Superkarts! USA announces removal of pushback bumper for three SKUSA Pro Tour classes
Superkarts! USA announces removal of pushback bumper for three SKUSA Pro Tour classes

Superkarts! USA announces removal of...

Superkarts! USA announces removal of pushback bumper for three SKUSA Pro Tour classes

Superkarts! USA announces removal of pushback bumper for three SKUSA Pro Tour classes

The 2026 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour is set to begin in one month, traveling to the Musselman Honda Circuit over the weekend of March 27-29 for the 2026 SKUSA WinterNationals. It will be the third trip...
Kalì Kart 2026 chassis line-up: three models built to cover every racing need
Kalì Kart 2026 chassis line-up: three models built to cover every racing need

Kalì Kart 2026 chassis line-up: three...

Kalì Kart 2026 chassis line-up: three models built to cover every racing need

Kalì Kart 2026 chassis line-up: three models built to cover every racing need

Like CRG, Kalì Kart continues to follow a philosophy of continuity with its 2026 Racing chassis range. For the upcoming season across all major national markets and international competitions, the...
Registration Opens for the ADAC Kart Masters 2026
Registration Opens for the ADAC Kart Masters 2026

Registration Opens for the ADAC Kart...

Registration Opens for the ADAC Kart Masters 2026

Registration Opens for the ADAC Kart Masters 2026

The ADAC Kart Masters will return to the German karting calendar in 2026. With the opening of registration, the official starting signal has now been given for the comeback season of this...
Energy Corse and Krutogolov on top of the podium already in 2026
Energy Corse and Krutogolov on top of the podium already in 2026

Energy Corse and Krutogolov on top of...

Energy Corse and Krutogolov on top of the podium already in 2026

Energy Corse and Krutogolov on top of the podium already in 2026

The new karting season has just begun, and Energy Corse has already celebrated its first victory. At La Conca in southern Italy, during the first round of the WSK Super Master Series, Lev Krutogolov...
Happy Holidays, KartXpress wishes you a healthy and successful 2026
Happy Holidays, KartXpress wishes you a healthy and successful 2026

Happy Holidays, KartXpress wishes you a...

Happy Holidays, KartXpress wishes you a healthy and successful 2026

Happy Holidays, KartXpress wishes you a healthy and successful 2026

Happy Holidays, KartXpress wishes you a healthy and successful 2026
Karting Champions League now welcoming 2026 Winter Series Entries
Karting Champions League now welcoming 2026 Winter Series Entries

Karting Champions League now welcoming...

Karting Champions League now welcoming 2026 Winter Series Entries

Karting Champions League now welcoming 2026 Winter Series Entries

Drivers from the national and international realms of X30 and KZ karting are now welcome to enter the Winter Series of the 2026 Karting Champions League, the championship that offers the ideal way for...
Numerous International Teams registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy
Numerous International Teams registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy

Numerous International Teams registered...

Numerous International Teams registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy

Numerous International Teams registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy

Just a few days after entries opened in early December, a strong number of teams have already registered for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy, promoted by CRG and scheduled for March 14–15 at the...
2025 Prokart Challenge Championship podium finishers honored
2025 Prokart Challenge Championship podium finishers honored

2025 Prokart Challenge Championship...

2025 Prokart Challenge Championship podium finishers honored

2025 Prokart Challenge Championship podium finishers honored

The 21st season of the ProKart Challenge concluded this past October, completing the five events with six rounds of competition for the Superkarts! USA regional program. Eleven different class...
ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change
ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change

ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change

ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change

ROK Cup Italia 2026 – calendar change

The 2025 ROK season came to the end with the Rok Festival, which took place on November 29 and 30 at the Franciacorta Karting Track, and now all attention is on the 2026 ROK calendar.
24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than once in 2026!
24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than once in 2026!

24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than...

24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than once in 2026!

