Swede Elias Adestam joins Fortec Motorsport for 2022 GB4 Championship
Swede Elias Adestam joins Fortec Motorsport for 2022 GB4 Championship

Swede Elias Adestam joins Fortec...

Swede Elias Adestam joins Fortec Motorsport for 2022 GB4 Championship

Swede Elias Adestam joins Fortec Motorsport for 2022 GB4 Championship

Swedish driver Elias Adestam has been confirmed as the first overseas driver for the 2022 GB4 Championship, after confirming his place on the grid with Fortec Motorsport.
CRG presents the new FIA homologated chassis
CRG presents the new FIA homologated chassis

CRG presents the new FIA homologated...

CRG presents the new FIA homologated chassis

CRG presents the new FIA homologated chassis

Following the inspection by the FIA technicians at the Factory headquarters in Italy in October, CRG has officially presented the newly homologated chassis for the International categories...
Tony Kart introduces the 2022 livery at Campillos
Tony Kart introduces the 2022 livery at Campillos

Tony Kart introduces the 2022 livery at...

Tony Kart introduces the 2022 livery at Campillos

Tony Kart introduces the 2022 livery at Campillos

On the occasion of the Champions of the Future and the FIA Karting World Championship for OK-OKJ categories, Tony Kart Racing Team reveals the new livery that the Tony Kart chassis will wear starting...
Successful introduction of the new FIA Karting Body Protection in Competition
Successful introduction of the new FIA Karting Body Protection in Competition

Successful introduction of the new FIA...

Successful introduction of the new FIA Karting Body Protection in Competition

Successful introduction of the new FIA Karting Body Protection in Competition

Vortex records the weekend in La Conca
Vortex records the weekend in La Conca

Vortex records the weekend in La Conca

Vortex records the weekend in La Conca

Vortex records the weekend in La Conca

On the occasion of the second round of the WSK Super Master Series, the OTK Kart Group’s engines are present in the decisive races of the OK and OKJ categories in a good number, other than...
Vortex, first podium of 2021
Vortex, first podium of 2021

Vortex, first podium of 2021

Vortex, first podium of 2021

Vortex, first podium of 2021

OTK Kart Group's engines are back on track on the occasion of the WSK Champions Cup at the Adria Karting Raceway, showing once again top performances.
Hofer and Haase win rain-affected thriller at the Lausitzring ahead of Indy Dontje and Maxi Götz
Hofer and Haase win rain-affected thriller at the Lausitzring ahead of Indy Dontje and Maxi Götz

Hofer and Haase win rain-affected...

Hofer and Haase win rain-affected thriller at the Lausitzring ahead of Indy Dontje and Maxi Götz

Hofer and Haase win rain-affected thriller at the Lausitzring ahead of Indy Dontje and Maxi Götz

Klettwitz: Saturday's ADAC GT Masters race at the Lausitzring was suspenseful right up to the last few metres. The Audi pairing of Max Hofer (21, AUT) and Christopher Haase (33, GER, both...
TaG 125 and TaG 125 Restricted parity weight adjustment
TaG 125 and TaG 125 Restricted parity weight adjustment

TaG 125 and TaG 125 Restricted parity...

TaG 125 and TaG 125 Restricted parity weight adjustment

TaG 125 and TaG 125 Restricted parity weight adjustment

During the past 12 months, there has been significant discussion from the karting industry and some competitors regarding the parity between engines in the TaG 125 and TaG 125 Restricted Classes. The...
Rental Kart: 3 Questions to Euan Jeffery, CRG's sales manager
Rental Kart: 3 Questions to Euan Jeffery, CRG's sales manager

Rental Kart: 3 Questions to Euan...

Rental Kart: 3 Questions to Euan Jeffery, CRG's sales manager

Rental Kart: 3 Questions to Euan Jeffery, CRG's sales manager

The Rental Kart division within CRG plays a very important role and is becoming increasingly central to the company’s commercial policies. For many years the Rental sector has been a booming...
Vortex twice on the podium in Sarno
Vortex twice on the podium in Sarno

Vortex twice on the podium in Sarno

Vortex twice on the podium in Sarno

Vortex twice on the podium in Sarno

The engines of the OTK Kart Group pushed Freddie Slater into second place in the final of the OKJ class while in OK, Joseph Turney achieved third position.
Otk Chassis Dealers Network Germany
Otk Chassis Dealers Network Germany

Otk Chassis Dealers Network Germany

Otk Chassis Dealers Network Germany

Otk Chassis Dealers Network Germany

The sales network of OTK chassis for Germany is welcoming a new dealer: AK-Racing.
12 Engines That Wrote Vortex History
12 Engines That Wrote Vortex History

12 Engines That Wrote Vortex History

12 Engines That Wrote Vortex History

12 Engines That Wrote Vortex History

The vortex-engines.com website is now enriched by an important page: the Milestone section, recalling our first 25-year-history through the most winning engines.
CIK-FIA 2020 Homologations extended to 2021
CIK-FIA 2020 Homologations extended to 2021

CIK-FIA 2020 Homologations extended to...

