ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report
ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report

ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report

ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report

ROK Cup Italy, Round 5 – The race report

One month after Jesolo, the ROK Cup Italy is back on track for the fifth round of the season, on the occasion of the "night event" in Lonato del Garda. In total, 262 drivers livened up the...
A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart
A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart

A brilliant start to the International...

A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart

A brilliant start to the International season for Modena Kart

Drivers in the colours of the Modena Kart team have become regulars on the podiums of the biggest events since the start of 2025, in the WSK Promotion series as well as the ACI Karting Italian...
Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record
Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record

Carr drives towards glory as KZ King...

Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record

Carr drives towards glory as KZ King equals record

Liam Carr is knocking on the door of a maiden KA2 Junior SP Tools Australian Kart Championship after an immaculate weekend in Newcastle, while double KZ2 Champion, Troy Loeskow, recorded a...
A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative
A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative

A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO...

A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative

A helmet for Gabin – Team WRT’S ‘ACO Challenge 2025’ initiative

As part of their 2025 ‘ACO Challenge’, Team WRT continues its commitment to meaningful, human-driven initiatives. After winning the 2024 ACO ‘Coup de Cœur’ Award for its...
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...

California ProKart Challenge to close out 2023 season at Adams Motorsports Park

California ProKart Challenge to close out 2023 season at Adams Motorsports Park Read more

The second half of the 2023 California ProKart Challenge was revised due to the arrival of Hurricane Hilary. The fourth stop of the Superkarts! USA regional series in August was scheduled to be a double-round weekend, hosting Rounds Four and Five. Due to the weather issues, Round Five was moved to the upcoming series finale weekend on September 22-24 at the Adams Motorsports Park in Riverside, California.

ROK Cup Italy, Round 8 – Race Reports

ROK Cup Italy, Round 8 – Race Reports Read more

Great success for the season final of the ROK Cup Italy at the Cremona Karting circuit, with plenty of drivers and fierce battles for the titles in all six categories running on track. At the end of the day, the following category champions were declared: Shen Zeyu (Mini ROK), Nicolas Marchesi (Junior ROK), David Stefan Dragan (Senior ROK), Sona Ptackova (Expert ROK), Bartosz Grzywacz (Super ROK) and Niki Taylor (Shifter ROK).

Information about the 13th Rotax African Open 2023 at Zwartkops Raceway

Information about the 13th Rotax African Open 2023 at Zwartkops Raceway Read more

The 13th Rotax Africa Open will take place at Zwartkops Raceway on 1 October 2023. This event will feature Africa's top drivers competing for an invitation to the 2023 ROTAX Max Grand Final in Sakhir, Bahrain. The final heat winners in each class will be crowned the Rotax African Open Champions for 2023. The program for the event will span across Saturday and Sunday, offering an exciting weekend of racing. Don't miss out on this opportunity to compete and see who will earn their spot in the prestigious ROTAX Max Grand Final.

History made at 28TH Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix

History made at 28TH Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix Read more

History was once again made in the streets of the city during the 28th running of the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race. The event has a rich history of foreign competitors. This year, Scott “Skitchy” Barnes of Bermuda won his seventh and eighth Rock trophy and Erik Gasparovich of Latvia became the 20th foreign winner at Rock Island and first from his country. History was also made when Andrew Bujdoso of Ohio won his third consecutive King of the Streets shifter title, tying Alan Rudolph for the three-peat but becoming the only racer to be crowned King 3 consecutive times at Rock Island.

Sam Dicker claims Maiden Australian KZ2 Championship in thrilling final day

Sam Dicker claims Maiden Australian KZ2 Championship in thrilling final day Read more

Western Australian driver Sam Dicker has been crowned the 2023 KZ2 SP Tools Australian Kart Champion after an exhilarating Grand Final day for the Series presented by Castrol at Port Melbourne’s Todd Road circuit.

Australian Kart Championship honours on the line in Melbourne this weekend

Australian Kart Championship honours on the line in Melbourne this weekend Read more

Four hundred of Australia’s best young kart racers will put it all on the line to chase motorsport glory at the final round of the 2023 SP Tools Australian Kart Championship presented by Castrol in Melbourne this weekend.

