Mr Schielein, the German Electric Kart Championship (DEKM) recently published its new race calendar for 2020. Did you find it challenging to organise?
Oliver Schielein: It goes without saying that it was initially difficult to finalise dates due to the coronavirus pandemic. But we have now accomplished it and we have been able to put together an attractive schedule of events. It is important that we now make preparations to ensure optimum safety – as long as we are granted the official permits. After all, the DEKM is an international event and we need to have guarantees that drivers can travel here from abroad so that the races can run smoothly.
Can you tell us more about the safety and hygiene measures you will be taking?
At the DEKM, we have the benefit of centrally fielding all-electric karts. We take them, equipment included, to the race tracks in a transporter. We can regulate entry to the awning, where the karts are stored and serviced, at all times. This will guarantee that there will never be too many people in the awning at any one time. The rules on social distancing and face masks will also apply within the awning. Plenty of disinfectant dispensers will be provided here. What is more, we are in close and constant contact with the authorities, the German Motor Sport Federation (DMSB) and the track operators regarding these issues.
Let’s bring it back to the race calendar: Can drivers look forward to just as varied a schedule of events as originally planned?
The answer to that question is a resounding yes! We have the same number of races as we were planning at the start of the year, just in a different order. Our races will be held as part of the German Karting Championship (DKM) on four of the dates, and as part of the Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy on one of the dates. During the official test days in Kerpen, Germany in early August, drivers will be given the opportunity to test the new high-performance Project E20 e-kart from BRP-Rotax.
What awaits the 2020 DEKM Champion?
He or she will win a test day in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport as well as several training programs from Porsche Motorsport. The winner, runner-up and a DEKM driver picked at random will also be invited to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals.
Is registration still open?
Yes. The DEKM has put together the attractive Arrive & Drive package for young motorsport talent. The entry fee for the entire season is EUR 12,900. This includes use of the electric kart, its transportation, the driver’s racing suit, workspace in the team awning, entry fees, electrotechnical support and much more. You can find more information and the online registration form at www.dekm.de/en.
2020 DEKM race calendar
05 – 06/08/2020 – Official test days in Kerpen
07 – 09/08/2020 – Kerpen / DKM
28 – 30/08/2020 – Mülsen / DKM
04 – 06/09/2020 – Wackersdorf / RMCET
25 – 27/09/2020 – Wackersdorf / DKM
16 – 18/10/2020 – Ampfing / DKM