Already around 180 drivers at Wackersdorf
Already around 180 drivers at Wackersdorf

Already around 180 drivers at...

Already around 180 drivers at Wackersdorf

Already around 180 drivers at Wackersdorf

Roughly 180 drivers representing 20 nations already entered the opening round of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy.
RMC Euro Trophy Entries open for Wackersdorf
RMC Euro Trophy Entries open for Wackersdorf

RMC Euro Trophy Entries open for...

RMC Euro Trophy Entries open for Wackersdorf

RMC Euro Trophy Entries open for Wackersdorf

Registration is now open for the opening round of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy. The four-round championship will kick off in Germany at the Prokart Raceland circuit in Wackersdorf.
RMC Winter Series: Viterbo crowns the Champions of the Winter Series
RMC Winter Series: Viterbo crowns the Champions of the Winter Series

RMC Winter Series: Viterbo crowns the...

RMC Winter Series: Viterbo crowns the Champions of the Winter Series

RMC Winter Series: Viterbo crowns the Champions of the Winter Series

A sunny and mild Sunday marked the conclusion of the Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series, celebrating new round winners and overall champions. Victories on the day went to Oliver Spencer (KR Sport),...
Livestream: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo
Livestream: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo

Livestream: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax...

Livestream: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo

Livestream: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo

The first champions of the 2025 season will be crowned this weekend at the brand-new Leopard Circuit in Viterbo. Located one hour from Italy’s capital, Rome, the circuit will host the final act...
RMC Winter Series: Viterbo, the leaders after heats
RMC Winter Series: Viterbo, the leaders after heats

RMC Winter Series: Viterbo, the leaders...

RMC Winter Series: Viterbo, the leaders after heats

RMC Winter Series: Viterbo, the leaders after heats

The long day of heats at Round 2 of the Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series has just concluded at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo. A damp track pushed the drivers to their limits, delivering plenty of...
RMC Winter Series: Read, Kobakhidze, Mentier, Kristensen and Picot shine in the rainy qualifying at...
RMC Winter Series: Read, Kobakhidze, Mentier, Kristensen and Picot shine in the rainy qualifying at...

RMC Winter Series: Read, Kobakhidze,...

RMC Winter Series: Read, Kobakhidze, Mentier, Kristensen and Picot shine in the rainy qualifying at...

RMC Winter Series: Read, Kobakhidze, Mentier, Kristensen and Picot shine in the rainy qualifying at...

The qualifying day and first heats have just concluded at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo, which for the first time is hosting a round of the RMC Winter Series.
Results: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo
Results: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo

Results: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax MAX...

Results: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo

Results: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo

The first champions of the 2025 season will be crowned this weekend at the brand-new Leopard Circuit in Viterbo. Located one hour from Italy’s capital, Rome, the circuit will host the final act...
Live timing: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo
Live timing: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo

Live timing: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax...

Live timing: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo

Live timing: Round 2 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Leopard Circuit in Viterbo

The first champions of the 2025 season will be crowned this weekend at the brand-new Leopard Circuit in Viterbo. Located one hour from Italy’s capital, Rome, the circuit will host the final act...
Winter Series Champions to be crowned in Viterbo
Winter Series Champions to be crowned in Viterbo

Winter Series Champions to be crowned in...

Winter Series Champions to be crowned in Viterbo

Winter Series Champions to be crowned in Viterbo

The first champions of the 2025 season will be crowned this week at the brand-new Leopard Circuit in Viterbo. Located one hour from Italy’s capital, Rome, the circuit will host the final act of...
RMC Grand Finals 2025 the ultimate showdown returns to Bahrain
RMC Grand Finals 2025 the ultimate showdown returns to Bahrain

RMC Grand Finals 2025 the ultimate...

