Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two
Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart...

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two

Preston and Burke win at Australian Kart Championship round two

Jac Preston has taken his first ever SP Tools Australian Kart Championship round win in KZ2 at Murray Bridge, South Australia, while Ky Burke broached the top step of the podium in KA2 for the first...
Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo
Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with...

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo

Race Report: The ROK Cup Italy with Round 2 held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo

The ROK Cup Italy continues its seasonal journey with the second round held at the 7 Laghi Kart in Castelletto di Branduzzo (PV). Almost 200 are the attendants in the seven categories competing, in a...
IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition
IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

IPK strengthens its presence in...

IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

IPK strengthens its presence in International Competition

Since its creation in 2010, the IPK factory has rapidly established itself as one of the leading companies in the global karting market, thanks to its innovative technology and the quality of the...
Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne
Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as...

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne

Breakthrough win for Cooper Folley as Italian flies in Melbourne

Young Queenslander, Cooper Folley has stunned the field in his first KA2 Junior round at the opening SP Tools Australian Kart Championship, presented by Castrol event sweeping to the win at the...
Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy
Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Kalì Kart on top in the Margutti Trophy

Great weekend for Kalì Kart colours at the 36th Margutti Trophy that took place this weekend in Lonato. In the OK Junior category, Ilia Berezkin dominated the OK Junior by winning all 3 qualifying...
Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener
Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener

Italian Champion to line up in...

Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener

Italian Champion to line up in Australian Kart Championship opener

Italian Champion Moritz Ebner is set to make his Australian debut at the opening round of the 2025 SP Tools Australian Kart Championship presented by Castrol in Melbourne next weekend (March 28-30).
Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne
Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne

Stars of Karting take centre stage in...

Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne

Stars of Karting take centre stage in Melbourne

Melbourne’s Grand Prix week started off with a bang with the Stars of Karting Event at Port Melbourne’s Todd Road facility on Monday. The short and sharp format saw qualifying followed up...
Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit
Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double...

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit

Prokart Challenge opens 2025 with double round weekend at K1 Circuit

The first event of the 2025 ProKart Challenge program was held on the February 28-March 2 weekend at the new K1 Circuit. The Winchester, California facility welcomed the Superkarts! USA regional...
Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy
Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025...

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy

Kennedy and Campbell announced for 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy

Karting Australia is proud to announce that Annabel Kennedy (Brisbane, QLD) and Hamish Campbell (Gold Coast, QLD) have been selected to represent the nation in the 2025 FIA Karting Academy Trophy...
WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026
WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026

WKA Realigns National Road Racing...

WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026

WKA Realigns National Road Racing Schedules for 2025 and 2026

With a very busy Road Racing Calendar and events so close to each other throughout the year, racers have expressed their concerns that some events are simply not feasible to attend.  Responding...
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.
Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne
Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1...

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne

Stars of Karting to kick off Formula 1 race week in Melbourne

More than 100 of Australia’s top kart racers will take centre stage at the Go-Kart Club of Victoria on Monday, March 10, as the Stars of Karting event launches "Race Week" for the...
2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon
2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the...

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon

2025 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour on the horizon

Fresh off a record setting campaign in Florida, the Superkarts! USA organization is turning its focus on the 2025 SKUSA Pro Tour. Set for its 16th straight season, the championship will again be...
Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!
Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!

Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the...

Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!

Rock Island Grand Prix: Come for the races, stay for the party!

Back in 1978, The Blues Brothers took the world by storm with a skit on Saturday Night Live. A movie followed in 1980, then a sequel and some albums as Dan Aykroyd (Elwood) and John Belushi (Joliet...
Kalì Kart: Zvarich brothers confirmed for 2025
Kalì Kart: Zvarich brothers confirmed for 2025

Kalì Kart: Zvarich brothers confirmed...

Kalì Kart: Zvarich brothers confirmed for 2025

Kalì Kart: Zvarich brothers confirmed for 2025

In the last few days, Kalì Kart has confirmed the extension of the agreement with the three Zvarich brothers also for the 2025 season. Max, Marat and Mark, therefore, after the first contact with...
Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing programme: 16 drivers, multiple disciplines, one mission
Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing programme: 16 drivers, multiple disciplines, one mission

Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing...

Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing programme: 16 drivers, multiple disciplines, one mission

Iron Dames reveal full 2025 racing programme: 16 drivers, multiple disciplines, one mission

Iron Dames, the trailblazing all-female racing project, proudly announces its expanded 2025 programme, featuring an unprecedented line-up of 16 drivers competing across the globe. This milestone marks...
Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge sets 2025 schedule
Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge sets 2025 schedule

Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge sets...

Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge sets 2025 schedule

Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge sets 2025 schedule

The 21st edition of the Superkarts! USA ProKart Challenge is projected to be one of the best seasons in the last decade. The organization’s flagship regional program is set to contest six rounds...
ROK Cup 2025 Regulations
ROK Cup 2025 Regulations

ROK Cup 2025 Regulations

ROK Cup 2025 Regulations

ROK Cup 2025 Regulations

The new regulations for the ROK Cup 2025 have been approved by ACI SPORT. Below you can find all the information and updates regarding the main changes introduced for the new season.
24 Hours Karting of Italy: the entry list becomes increasingly international
24 Hours Karting of Italy: the entry list becomes increasingly international

24 Hours Karting of Italy: the entry...

24 Hours Karting of Italy: the entry list becomes increasingly international

24 Hours Karting of Italy: the entry list becomes increasingly international

Registration of the teams coming from all over the world for the 24 Hours Karting of Italy, the reference Rental kart event among international endurance races, scheduled for next March 1-2 on the...
Zayne Burgess to Join Andretti Global Driver Development Program
Zayne Burgess to Join Andretti Global Driver Development Program

Zayne Burgess to Join Andretti Global...

Zayne Burgess to Join Andretti Global Driver Development Program

Zayne Burgess to Join Andretti Global Driver Development Program

Andretti Global and Gainbridge announced today that Zayne Burgess, 8, will join their ambitious Driver Development program designed to support young talents with the aim of leading them to pinnacle...

The two ACI RAcing Weekends of Monza May 15/17 and Imola May 29/31 postponed td TBD date

The two ACI RAcing Weekends of Monza May 15/17 and Imola May 29/31 postponed td TBD date Read more

ACI Sport also confirms that it has prepared alternative solutions that currently allow the program of Formula Regional European Championship, all the Italian championships, and single-brand trophies, included in the ACI Racing Weekends 2020, to be carried out in the number of races scheduled.

2019 FIA Karting Best-Of: Two girls on track thanks to Richard Mille

2019 FIA Karting Best-Of: Two girls on track thanks to Richard Mille Read more

In 2019 Maja Weug and Julia Ayoub were able to participate in a full FIA Karting season with the Birel ART Racing Team thanks to the support of Richard Mille watches.

FIA Karting: Sarno Competition postponed

FIA Karting: Sarno Competition postponed Read more

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic currently spreading throughout much of the world and the extended period of quarantine in Italy, the CIK-FIA has postponed the date of the next event in Sarno.

New Motorsport UK Karting Esports Championship launches

New Motorsport UK Karting Esports Championship launches Read more

Motorsport UK in association with KartSim, Alpha Live and Motorsport Games will be launching the Motorsport UK Karting Esports Championship (Easter Series) – Britain’s premier Karting Esports series on Monday 6 April, and the best thing, it’s open to all.

Date uncertain but Arena 45 Grand Prix not in question

Date uncertain but Arena 45 Grand Prix not in question Read more

In these difficult times, the prognosis for the sporting schedule is uncertain. One thing is certain, the Arena 45 Grand Prix will take place at Valence, even if the date has to be postponed to better times. In the face of the changing health situation, opening entries is no longer a priority. Arena 45 will announce a new date as soon as the situation becomes clearer. As to whether the Arena 45 Grand Prix can take place as planned from 5th to 9th August 2020, it is too early to say. In any case, the flagship event at Valence is not in question. If the date has to be postponed, it will be postponed and the organisers will follow the decisions taken by the authorities.

CIK-FIA 2020 Homologations extended to 2021

CIK-FIA 2020 Homologations extended to 2021 Read more

The CIK-FIA homologation process for chassis, brakes and bodywork, which represents about 110 products and about 50 manufacturers from 10 countries, is due to start on 1st August 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most nations in Europe and around the world are facing production difficulties and it will be difficult, if not impossible, for all manufacturers to complete the development of their new products and put them into production before August. In light of these exceptional circumstances, the CIK-FIA has decided to strongly support the industry and the future of karting by automatically extending the validity of all currently homologated products (chassis, brakes, bodywork) for one year until 31st December 2021. Manufacturers will therefore have the possibility of homologating a new product or to re-homologate it during the 2021 homologation process.

