Superb debut for new Rotax Max Challenge Euro Trophy
Gunskirchen, April 24, 2018 – From April 20 – 22, the premiere of the newly-introduced Rotax
MAX Challenge Euro Trophy welcomed almost 120 participants from around the world to the
first edition of the 2018 series at the 1,360 metre circuit of Karting Genk – ‘Home of Champions’
in Belgium. The three-day international event was run under summery conditions, while fans
both trackside and watching anywhere on the livestream, experienced exciting racing action in
all four categories – Junior MAX, Senior MAX, Rotax DD2 and DD2 Masters. Although there was
a brief thunderstorm on the final day, the RMC Euro Trophy enjoyed a fantastic kick-off.
Junior MAX: Triple podium for the Netherlands
The 41-field Junior class displayed a well-balanced competition, already evident from Saturday’s qualifying
session. With 37 of the young drivers separated by a gap of less than one second only, it was Kris
Haanen (JJ Racing) at the top of the timesheet who established the benchmark. In the heat racing, the
Dutchman confirmed his form to defend the lead position in the overall rankings. However, the tide
turned for Haanen in the finals on Sunday, when he dropped back in the last race and failed to play any
decisive role for podium positions.
Kobe Pauwels (Daems Racing) took hold of the reins in the first final, with the local hero taking victory
by a gap of 0.206 seconds ahead of Dutch driver Mike van Vugt (JJ Racing) and Mads Riis (RS Competition)
from Denmark. In the closing final, Pauwels showed his confidence and excelled in the slippery
conditions following an earlier shower of rain. Unfortunately, a post-race penalty for technical nonconformity
omitted the Belgian.
This meant that Sem van Til (Intrepid) inherited the race victory ahead of his fellow countrymen Mike
van Vugt and Colin Caresani (JJ Racing). In the total ranking for the day, Van Vugt prevailed as the
Junior Max winner, with Van Til then Caresani in second and third place respectively on the podium.
Senior MAX: Morin victorious and shares race wins with Timmermans
With 47 entries, Seniors marked the largest grid of the weekend. In the beginning, it was the Belgian
Nick Cuppens (Daems Racing Team) who set the fastest lap in qualifying by an impressive time of
54.748 seconds. He dropped down in the points by the end of the heat racing and opened the way for
the Brit Bradley Barrett (Dan Holland Racing) and another local favourite Dylan Lahaye (Exprit).
Barrett and Lahaye set the pace in the initial stages of final 1, but then collided and lost all chances of a
good result. Hannes Morin (Dan Holland Racing) took advantage of the incident, with the Swede assuming
the lead and defending his position to the chequered flag. Mick Nolten (Exprit) followed in second
place, missing out on the win by just 0.069 seconds, while keeping Max Timmermans (Tony Kart)
behind him in third place.
In the second final, there was no stopping Timmermans, grabbing the lead and surging away from his
opponents for a clear victory ahead of Hannes Morin and the Swedish lady Mathilda Olsson (Strawberry
Racing). Morin collected the most points in total and was rewarded with the winner's trophy ahead of
Timmermans and Nolten.
Rotax DD2: Martin Mortensen in a class of his own
In the 2-speed gearbox category, Martin Mortensen (RS Competition) turned on a brilliant performance.
The Dane was unbeatable to post best time in qualifying, pole position after the heats and two victories
in the final races, making him the outstanding driver of the weekend.
Behind the dominant winner, Germany's Maxi Fleischmann (FM Racing) did a remarkable job as well.
Although an oversight in selecting the regulation fuel resulted in a heat race DQ, Fleischmann fought
bravely in the finals Sunday and managed to claim second place in both, thus taking the same position
on the podium.
The battle for third saw Xen de Ruwe (AKK Sportstil) from Belgium and the Finn Roope Markkanen
(Flandria Kart Baltics) as protagonists. While De Ruwe had the lead in the first final, Markkanen was up
there in the second one. In the daily classification, De Ruwe succeeded and claimed the last podium
place.
In the additional classification of the Rotax DD2 Masters, Poland's Slawomir Muranski (Wyrzykowski
Motorsport) and Belgium's Christophe Adams (Sodikart) shared the finals victories. However, Muranski
scored better in the daily ranking and consequently won ahead of the former world Masters number 1.
The German Michael Becker (Tony Kart) completed the podium in third position.
RMC Euro Trophy organizer Meik Wagner was clearly satisfied with the championship debut: "I think
that we had a great premiere! The feedback from the drivers was very positive and the collaboration
with the teams was most encouraging. The races were exciting, fair and without any significant incidents.
I would like to thank everyone involved and look forward to the next round of the Rotax MAX
Challenge Euro Trophy."
Registration is now open for all competitors wanting to be part of the challenge at round 2 of the European
championship taking place at Kristianstad in Sweden from June 8 to 10.
More information regarding reports, photos, results and livestream videos is available on the official series
website at www.rotaxmaxchallenge-eurotrophy.com
About BRP-Rotax
BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, a subsidiary of BRP Inc., located in Gunskirchen, Austria is a leader in the
development and production of innovative 4- and 2-stroke high performance Rotax engines for BRP
products such as Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain, side-by-side
vehicles and Can-Am Spyder lineup as well for motorcycles, karts, ultra-light and light aircraft. In the last
50 years, the company has developed more than 350 engine models for recreational vehicles and produced
over 7 million engines.
www.rotax.com
www.rotax-kart.com
About BRP
BRP (TSX:DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing
of powersports vehicles and propulsion systems. Its portfolio includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles,
Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am off-road and Spyder vehicles, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion
systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. BRP supports
its line of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and clothing business. With annual sales of
CA$4.2 billion from over 100 countries, the Company employs approximately 8,700 people worldwide.
www.brp.com