CIK-FIA 2020 Homologations extended to 2021

CIK-FIA 2020 Homologations extended to 2021

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...
Vortex 25th Anniversary
Vortex 25th Anniversary

Vortex 25th Anniversary

Vortex 25th Anniversary

Vortex 25th Anniversary

From the World Championships conquered one year after its début, to the Rok Cup universe: the OTK Group engines division left an indelible mark in karting during its first 25 years, conquering over...
Coronavirus emergency: CRG activates some safety measures CRG factory closes from march 16th to 20th
Coronavirus emergency: CRG activates some safety measures CRG factory closes from march 16th to 20th

Coronavirus emergency: CRG activates...

Coronavirus emergency: CRG activates some safety measures CRG factory closes from march 16th to 20th

Coronavirus emergency: CRG activates some safety measures CRG factory closes from march 16th to 20th

Italy is currently among the countries most affected by Coronavirus and the consequences that this global emergency is generating on karting are both sporting and productive. Italy represents an...
Corona crisis: Birel ART factory stop temporarly from 16th till 20th march 2020
Corona crisis: Birel ART factory stop temporarly from 16th till 20th march 2020

Corona crisis: Birel ART factory stop...

Corona crisis: Birel ART factory stop temporarly from 16th till 20th march 2020

Corona crisis: Birel ART factory stop temporarly from 16th till 20th march 2020

Run is in their DNA. Their sense of civility and of responsibility towards all their employees and families leads us to take important measures.
Homologation withdrawn for three helmets
Homologation withdrawn for three helmets

Homologation withdrawn for three helmets

Homologation withdrawn for three helmets

Homologation withdrawn for three helmets

The FIA Motorsport Safety Department and Motorsport Australia have advised the cancellation of three different helmets previously approved under the 8859-2015 Standard due to safety reasons.
Vortex; First, second and third place in Adria
Vortex; First, second and third place in Adria

Vortex; First, second and third place in...

Vortex; First, second and third place in Adria

Vortex; First, second and third place in Adria

The karting season starts with a victory for Vortex during the first round of the WSK Super Master Series run at the Adria Karting Raceway. Pedro Hiltbrand wins in OK, while Ugo Ugochukwu is second in...
LeCont gains ground at all levels
LeCont gains ground at all levels

LeCont gains ground at all levels

LeCont gains ground at all levels

LeCont gains ground at all levels

A quick overview of the international karting landscape confirms the progress of LeCont tyres around the world. Over time, the quality of LeCont products has become more and more important in racing,...
OTK New Mini 2020 – Tony Kart, Kosmic, Exprit, Redspeed CIK FIA HOMOLOGATED
OTK New Mini 2020 – Tony Kart, Kosmic, Exprit, Redspeed CIK FIA HOMOLOGATED

OTK New Mini 2020 – Tony Kart, Kosmic,...

OTK New Mini 2020 – Tony Kart, Kosmic, Exprit, Redspeed CIK FIA HOMOLOGATED

OTK New Mini 2020 – Tony Kart, Kosmic, Exprit, Redspeed CIK FIA HOMOLOGATED

For the first homologation of the Mini CIK-FIA international class, OTK Kart Group (Tony Kart, Kosmic, Exprit, Redspeed) is introducing the new 2020 Mini Rookie chassis, renewed in materials, frame...

Vortex introduces the new homologated engines

Vortex introduces the new homologated engines Read more

The Engine Division of the OTK Kart Group unveils the engines that will be protagonists on the track from 2023: VTZ (KZ/KZ2), VTS (OK), VTS-N (OK-N), VTJ (OKJ) and VTM (MINI).

Swede Elias Adestam joins Fortec Motorsport for 2022 GB4 Championship

Swede Elias Adestam joins Fortec Motorsport for 2022 GB4 Championship Read more

Swedish driver Elias Adestam has been confirmed as the first overseas driver for the 2022 GB4 Championship, after confirming his place on the grid with Fortec Motorsport.