RMC Grand Finals 2025 the ultimate showdown returns to Bahrain

RMC Grand Finals 2025 the ultimate showdown returns to Bahrain

BRP-Rotax is thrilled to announce that the RMC Grand Finals 2025 is set to take place once again in the magnificent Kingdom of Bahrain! From November 29 to December 06, 2025, the world’s best...
Sunday live streaming coverage: 2025 Rotax Max BNL Karting Series - Round 1 at Karting Genk
Sunday live streaming coverage: 2025 Rotax Max BNL Karting Series - Round 1 at Karting Genk

Sunday live streaming coverage: 2025...

Sunday live streaming coverage: 2025 Rotax Max BNL Karting Series - Round 1 at Karting Genk

Sunday live streaming coverage: 2025 Rotax Max BNL Karting Series - Round 1 at Karting Genk

Live-timing 2025 Rotax Max BNL Karting Series - Round 1 at Karting Genk
Live-timing 2025 Rotax Max BNL Karting Series - Round 1 at Karting Genk

Live-timing 2025 Rotax Max BNL Karting...

Live-timing 2025 Rotax Max BNL Karting Series - Round 1 at Karting Genk

Live-timing 2025 Rotax Max BNL Karting Series - Round 1 at Karting Genk

The BNL KartingSeries is back and ready to kick off an epic season! Karting Genk “Home of Champions“ will be the place to be during the first round of the 18th season of the BNL Karting...
2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga
2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury...

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga

2025 Rotax National Cup heads to Albury Wodonga

Karting Australia can confirm that the 2025 Rotax National Cup will be hosted at Albury Wodonga Kart Racing Club on September 13-14.
RMC Winter Series: Championship standings update
RMC Winter Series: Championship standings update

RMC Winter Series: Championship...

RMC Winter Series: Championship standings update

RMC Winter Series: Championship standings update

The first round of the Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series is now in the books. Four thrilling finals delivered excitement and surprises, also shaping the overall standings.
RMC Winter Series: Spencer, Sejersen, Bishop, Bezel and Picot win in Cremona
RMC Winter Series: Spencer, Sejersen, Bishop, Bezel and Picot win in Cremona

RMC Winter Series: Spencer, Sejersen,...

RMC Winter Series: Spencer, Sejersen, Bishop, Bezel and Picot win in Cremona

RMC Winter Series: Spencer, Sejersen, Bishop, Bezel and Picot win in Cremona

A day full of emotions marked the end of the first of two rounds of the Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at Cremona Circuit.
Livestream: Round 1 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Cremona Circuit
Livestream: Round 1 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Cremona Circuit

Livestream: Round 1 of the 2025 Rotax...

Livestream: Round 1 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Cremona Circuit

Livestream: Round 1 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Cremona Circuit

The stage is set at the Cremona Circuit for the highly anticipated first round of the Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series. Approximately 200 drivers will battle it out on the Lombardy-based track,...
RMC Winter Series: Sun and exciting battles in Cremona
RMC Winter Series: Sun and exciting battles in Cremona

RMC Winter Series: Sun and exciting...

RMC Winter Series: Sun and exciting battles in Cremona

RMC Winter Series: Sun and exciting battles in Cremona

A sunny day set the stage for the race heats of Round 1 of the Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at Cremona Circuit.
Relentless rain at Cremona Circuit as first heats conclude
Relentless rain at Cremona Circuit as first heats conclude

Relentless rain at Cremona Circuit as...

Relentless rain at Cremona Circuit as first heats conclude

Relentless rain at Cremona Circuit as first heats conclude

The Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series opening round is well underway at Cremona Circuit, where the rain shows no signs of stopping. The first heats have been completed, setting the stage for an...
First polemen of the year in a rainy Cremona
First polemen of the year in a rainy Cremona

First polemen of the year in a rainy...

First polemen of the year in a rainy Cremona

First polemen of the year in a rainy Cremona

The 2025 season is officially underway, and a rainy Friday has crowned the first polemen of the year.
Results: Round 1 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Cremona Circuit
Results: Round 1 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Cremona Circuit

Results: Round 1 of the 2025 Rotax MAX...

