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Preview Rotax Mojo Max Euro Challenge round 2 Wackersdorf
Published by Bas Kaligis 17 mei 2007 14:33 - Print | | GERMANY WELCOMES THE EURO CHALLENGE
This week sees the second round of the 2007 Rotax Mojo Max Euro Challenge taking place for the first time in Germany at its biggest karting complex Pro Kart Raceland at Wackersdorf. Located an hour north of Munich, the impressive venue is yet another fantastic inclusion to the series of what is already an outstanding list of host tracks.
Organisers of the European Rotax Championship RGMMC Establishment believe they understand the need for the event to be run at some of the best CIK-FIA homologated venues Europe has to offer. General Manager Roland Geidel explains "It's absolutely vital we ensure the most professional organisation along with the ideal race and event facilities for the drivers and teams at this level of international competition. It's also great for us to be able to bring the Euro Challenge to Germany where karting is a significant part of the motorsport arena."
Pro Kart Raceland was the dream of its owner Stephan Fritsch who managed to make it a reality with the support of the Wackersdorf mayor and other community members. In August 1997 when it was officially opened 15,000 people turned out to see the sensational 7 hectare kartsport complex. It boasts a challenging 1257m outdoor track and massive indoor hire kart circuit that when combined, give the ultimate racing experience of over 2km.
In 1999, Pro Kart played host to a round of the European Championships for ICC and FC which was their first major race meeting. They were later recognised with the international karting federation's award for the 'best organised event' that year. Important national championships are held at Wackersdorf now annually.
Mr Fritsch says that the Pro Kart team is excited about holding the Euro Challenge. "We're looking forward to welcoming all the participants and visitors, doing our very best to provide a smoothly run event that everyone will always remember."
Complete with a professional kart shop and on-site race team, bistro & restaurant, viewing terrace and convention facilities, Pro Kart Raceland has just extended the paddock area including more amenities for the competitors and spectators. A new music club & disco also opened adjoining the complex early this year which will participate in the crowning of "Miss Tuning" at the Euro Challenge on the weekend.
With very few of the drivers being too familiar with the circuit, the 'home track' advantage may not be prominent at this round. In the Senior Max, former British champion James Bean leads the points following the season-opener in France in March. He'd planned to be racing in just the one round but has picked-up some factory support from Intrepid in Italy to contest the entire series. Running 2nd and 3rd to-date are English rivals David Sutton and Ben Cooper, both previous podium winners at the Euro Challenge.
Also racing the Intrepid kart, Mats Van den Brand (NL) is hoping to improve on his 3rd place in the championship last year after claiming the most points in Junior Max at the French event. He also won a recent round of the German Max Challenge at Wackersdorf, setting not only the fastest laptime in the final but also quicker than any of the Senior drivers. However fellow Dutch pilot and World champ Jorrit Pex has other ideas after taking the honours at round one with some excellent driving.
A surprise entry in the DD2 category is defending European champion Wesleigh Orr, expected to give series leader Leeroy Poulter some fierce competition. They've raced against each other in South Africa for 10 years and Orr admits "Leeroy is a great driver and he's going to be a hard man to beat so it's going to be a fantastic challenge for me." The double world title holder was approached by his former team PCR Italy to return to the series in the 2-speed gearbox class. PCR were victorious in winning two of the manufacturers' trophies at last year's event.
Sitting at the top of the points tally in the Max Masters is Colin Davis (GB) closely followed by a couple of experienced French drivers eager to steal his thunder. Now sporting the Kosmic Kart colours, Davis is determined to secure the championship after a narrow margin relegated him to 2nd place at the deciding round in 2006.
Official free practice at the Euro Challenge gets underway Wednesday, May 16th in the lead-up to Friday's timed sessions to determine the grid positions for the qualifying heats Saturday. The second chance eliminators plus all finals take place on Sunday. |
MEER NIEUWS OVER ROTAX MOJO MAX EURO CHALLENGE
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