24 Hours Spa Karting: twice rather than once in 2026!

The 24 Hours Spa Karting is returning! Although the 2025 edition could not take place, organiser One Day Karting has decided to make up for it in 2026 with two events: one with a Sodikart fleet on 13...
Australian Hamish Campbell finishes seventh at  FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup
Australian Hamish Campbell finishes seventh at  FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup

Australian Hamish Campbell finishes...

Australian Hamish Campbell finishes seventh at FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup

Australian Hamish Campbell finishes seventh at FIA Arrive & Drive World Cup

The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will take place on March 15 in Castelletto (Italy)
The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will take place on March 15 in Castelletto (Italy)

The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will...

The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will take place on March 15 in Castelletto (Italy)

The 24 Hours Karting of Italy 2026 will take place on March 15 in Castelletto (Italy)

In recent days, CRG officially announced the date and location of its flagship rental event: the 24 Hours Karting of Italy will be held on March 14–15 in Italy at the Castelletto di Branduzzo...
New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE Series launches in style
New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE Series launches in style

New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE...

New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE Series launches in style

New beginnings in Abu Dhabi as the UAE Series launches in style

The Champions of the Future Academy Program UAE Series made its debut at the Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi, opening a new chapter for RGMMC’s global arrive-and-drive...
Superkarts! USA confirms location for 2026 Winter Series
Superkarts! USA confirms location for 2026 Winter Series

Superkarts! USA confirms location for...

Superkarts! USA confirms location for 2026 Winter Series

Superkarts! USA confirms location for 2026 Winter Series

Since its inception in 2018, the Superkarts! USA Winter Series has been situated in the state of Florida, hosting events at Ocala Gran Prix, AMR Homestead-Miami Motorplex Presented by MG Tires and,...
ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and calendar
ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and calendar

ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and...

ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and calendar

ROK Cup Italia 2026 - Previews and calendar

With the 2025 ROK season coming to an end, all eyes are already on 2026, a year that promises to be exciting thanks to new developments and unmissable events!
Birelart: Korus Group is Born
Birelart: Korus Group is Born

Birelart: Korus Group is Born

Birelart: Korus Group is Born

Birelart: Korus Group is Born

The Group brings together eight leading Italian companies in an integrated motorsport ecosystem: the first capable of bridging the worlds of karting and racing cars.
Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart Championship
Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart Championship

Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart...

Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart Championship

Dates confirmed for 2026 Australian Kart Championship

Karting Australia is pleased to confirm the dates for the 2026 Australian Kart Championship, setting the stage for another exciting season of top-level competition across the nation.
A major sporting and organizational success for the 2025 Rental Kart World Contest
A major sporting and organizational success for the 2025 Rental Kart World Contest

A major sporting and organizational...

A major sporting and organizational success for the 2025 Rental Kart World Contest

A major sporting and organizational success for the 2025 Rental Kart World Contest

New format, same outstanding success for one of the most prestigious events in CRG’s Rental calendar: the Rental Kart World Contest. The 2025 edition of this renowned international meeting,...
Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart Challenge
Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart Challenge

Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart...

Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart Challenge

Final Winners of 2025 Decided at ProKart Challenge

The 2025 season concluded for the ProKart Challenge following the action on October 11-12 at the K1 Circuit. The Winchester, California, facility welcomed the Superkarts! USA regional program to close...
Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting
Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the...

Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

Results: 2025 ROK Cup Superfinal at the South Garda Karting

The 23rd edition of the ROK Cup Superfinal, from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th October at the South Garda Karting track in Lonato, is on its way, and more drivers from all over the world will take...

Alpha Karting keeps developing and strengthens its goals for 2021

Alpha Karting keeps developing and strengthens its goals for 2021 Read more

Strengthened by its experience and partnerships established in 2020 with successful and renowned teams, the Alpha Karting brand keeps growing through the integration of new partners including KPR in Ile de France. 2021 will be a turning point for the Alpha Karting brand which also centralizes its logistics services in Nantes. This move goes with ensuring continuity in the services and support provided to its customers.