Results: Round 1 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Cremona Circuit

Results: Round 1 of the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series at the Cremona Circuit

The stage is set at the Cremona Circuit for the highly anticipated first round of the Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Series. Approximately 200 drivers will battle it out on the Lombardy-based track,...
Mike van Vugt with JvD Power to win the Rotax Euro Trophy Open and his Grand Finals ticket to Sarno

Published on Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Mike van Vugt with JvD Power to win the Rotax Euro Trophy Open and his Grand Finals ticket to Sarno

The defending Euro Trophy Junior MAX title holder, BNL champion and Rotax world number 3, Mike van Vugt, took a convincing victory at the Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy Open in Belgium to secure the first Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals 2019 ticket to be awarded in Europe this season. The 14-year old Dutch driver from the JJ Racing team and geared-up by JVD Power, put in a strong performance at the Karting Genk circuit to come out on top for the win in a very competitive junior field last weekend.

After taking pole position in the official timed practice Saturday by almost 2-tenths over P2 in the field of 39 drivers, Van Vugt was definitely well-positioned for the qualifying heats that afternoon. He won both races to top the rankings at the end of the day, also setting fastest lap in each of his sessions to be starting on pole for the first of the Junior MAX finals Sunday. “It was really a good weekend,” the leading JJ Racing youngster said. “The speed was already there in free practice. We were quickest in qualifying by 0.182 seconds and won both heat races. We had a good set-up with the JVD Power engine and kart package from the JJ Racing team, working together with Jacco, Jeffrey and my mechanic Gerhard.”

Lining up on the front row, Van Vugt eventually lost out in the 13-lapper by a narrow margin to finish second, but not without a fight! With the front row start positions swapped between for Final 2, it was another close race for places from the lights, as the pair diced for the lead before a local team driver came between them. With the Exprit kart of Van Vugt heading the field, the pressure was on with every corner. As the clock counted down 11 minutes and the final lap unfolded, it was Mike who took the deserving victory and posted another best time overall at the first ever Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy Open event, adding yet another title to his career.

“The competition is higher than last year when I won the series and it’s been good racing here. In Final 1, I had a great battle with the other guys around me, which was really difficult. In the last final we didn’t have the best set-up, but still managed to take the win with Thom Reinaerdts on our tail. I had the self-belief this weekend that I could win and that is the main thing. Thanks to the support of my team JJ Racing, JVD Power and my mechanic, my family and everyone else.”

The teenager is no stranger to the 1,360 metre-long Genk track, but neither are his closest rivals, who were all racing for the major prize this time around – to guarantee their place on the grid at the Rotax Grand Finals at the Circuito Internazionale Napoli in Italy this October. “My main goal in 2019 is to go back to the Rotax Grand Finals and win! I’m not satisfied with the third place from Brazil last year, so I am happy now that I have won my ticket and can focus on my racing season.”

When asked about the next international event of the Rotax Euro Trophy, the young champion has a lot of positive feelings about the first round of the 2019 series at the end of May, adding that “Adria is a cool track. I like it a lot and it’s something a bit different. It should be good!”

Jacco Van Dijk from JVD Power has many years of experience working in the karting industry as a Rotax Authorised Service Centre and is extremely dedicated to ensuring all his drivers have the confidence in their engine every day when they are on track. With numerous titles as well to his credit from seasons of success at national and international events, such as the Rotax Euro, BNL, Dutch Chrono RMC and even more…JVD Power remains a proven front-runner in every class. With the 2019 season underway, the optimum results and the championship points are crucial.

This victory was another special result and another example of what JVD Power is all about. Being trackside to personally support competitors and help them work through any challenges, while being there to share their successes, is a rewarding aspect of giving drivers a chance to win. “Mike did a good job to win this weekend. He is a promising young driver who may not have all the opportunities that many others do and he still has a lot to learn, so this is another step closer to what we believe he can achieve,” Jacco explained. “We’re able to provide the best Rotax engine package for our drivers to be at the front and it’s nice to see Mike on the podium again.”

 

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