Round four contested at Adams Motorsports Park for California Prokart Challenge

Round four contested at Adams Motorsports Park for California Prokart Challenge Read more

The 19th season for the California ProKart Challenge has been put to the test as the program enters the second half of the championship chase. What was scheduled as a three-day, two-round race weekend at the Adams Motorsports Park in Riverside, California over August 18-20 became a shortened two-day, one-round event. Hurricane Hilary hit the southern California region on Sunday, forcing Superkarts! USA to postpone the Round Five action scheduled for that day. Round Four was contested on Saturday, with dry weather greeting the competitors at the historic Riverside, California facility.

Double-round weekend ahead for California ProKart Challenge

Double-round weekend ahead for California ProKart Challenge Read more

Two rounds of racing set for Superkarts! USA regional championship program at historic Adams Motorsports Park on August 18-20

Australian kart racers selected for Ferrari Shootout

Australian kart racers selected for Ferrari Shootout Read more

The participants for the 2023 Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) – Asia Pacific and Oceania regional selection program have been confirmed for next month’s prestigious event with Karting Australia drivers dominating the list.

Walton wraps up Australian Championship in Ipswich

Walton wraps up Australian Championship in Ipswich Read more

Queensland teenager Max Walton has become the first SP Tools Australian Kart Champion-elect of 2023 at the penultimate round of the Championship at his home track of Ipswich on Sunday afternoon.

Sodi World Series International Finals 2023: A lively edition in Slovakia

Sodi World Series International Finals 2023: A lively edition in Slovakia Read more

From 5th to 8th July 2023, the 12th edition of the SWS International Finals introduced a new destination to the 374 drivers who had qualified throughout the world during the 2022 SWS season. In Slovakia, the races were extremely hotly contested, sometimes even a little too hot in the Sprint categories. The competition was very intense, and the winners were often revealed in the final meters of the Finals. Many positive comments rewarded the efforts of the 3MK Events organising team, who worked hard to satisfy the vast majority of participants.

Sodi World Series: New destination for the world's biggest leisure karting event

Sodi World Series: New destination for the world's biggest leisure karting event Read more

For the first time, the 12th edition of the SWS International Finals will be held outside France and Italy. From 5th to 8th July, Slovakia will be the venue for the major annual meeting of the Sodi W Series, bringing together the best drivers selected in 2022 from all over the world. The Slovak Karting Center is the ideal setting for this landmark event, in a country that deserves to be better known.

Round three of California ProKart Challenge set for Santa Maria

Round three of California ProKart Challenge set for Santa Maria Read more

The 2023 California ProKart Challenge returns to action on the July 8-9 weekend with a trip to the Santa Maria Karting Association facility. The third round of the Superkarts! USA regional program will be held at the Santa Maria, California facility. Following two events at the Buttonwillow Raceway Park to open up the year, the California PKC program reaches the midway point with the third event to continue the 19th championship season with a perfect sunny, breezy beach climate expected for Round Three.

Registration now open for Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix

Registration now open for Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix Read more

Registration is now open for the 28th running of the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest and most prestigious karting street race, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 2-3.

Energy Corse on the podium all over the world!

Energy Corse on the podium all over the world! Read more

In FIA Karting, Rotax, Rok or IAME, and in numerous countries around the globe, podium finishes are on the cards for Energy Corse. In OK, Tomass Stolcermanis is racking up a string of brilliant results and is currently 4th in the FIA Karting European Championship, just a few points behind 3rd place. In Mini, Niccolo Perico leads the Italian Championship after his victory at La Conca! On the other side of the world, podium finishes were also on offer in the Australian Championship, as well as in the Rotax Challenge in the USA.

Lana Flack re-writes the record books in Newcastle

Lana Flack re-writes the record books in Newcastle Read more

History was created at Round Three of the SP Tools Australian Kart Championship presented by Castrol EDGE as Lana Flack became the first female driver to win an event at a multi-round Australian karting Championship in 26 years.

