MARIEMBOURG - Another podium for Anthony Bongartz in the GK4 Kart Series. At the Mariembourg circuit, the fourteen-year-old driver from the Belgian town of Amel finished second in the IAME X30 Junior category during the fifth round of the championship. It meant the Eurokarting driver repeated his result in the fourth round at Genk.
"P2, I'm delighted", said Anthony. His excellent result didn't necessarily come as a surprise. "When we came here, we counted on a podium, and it came true."
However, there was a tricky part to the race at the southern Belgian circuit. "Last week, we raced the IAME Series Benelux on Comet tires at this track. We did pretty well and finished P7 in the final. But these tires are different from the Apex ones we used this weekend." "There's a big difference between them. The Apex are very grippy, but you can't push them too hard. They overheat very quickly and are a bit softer than the Comets. For qualifying, it's better, but in the last races of the weekend, they're gone."
To get used to the different sets of tires, Anthony concentrated on improving his speed on the Apex tires on Friday. "Luckily, we found a good set-up. So this morning (Saturday), we were confident going into the races. Free practice was good. We got P3 in qualifying. In the first race, I was P5, and we had to adjust the set-up a bit." That proved effective. "I finished on P3 in the second race and P2 in the final race", summarized Anthony. "We are obviously delighted with these results." Combined with his performance in the Benelux Championship, the logical conclusion is that the Walloon driver is currently in great form.
"During the Benelux Championship, the qualifying runs were good, and we didn't expect such a good pace for the final. I started from P14 and moved up to P8 shortly after the start. From then on, I drove with my teammate to the finish. I overtook him on the last lap and finished in P7." Anthony knew he could achieve a good result in the GK4 Kart Series as the Benelux Championship is more international and competitive. "The advantage of racing two weeks in a row at the same circuit is that I know the way that many drivers are racing here this weekend. That helps, of course."
Now that the end of the season is approaching, Anthony has revealed that he will also be racing in the junior category next year. He will have a busy program. "The Dutch Championship, the GK4 Kart Series and the IAME Benelux Series. And I hope to do car racing if a seat is available in a sports car!"
Anthony thanks his parents for their support. He also thanks the Eurokarting team of Lionel and Thierry Lépine.
Anthony is looking for sponsors to support his future racing endeavors to reach the top of motorsport. If you're interested, please get in touch with Anthony at info@garage-bongartz.be.