Rotax South Africa: A new dawn for Karting

Rotax South Africa: A new dawn for Karting Read more

It is with great excitement that we announce a new dawn for karting - Karting SA  (sanctioned by World of Motorsport South Africa - WOMZA). For far too long, the Rotax Max Challenge Series has been subjected to unpopular regulations and changes by MSA and its appointees which often are not even involved in karting at all. We are therefore creating a dedicated karting regulating body that listens to karters, clubs, promoters, circuits, etc. when making decisions.

CRG extends the agreement with Rasmus Joutsimies for 2021

CRG extends the agreement with Rasmus Joutsimies for 2021 Read more

CRG is pleased to announce the renewal of the contract for the 2021 season with the OK driver Rasmus Joutsimies. The Finnish driver did an excellent job in 2020 with the official team, culminating with the 8th place at the FIA ​​World Championship and CRG management decided to extend the collaboration also for the 2021 season to give continuity to a work that is going on in the right direction.

Botho G. Wagner has passed away at the age of 85

Botho G. Wagner has passed away at the age of 85 Read more

Botho G. Wagner, the man on the left in the photo above, has passed away on 3rd January 2021 at the age of 85. He had been a karting enthusiast from the very beginning and a true “primary rock” of the discipline in his country. Notably, he had participated as a driver in the first race organised in Germany, on 24 April 1960 in Wiesbaden.

NGM Motorsport moves to CRG

NGM Motorsport moves to CRG Read more

CRG is pleased to announce a new important technical collaboration agreement with the NGM Motorsport team, which from the 2021 season will use CRG technical material in all categories and championships in which the team will take part. In particular, the collaboration with CRG will be very close for the KZ2 category, in which the Venetian team will line up three drivers of undisputed value: Giacomo Pollini, Natalia Balbo and Leonardo Bizzotto. NGM Motorsport is a very important reality in the field of national and international karting and boasts in its palmares various Italian titles and two prestigious placings in FIA events: 3rd place in the KZ2 World Cup last year and 2nd place in the European Championship 2018.

WKA Celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2021

WKA Celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2021 Read more

As the sport of karting ages, more milestones come up on the calendar each year.  One prominent achievement is the Golden Anniversary of the World Karting Association.  Established in 1971, the WKA will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2021.  To celebrate and bring recognition to the plateau, WKA has officially launched the 50th Anniversary Logo, which will brand the organization throughout its Golden Anniversary year.

Where is Rok Cup running in 2021?

Where is Rok Cup running in 2021? Read more

The calendar is ready now and we are glad to announce where and when the Rok Cup will be run in 2021. The calendar includes 7 Rok Cup Italia races, in which all categories will be present, and three races of the Campionato Italiano ACI-Rok for Rok Senior and Rok Junior alongside the Mini Rok class with a dedicated trophy.

CRG confirms the 24 Hours Karting of Italy in Adria

CRG confirms the 24 Hours Karting of Italy in Adria Read more

CRG and Adria Raceway have extended their partnership for the organization of one of the most successful Kart Endurance events: the 24 Hours Karting of Italy. After three editions held on the Adria track, which had a great success in terms of organization and participation of teams, also in 2021, the event will be held on the Venetian track on the weekend of 13th and 14th of March.

Glenn Keyaert leaves CRG

Glenn Keyaert leaves CRG Read more

At the end of the year, the team manager of the CRG Racing Team, Glenn Keyaert, will leave the Italian company. This is a professional choice of the Belgian technician who, after 9 years in CRG, decided to undertake a new work experience in a different company of the karting sector.

Robert de Haan and Maurice Henry win 2021 Ginetta Junior Scholarship

Robert de Haan and Maurice Henry win 2021 Ginetta Junior Scholarship Read more

Robert de Haan and Maurice Henry have been crowned joint-winners of the 2021 Ginetta Junior Scholarship, the first time in the event’s history that two drivers have emerged with the prize of a fully-funded season in the championship.