WKA Changes Date and Venue for the Next Southern Gold Cup Round

WKA Changes Date and Venue for the Next Southern Gold Cup Round Read more

Responding to the schedules of multiple events, the World Karting Association (WKA) recognized that far too many events were scheduled on top of each other, forcing racers into the tough decision of choosing one event over another.  As a result, WKA made an aggressive decision to get out of that multiple-event pool to help the racers with their schedules. 

Repeat winners and first time victors at California Prokart Challenge

Repeat winners and first time victors at California Prokart Challenge Read more

The second event of the 2023 California ProKart Challenge saw teams and drivers return to the Buttonwillow Raceway Park over the May 6-7 weekend. Round Two of the Superkarts! USA regional program welcomed nearly 100 karters competing in seven categories around the 7/10-mile circuit in the clockwise direction. Perfect racing weather provided an amazing backdrop for the racing action over the two days.

CIK-FIA Pays tribute to Angelo Parrilla

CIK-FIA Pays tribute to Angelo Parrilla Read more

With the recent death of Angelo Parrilla at the age of 77, the karting community has lost one of the most influential and respected figures in the development of the discipline worldwide.

WSK Super Master Series: Two new titles for the KR brand

WSK Super Master Series: Two new titles for the KR brand Read more

The international events continue week after week, and the trophies pile up on the shelves of the drivers and teams using KR Global Motorsport Company equipment. After successes in IAME and Rotax in the previous days, the WSK Super Master Series ended in Cremona with no less than 13 podiums in the Finals and in the general classification.

First45679111213Last
Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy an exceptional success from the first edition
Bas Kaligis
/ Categories: Rotax

Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy an exceptional success from the first edition

Le Mans, France – By partnering with 3MK Events and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), BRP-Rotax has had an unquestionable success with the launch of its new world-class event at the Le Mans circuit. Almost 300 drivers, 44 countries, five continents, impeccable organisation, a magnificent circuit, thrilling races, a magical atmosphere, prizes and much more, led to delighted participants returning with a smile and with a greater desire than ever to continue their kart racing programme in the Rotax categories. The objective was met at Le Mans from 20th to 24th August, 2019.

There was good weather for the much-awaited debut of the Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy. The friendly and festive atmosphere was bright during the five days of competition, while the races were held in ideal conditions. The presence of many major teams and the best-reputed professionals further strengthened the standard and seriousness of the competition, while offering all enthusiasts the opportunity to compete in a very high quality new international event on their own kart in the heart of summer.

Finally, the best were rewarded with breathtaking prizes: two Can-Am DS 90 quads offered to the Micro and Mini Max winners, complemented by four invitations for the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Italy (Sarno) in October for the Junior, Senior, DD2 and DD2 Master winners. The 2nd-placed drivers in the six categories were awarded Rotax MAX engines and the 3rd with Rotax vouchers for €1000.

Two draws open to all participants offered the opportunity to win two exciting Can-Am Rykers! Another lottery reserved for the Rotax Senior, DD2 and DD2 Masters drivers gave them the chance them to take part in an exceptional experience: an introduction to aerobatics.

The competition itself spanned five intense days during which 42 Qualifying Heats were contested before concluding with six Prefinal and no less than ten Finals to offer maximum track time and competitive enjoyment.

 

Micro: Strauven from Qualifying to the Final

The 32 drivers from 8 to 11 years old competed on their own chassis together with a brand new Rotax Micro MAX engine supplied by the organization using the Rotax Engine Lottery System. Thomas Strauven (BEL - Exprit - GKS Lemmens) achieved pole position in Qualifying, his team-mate Lenn Nijs (BEL - Exprit - GKS Lemmens) dominated the Qualifying Heats and Juliusz Ociepa (POL - CRG - KRK Racing) won the Prefinal. After an intense battle, Nijs passed Strauven as they approached the last lap, but he was later penalized for his manoeuvre and therefore classified 2nd behind Strauven. Ociepa was third on the podium, followed by Christopher El Feghali (LBN - KR - Dan Holland Racing) and Alejandro Umana (COL - Exprit - GKS Lemmens).

