Now in its sixth season, the championship that is easily considered one of the best worldwide in Rotax racing, takes the competition to sunny Spain for the first round of the series this weekend. Event organisers and promoters RGMMC Establishment, has continually looked for new, interesting circuits to introduce to the championship. Zuera offers the Rotax drivers the same opportunity to race where some of the CIK categories will also compete later this year, with the likes of the European Championship and WSK Series, followed by the World Championships in 2010.
Zuera International Circuit in the north-east of the country close to the city of Zaragoza will play host to the event that has become a benchmark for the four Max classes that are so closely contested. The relatively new track is an incredible 1700 metres in length, situated around half-way between the Spanish capital Madrid and Barcelona on the coast. Not only does it provide the ideal weather for some great racing at this time of the year, but with Zuera as the selected location, it gave many of the drivers and teams the advantage of being able to do some additional testing in conjunction with the recent Rotax Winter Cup in southern Spain.
Director of Operations for the outstanding venue Parco Arnal, together with his team, are looking forward to seeing the Euro Challenge competitors totally enjoying the experience. “We have a huge paddock area and restaurant trackside, but we also believe the safety aspect is vital in ensuring a successful event. Our circuit gives the chance to drive on a long CIK Homologated track with all the best facilities, which will hopefully encourage more drivers to want to participate in the Euro Challenge the following year.”
The level of racing has consistently grown, with this year being no exception. It’s really not surprising then to find 150 drivers from an extensive list of countries coming to round one of the championship, when 14 places will be awarded for the Euro qualifiers to go to the Rotax Grand Finals at Sharm El Sheik, Egypt (December 9-12). It’s a known fact that the majority of the podium winners all vying for the Rotax World titles have competed in the Euro Challenge series.
With a strong contingent lining-up in the Zuera meeting, there are some unfamiliar faces making their Euro debut in today’s qualifying practice sessions. The defending champions in each class have progressed to other levels of racing or pursuing their career in cars, while the Junior Max sees some of the youngsters stepping up as well to seniors or making the move to Formula racing. A fully subscribed field in the Rotax DD2 class should turn on some nail-biting competition in the 2-speed gearbox category, with the current Rotax Grand Finals and European number one looking to make 2009 a double-take on last season.
RGMMC Establishment has added yet another exciting new feature to the Euro that is keeping race fans glued to the internet. The latest space to watch is RGMMC’s IP TV that can be found by going to www.kartworld.tv where you can see event highlights, interviews and other informative video clips throughout the weekend, updated at regular intervals until the prize-giving ceremony on Sunday. With practically everyone having access to the net today, the choice to opt for IP TV gives more people the chance to see the Euro Challenge online whenever and wherever they want… and it’s all free to air!
The Kart-Data Live Timing now accompanied by live commentary coming to you direct from the venue, can also be found at the official homepage of the Euro Challenge at www.rgmmc.com. So, with the scene set for a fantastic weekend of racing, settle-back and stay updated at www.rgmmc.com for all the action as we bring it to you from Zuera in Spain. |