Alex Irlando signs with CRG

Alex Irlando signs with CRG Read more

CRG has made official the first piece of its drivers’ line-up for 2021 by announcing Alex Irlando for the KZ category. The agreement with the Apulian driver is part of a large project to strengthen its Racing Team, which CRG is undertaking especially for the KZ categories.

Livetiming: 25th "Ayrton Senna" Trophy at Sarno, Naples International Circuit

Livetiming: 25th "Ayrton Senna" Trophy at Sarno, Naples International Circuit Read more

The 'Ayrton Senna' trophy with the 2020 edition reaches the milestone of twenty-five consecutive editions through the collaboration of the main manufacturers: Otk (TonyKart / Vortex), IPK (Prague / FormulaK), CRG and BirelArt, which together with the Naples International Circuit have set up a nice karting program.

Results: 25th "Ayrton Senna" Trophy at Sarno, Naples International Circuit

Results: 25th "Ayrton Senna" Trophy at Sarno, Naples International Circuit Read more

The 'Ayrton Senna' trophy with the 2020 edition reaches the milestone of twenty-five consecutive editions through the collaboration of the main manufacturers: Otk (TonyKart / Vortex), IPK (Prague / FormulaK), CRG and BirelArt, which together with the Naples International Circuit have set up a nice karting program.

New date and venue confirmed for British Kart Championships finale

New date and venue confirmed for British Kart Championships finale Read more

The 2020 Motorsport UK British Kart Championships (BKC) season will be concluded in December, as the final round of Honda and Rotax classes will be played out at Whilton Mill in Northamptonshire on 19/20 December.

Rotax South Africa - Reaction to webinar of Kart Working Group presentation by MSA on 17 November 2020

Rotax South Africa - Reaction to webinar of Kart Working Group presentation by MSA on 17 November 2020 Read more

Rotax South Africa is also not supportive of the strategy presented last night as it does not consider the wishes of the karters in general and more specifically the Rotax owners that represent over 70% of all karting starts this season. The proposals are also Gauteng-centric, where we prefer to factor in the voices of all the regions around the country.

Nice finals make the 31st Andrea Margutti shine

Nice finals make the 31st Andrea Margutti shine Read more

Confirmations and surprising results at the Andrea Margutti Trophy in Castelletto. The victories went to Senna Van Valstijn in KZ2, Alex Powell in OKJ, René Lammers in International MINI, Clement Outran in X30 Junior and  Edoardo Ludovico Villa in  X30 Senior.

Covid cluster impact on karting in South Australian

Covid cluster impact on karting in South Australian Read more

Following the announcement of new COVID Restrictions by South Australian Premier Steven Marshall on Monday afternoon in response to the Parafield Gardens COVID-19 cluster, the SA Kart Championship scheduled for this weekend has been cancelled.

Great spectacle at the 31st Andrea Margutti Trophy

Great spectacle at the 31st Andrea Margutti Trophy Read more

Nice qualifying heats have taken place ahead of the final stages of the 31st Andrea Margutti Trophy at the International Circuit 7 Laghi in Castelletto di Branduzzo (Pavia).

First1819202123252627Last
Exciting heats come rain or shine in the Flying Finn Race
Bas Kaligis
/ Categories: International

Exciting heats come rain or shine in the Flying Finn Race

There was an exciting day of qualifying heats in mixed weather conditions at the Flying Finn Race on Saturday, as drivers battled to be in contention for the FIA Karting World Championship titles in OK and OK Junior. On home ground at the PowerPark circuit at Alahärma near Kauhava, in the event organised by AKK, Finnish drivers came to the fore in the OK category. Juho Valtanen won three of his four heats on Saturday and Nikolas Pirttilahti won two, while Rasmus Joutsimies is also among the leading contenders, consistently inside the top four in his heats.

In OK Junior, the going was tougher for some of the local contenders despite some strong performances. The Dutch duo of Thomas ten Brinke and Laurens van Hoepen starred together with the Brazilian driver Rafael Chaves Camara.