Poulain wins in Mini

Equipped with Rotax Mini MAX engines with the same lottery system as Micro, the 10 to 13 year olds delivered some tough battles. Valentin Hervas (FRA - Birel ART) was the fastest in Qualifying, Augustin Bernier (FRA - KR - PB Kart) took the lead in the heats as well as in the Prefinal against his rival Jolan Raccamier (FRA - Birel ART). Raccamier and Bernier finished 1st and 2nd in the Final, but were subsequently disqualified and Arthur Poulain (FRA - KR - PB Kart) was finally declared the winner ahead of Piotr Czaja (POL - Energy - V Kart Racing Team) and Valentin Hervas. Birch Kristensen and Tom Braeken (BEL - Parolin - SP Motorsport) finished 4th and 5th.

Reinardts wins the Junior Final

With its 84 drivers aged 12 to 16, the Junior category was not lacking dynamism or enthusiasm.  Mike Van Vugt (NLD - Exprit - JJ Racing) was the hero with his constant domination in Qualifying, the Heats and the Prefinal. He also won the Final before a spoiler penalty dropped him down to 6th. Finishing 2nd, Thom Reinaerdts (BEL - Exprit - GKS Lemmens) was thus declared the winner ahead of Oli Pylka (POL - FA Kart - Dan Holland Racing), while Joran Leneutre (FRA - Redspeed) took 3rd. Dani Van Dijk (NLD - Exprit - JJ Racing) and Kai Hunter (GBR - FA Kart - Dan Holland Racing) completed the top five.

Bruynseels highlighted in the Senior Finals

With 91 participants, the Senior MAX competition proved exciting for the many spectators at Le Mans. César Gazeau (FRA - FA Kart - RM Concept) dominated the first part during Qualifying and the Heats. Then Illian Bruynseels (BEL - Tony Kart - Bouvin Power) won the Prefinal and the Final with a 2.6'' lead over Gazeau who was struggling to reduce the gap. Lewis Gilbert (GBR - Tony Kart - Strawberry Racing) secured 3rd place followed by Guilherme De Oliveira (PRT - Kosmic - KR Sport) and Charles Tesnière (FRA - Kosmic) who drove a great race to round out the top 5.

Deserved DD2 victory for Munaretto

Luca Munaretto (ITA - Birel ART) was the main figure of the RMCIT in Rotax DD2 with his pole position and dominance in the heats. Paolo Besancenez (FRA - Sodi) took the lead in the Prefinal, but Munaretto won the Final with a comfortable gap. Penalised for his spoiler, Besancenez fell to 5th while Dionisios Liveris (GRC - Tony Kart - Daems Racing Team) ranked 2nd, Matthias Njeim (LBN - Birel ART - Birel Middle ART East) 3rd and Ville Villiainen (DNK - Tony Kart - RS  Competition) was 4th.

Mangé rewarded in DD2 Masters

Although Carl Cleirbaut (BEL - Tony Kart - Bouvin Power) took pole position in DD2 Masters, Romain Mangé (FRA - Tony Kart - Malevaut Sport) returned to centre stage in the heats and was unbeatable both in the Prefinal and in the Final against Slawomir Muranski (POL - Tony Kart - 46 Team), while Rudy Champion (FRA - Sodi) was on the third step of the Final podium in front of Roberto Pesevski (AUT - Sodi - KSCA Sodi Austria) and Scott Howard (AUS - Sodi).

The complete results from the RMCIT 2019 at Le Mans, together with the YouTube link to the Livestream video of the afternoon finals Saturday and much more information about the first edition of this exciting new event, are available on the official website at www.rmc-internationaltrophy.com  

 

Previous Article Superkarts! USA Supernationals 23 event schedule released, Five days of on-track action highlighted by new qualifying format
Next Article LIVE TIMING: Round 4 Euro Series 2019 – Salbris France
Print
10629 Rate this article:
5.0
Please login or register to post comments.