rizla Racing Day”, has become the favourite summer meeting place of Superkart drivers who are galvanized by the presence of a crowd estimated at a minimum of 25,000 spectators. A distinctive feature is that the meeting treats the public to a rich and varied programme which comprises motorcycle, Formula 3, Touring Car, GT and Superkart races.
The Briton Gavin Bennett will arrive in a leading position at the “TT-Circuit” of Assen, armed with a 20 points lead over the Frenchman Damien Payart in the provisional championship classification. Although they have one win each under their belts, Bennett managed to finish both races in Magny-Cours, unlike Payart who was betrayed by his engine, hence the former’s solid leadership.
Tipped to be among the main candidates for the title, the Swede Stefan Malm has not yet opened his score as he failed to finish any race in Magny-Cours. Another competitor who knows what being in the front line is all about, Britain’s Mark Owens, met with the same fate. These two have got to get it right if they want to keep alive any hope of landing the title, and they are determined to make a recovery at the Dutch event. This foursome of favourites could also be joined by the British drivers Malcolm Crowe (who won the non-championship race held as a curtain-raiser to the French Formula One GP), John Riley (2005 European Champion) and Lee Harpham, as well as the Dane Poul Petersen and Sweden’s Michael Wärn and Thomas Johansson.
Friday 10 August will be dedicated to free practice and the first qualifying practice. The second timed practice session will be held on Saturday 11 August, and both Races are scheduled for Sunday 12 August. The classifications of the Assen leg of the CIK-FIA European Superkart Championship will be published live during the event on the CIK-FIA website: www.cikfia.com. |