 

OK: Valtanen leads the way

After Friday’s qualifying practice there were two Finnish drivers among the top four, with Juho Valtanen second to Gabriele Mini and Nikolas Pirttilahti in fourth behind Joshua Dufek. Valtanen (Kohtala Sports) promptly won his first heat (in which Pirttilahti had to retire) before taking fifth in his second. In the afternoon, after the heavens opened, the two Finns came into their element, dominating proceedings and taking a pair of wins each.

Valtanen is currently top of the standings with just one more heat to run on Sunday. While Pirttilahti (CV Performance Group) is making up places after his difficult start and is 22nd, Rasmus Joutsimies (Energy Corse) joins Valtanen inside the top six after a second, two third-places and a fourth during the day.

Dufek (Sauber Karting Team) is Valtanen’s closest challenger after a win in his third heat, with reigning World and European champion Lorenzo Travisanutto also in a strong position despite being yet to win. Dilano Vant'hoff (Forza Racing) won a heat and was always in the top four, with the Russian driver Kirill Smal constantly in the top five. Mini (Parolin) suffered an early setback before beating Taylor Barnard to win a particularly exciting heat, contested on slick tyres on a wet track.

- The whole day has felt good, three wins and one fifth. In both wet and dry conditions, we have been able to win heats, so I’m very happy. I was actually surprised about my speed especially in wet, I was very good. Now I’m the leader in the heat points, and tomorrow we’ll have the last heat. Let’s try to make it as good as possible to get pole position for the final. Then it’s flat out and we’ll see where it will take me eventually; hopefully to a good result, but we’ll see about that tomorrow! Said Valtanen.

- It was quite a good day. We had some technical difficulties and I had to start the first race from the pits. After the start I overtook some drivers, but after a good moment I hit another driver. In the second heat I had a good start and I was first but dropped to the fourth place. One driver went off the track and came straight back on in front of me. The last two races were wet: the first one was an easy win, the second was a bit tighter. I have good speed in both weather conditions so it doesn’t matter which one we have. Let’s continue tomorrow from where we ended today, Pirttilahti adds. 

 

OK Junior: Three apiece for Ten Brinke and Chaves Camara

The Dutch drivers flew out of the blocks, with Thomas ten Brinke and Laurens van Hoepen notching up five consecutive heat wins between them for Ricky Flynn Motorsport. They ended the day first and second in the points, ten Brinke finally beaten in his fourth and final heat of the day by the Brazilian Rafael Chaves Camara, who matched his tally of three wins by excelling in the wet.

Second in qualifying practice, the Forza Racing driver took the first of his wins in a race that had to be suspended after two laps due to torrential rain. Andrea Kimi Antonelli also looked good in the rain, ending his day with two wins to finish in the top five along with Josep Marti, winner of his first heat in the morning. Behind them, the American Ugo Ugochukwu, Austrialian James Wharton and the Russian Nikita Bedrin, who had been fastest of all on Friday.

The Finns enjoyed a strong start to the day in OK Junior, with Samuli Mertsalmi and Tuukka Taponen placing second and third in the opening heat. Taponen was fifth and sixth in two of his other heats but had a spin in another in soaking conditions, leaving him 30th in the points at the end of the day. Mertsalmi is the highest Finn in 16th, with Veeti Rajala, Patrick Hakala, Hugo Heinonen and Henri Sääskilahti all currently joining Taponen in the top 30.

Results of OK         Results of OKJ

More photos of Flying Finn Race here 

 

Finnish FIA Karting World Championship Medalists
2017 Juho Valtanen, bronze
2009 Aaro Vainio, silver
2000 Heikki Kovalainen, bronze
1995 Kimmo Liimatainen, bronze
1993 Risto Virtanen, bronze

 

Previous Article Heartbreak for James Wharton at World Championship
Next Article The CRG drivers very competitive but unlucky at the OK and OKJ World Championship
Print
10233 Rate this article:
No rating
Please login or register to post comments.