World Karting Association launches new website

World Karting Association launches new website Read more

Looking to better streamline their program and provide ease of use for their customer, the World Karting Association (WKA) is pleased to confirm the launch of their new website. As the promoter of several series including the Speedway Dirt Series, Florida Winter Cup, Manufacturers Cup, Road Racing Series and E-Kart (electric) Series, WKA is excited to announce the launch of their new multi-series website, WorldKarting.com

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, WKA officials have rescheduled the upcoming Charlotte Karting Challenge

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, WKA officials have rescheduled the upcoming Charlotte Karting Challenge Read more

As the world continues to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, World Karting Association (WKA) officials have been carefully monitoring information updates from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the World Health Organization. Following orders to shelter in place across the country, including in the North Carolina area, the Charlotte Karting Challenge has been rescheduled. “We are finalizing some rescheduling details and will be able to announce on my Thursday night Facebook Live with the President,” explained Kevin Williams. “However, I can mention now that we have rescheduled both the Speedway Dirt Series and Road Racing Series events at Charlotte Motor Speedway for July 3rd through the 5th with the 5th reserved as the rain date for the Dirt program, and are working with multiple other organizations to ensure the best possible scenario for the competitor. We have solidified new dates for Manufacturers Cup and Sprint racing and will be able to announce this exciting news next Thursday evening.”

Remo Racing Iame X30: IAME Series Australia cancelled for 2020

Remo Racing Iame X30: IAME Series Australia cancelled for 2020 Read more

With the situation changing rapidly with the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic & with State Government laws about closing borders and not allowing interstate competitors to compete, we have had to cancel the IAME Series Australia planned this year.

UPDATED Statement: British Kart Championships

UPDATED Statement: British Kart Championships Read more

In light of recent developments in the COVID-19 crisis, and following the address to the nation by the Prime Minister on the evening of 23rd March, Motorsport UK has today extended its suspension of all organising permits and Certificates of Exemption for motorsport events until at least 30th June.

MSA: National Lockdown

MSA: National Lockdown Read more

MSA offices are now closed and will reopen when the national lockdown brought about by the coronavirus is lifted by the government.

Message from Motorsport UK CEO – Hugh Chambers

Message from Motorsport UK CEO – Hugh Chambers Read more

I would like to thank our motorsport community for its incredible response to the challenges we are facing. From across the country, from our clubs, officials and competitors, venues, teams and engineering firms there is a solidarity to face the crisis and work together to find solutions. We thank all of the medical teams across the UK for working tirelessly to keep us safe, and in particular the huge number from our own community who are in the front line of this battle.

MSA: COVID-19 and Motorsport

MSA: COVID-19 and Motorsport Read more

Since its communication this past Monday, MSA has been closely monitoring the developments with regard to the coronavirus pandemic.

Karting Australia Officials Academy launched

Karting Australia Officials Academy launched Read more

Karting Australia has launched a market-leading Online Officials Training Academy thanks to a new partnership with Rosche Paper. The ground-breaking Academy for Australian karting will see Officials from all across Australia be able to undertake training on a regular basis to compliment the traditional ‘face-to-face’ training that takes place annually, or bi-annually, in each State.

The start of the 2020 FIA Karting season will be delayed

The start of the 2020 FIA Karting season will be delayed Read more

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic currently spreading in Europe and much of the world, the CIK-FIA has had to change the schedule for the start of the 2020 season.

BNL Karting Series 2020 - Kick Off Aftermovie

BNL Karting Series 2020 - Kick Off Aftermovie Read more

Around 150 drivers headed to the "Home Of Champions" in the first weekend of March, representing 16 different nations, to battle against the very best in Rotax racing circles, with six different classes in action.

Statement: British Kart Championships

Statement: British Kart Championships Read more

Motorsport UK, the British Kart Championships and all associated stakeholders have collectively agreed to postpone the start of the 2020 season until 1 May at the earliest.

Covid-19 virus in France: Force majeure and temporarily close the entire Sodikart company

Covid-19 virus in France: Force majeure and temporarily close the entire Sodikart company Read more

As you may be aware the French Government has recently taken measures in order to contain the spreading of the Covid-19 virus in France. New measures which will be more restricting will be announced this evening by the French President, M. Macron.

COVID-19 EMERGENCY: TM Racing Kart Division

COVID-19 EMERGENCY: TM Racing Kart Division Read more

Kart Division, decided to stop its business from monday 16-3-2020 until a date to be set.

First2425262729313233Last
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
8150 Rate this article:
No rating
Please login or register to post comments.