Kart Republic: A sensational collection of podiums and a title at Sarno
The WSK Super Master Series came to a close at the Naples International Circuit in Sarno. As was the case at the three previous events in Lonato, Cremona and Franciacorta, many drivers equipped with KR chassis proved to be competitive. KR Global Motorsport Company is delighted to have counted no fewer than 10 drivers on the podium, either thanks to their performances in the Finals or at the end of the series. In addition to the victories in OK-Junior and Mini U10 at the foot of Vesuvius, the Italian brand took one Champion title and three runner-up titles.
OK-Junior: a brilliant run for Niklas Schaufler with DPK Racing
Already a solid overall leader before Sarno, Austrian Niklas Schaufler was keen to finish in style, adding another victory to his tally. He was at the top of the order in the dry heats, and led the Final from start to finish on wet tyres. The DPK Racing team made the right choices in all conditions. In the leading group throughout the meeting, Dean Hoogendoorn (AKM Motorsport) took advantage to move up to 3rd in the WSK Super Master Series. The Dutchman put in a fine Prefinal performance in 2nd place ahead of his team-mates Filippo Donanzan and Remigiusz Samczyk! A Mini driver a year earlier, Iskender Zulfikari (KR Motorsport) can be proud of having taken pole position and won a heat at the top level.
Oleksandr Bondarev, OK vice-champion
Pole-sitter, winner of two heats and leader of the intermediate standings, Oleksandr Bondarev (Prema Racing) was clearly a contender for victory in Sarno. Beaten honourably in a very wet Final, the young Ukrainian secured 3rd place, enabling him to finish runner-up. Very close to his team-mate, Hanna Salim finished 5th in both the Final and the series, while David Cosma Cristofor (KR Motorsport) took 7th place.
KR chassis shines in OK-N Junior
Since the debut of this new category in international events, the Italian chassis has been very consistent on the podium. At Sarno, Valerio Viapiana finished in the top three for the third time in this WSK Super Master Series, which earned him 3rd place in the OK-N Junior series. Viapiana is a member of the Driver Racing Kart Team, which placed three other drivers in the top ten: Sebastian Frigolet, Nujus Stasionis and Justin Di Lucia. Giuseppe Piccolo (GPM Racing Kart) was 9th.
Remarkable Mini performances
After winning the Group 3 Prefinal, Daniel Miron Lorente (Team Driver Racing Kart) was still in with a chance of taking the crown. Conditions changed in the Final, however, with the return of slicks on a track that was still full of traps. Miron Lorente was unsuccessful in his quest for victory at Sarno, but his magnificent start to the season enabled him to reach the podium and claim the runner-up spot in the series. The effectiveness of the KR '950' chassis was confirmed the following day with a hat-trick of victories in Zuera, Spain, on the opening day of the IAME Euro Series in the X30 Mini!
Lucas Palacio, a promising Mini U10 talent
Already a winner at Cremona, Lucas Palacio did it again at Sarno. Runner-up, just six points behind the winner, the young driver from the United States can only regret his accident at Franciacorta, which prevented him from taking part in the third round of the series and perhaps scoring the points he needed to win the title. Lucas has very little experience of racing in the rain and came through it very well. Rocco Simone (Fusion Motorsport) won a heat, but was hoping for more from his Final race.
A comment from Dino Chiesa, head of KR Global Motorsport Company
"The Kart Republic factory has drawn an extremely positive balance from the WSK Super Master Series 2024. We were competitive in all categories and the overall results were excellent, with a total of five podiums, including a championship title and three vice-championships. This competition had a 'Winter Series' feel to it, but it's now over and we're already very focused on our next objectives. The conditions are bound to be different and we mustn't be too quick to claim victory. We have a lot of work ahead of us, with different circuits, different temperatures and different tyres. In the meantime, we must congratulate Luca de Donno and his team for organising the WSK Super Master Series, which has brought together a large number of drivers at the start of the season."