The Autodrom Èeská Lípa, Sosnova is the selected venue for the third round of the Rotax Euro Challenge this week, making this the eighth nation to host the championship in 5 years. The circuit was first built in 1978 and was then upgraded to international Karting and Rallycross in 1995. The Global Assistance Racing Arena has hosted two times each the 125cc CIK/FIA Trophy, European Championship and ICA / JICA qualifications, as recently as last season.
With vast experience also in organising such events as the World Supermotard Championships twice, together with numerous others including Rallycross, the Autodrom management say they are very proud to offer a high level of quality and friendly service to the 170 participating competitors, their teams and supporters at the upcoming Euro Challenge. The track itself is fast and flowing with eight corners, and unlike any of the other series venues, runs in an anti-clockwise direction.
As the organisers and promoters of the Euro Challenge, RGMMC Establishment are looking forward to round 3, having made the choice to go to the Czech Republic based on the fact that more and more drivers from Eastern Europe are supporting the event. RGMMC’s Roland Geidel explains “We’re quite excited about taking our summer round to Sosnova and cannot be happier with the warm welcome we’ve been given by the local organisation. They have gone out of their way to make sure everything is ready for the arrival of our Euro competitors.” In celebrating its 5th season, RGMMC have also invited all the drivers, pit crew and their guests to a Grill Party at the circuit Friday night.
The championship is alive and well after two rounds, with all classes seeing the points relatively close for the lead. RL Race Team’s Chris Lock is the only one in Senior Max to have been on both podiums this year but needs to do well to strengthen his hold on the series, with the ’07 vice champ Mike Joossens and defending title holder Ben Cooper not far behind in the tally. In Juniors the current World number 1 Kevin Korjus shares 1st place on equal points with his TKP team mate and Euro Rookie Peter Hoevenaars. Their rivals are unfortunately closer than they would like on the championship ladder, so it’s still anyone’s prize for the taking.
The only driver to have dominated the finals so far this year is Leeroy Poulter, racing in the Rotax DD2 with Kalman Motorsport. However, the South African’s not leaving anything to chance – after losing the title last year when he almost had it wrapped-up in the third round. The battle continues for the Max Masters honours, with only one point separating last year’s front runners Jerome Bourquard of BRK, France and current Euro and World Masters champ Colin Davis. There may be an upset on the cards in Sosnova though, if the home track advantage works in favour of Czech driver Radim Feber in 3rd position, who was on the podium in Germany.
Watch the race action live on the internet Sunday, July 27th from 11:00am at www.massive-mag.tv Simply click on "Next Live Events" and go to “Kart Racing”. It gives race fans from around the globe the chance to enjoy the fantastic racing as it unfolds, that normally can only be seen by those lucky enough to be at the Euro Challenge. Kart Data Live Timing continues to be available throughout the weekend online as well from Friday morning practice and qualifying, plus Saturday’s heats and all finals Sunday. For the ‘Timing Live’ link, just go to the official homepage of the Euro Challenge at www.rgmmc.com. |