CRG presents the new FIA homologated chassis

CRG presents the new FIA homologated chassis Read more

Following the inspection by the FIA technicians at the Factory headquarters in Italy in October, CRG has officially presented the newly homologated chassis for the International categories and for the major Brand Trophies. The CRG range of chassis with FIA homologation, which we remind you is mandatory to participate in all the official International and National competitions for the OK, KZ categories and for the most important single-make Trophies such as Rotax, X 30 or ROK, will consist of 5 Racing chassis.

Tony Kart introduces the 2022 livery at Campillos

Tony Kart introduces the 2022 livery at Campillos Read more

On the occasion of the Champions of the Future and the FIA Karting World Championship for OK-OKJ categories, Tony Kart Racing Team reveals the new livery that the Tony Kart chassis will wear starting from 2022.

Successful introduction of the new FIA Karting Body Protection in Competition

Vortex records the weekend in La Conca

Vortex records the weekend in La Conca Read more

On the occasion of the second round of the WSK Super Master Series, the OTK Kart Group’s engines are present in the decisive races of the OK and OKJ categories in a good number, other than gaining once again the access to the final race in the MINI class.

Vortex, first podium of 2021

Vortex, first podium of 2021 Read more

OTK Kart Group's engines are back on track on the occasion of the WSK Champions Cup at the Adria Karting Raceway, showing once again top performances.

Hofer and Haase win rain-affected thriller at the Lausitzring ahead of Indy Dontje and Maxi Götz

Hofer and Haase win rain-affected thriller at the Lausitzring ahead of Indy Dontje and Maxi Götz Read more

Klettwitz: Saturday's ADAC GT Masters race at the Lausitzring was suspenseful right up to the last few metres. The Audi pairing of Max Hofer (21, AUT) and Christopher Haase (33, GER, both Montaplast by Land Motorsport) won by a margin of only 0.147 seconds ahead of Indy Dontje (27, NL) and Maximilian Götz (34, GER) in the Mercedes-AMG of Mann-Filter-Team HTP-Winward. Robert Renauer (35, GER, Precote Herberth Motorsport), partnered this time by Klaus Bachler (29, AUT), kept his title hopes alive with a P3 finish.

TaG 125 and TaG 125 Restricted parity weight adjustment

TaG 125 and TaG 125 Restricted parity weight adjustment Read more

During the past 12 months, there has been significant discussion from the karting industry and some competitors regarding the parity between engines in the TaG 125 and TaG 125 Restricted Classes. The data obtained from the recently introduced electronic Scrutineering Records, when matched with the official results from official timing system have provided Karting Australia with the ability to better assess the parity within these Classes.

Rental Kart: 3 Questions to Euan Jeffery, CRG's sales manager

Rental Kart: 3 Questions to Euan Jeffery, CRG's sales manager Read more

The Rental Kart division within CRG plays a very important role and is becoming increasingly central to the company’s commercial policies. For many years the Rental sector has been a booming market and the karts for this sector, compared to the past, are products with high technological content.

Vortex twice on the podium in Sarno

Vortex twice on the podium in Sarno Read more

The engines of the OTK Kart Group pushed Freddie Slater into second place in the final of the OKJ class while in OK, Joseph Turney achieved third position.

Otk Chassis Dealers Network Germany

Otk Chassis Dealers Network Germany Read more

The sales network of OTK chassis for Germany is welcoming a new dealer: AK-Racing.

12 Engines That Wrote Vortex History

12 Engines That Wrote Vortex History Read more

The vortex-engines.com website is now enriched by an important page: the Milestone section, recalling our first 25-year-history through the most winning engines.

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.

Vortex 25th Anniversary

Vortex 25th Anniversary Read more

From the World Championships conquered one year after its début, to the Rok Cup universe: the OTK Group engines division left an indelible mark in karting during its first 25 years, conquering over 100 international titles and, especially, the satisfaction of thousands of karting fans.

Coronavirus emergency: CRG activates some safety measures CRG factory closes from march 16th to 20th

Coronavirus emergency: CRG activates some safety measures CRG factory closes from march 16th to 20th Read more

Italy is currently among the countries most affected by Coronavirus and the consequences that this global emergency is generating on karting are both sporting and productive. Italy represents an unparalleled world centre in terms of production chain and, at the same time, many competitive events of international importance such as the WSK races are held in our country. It is therefore clear how the current emergency has an impact on the whole world of karting.

Corona crisis: Birel ART factory stop temporarly from 16th till 20th march 2020

Corona crisis: Birel ART factory stop temporarly from 16th till 20th march 2020 Read more

Run is in their DNA. Their sense of civility and of responsibility towards all their employees and families leads us to take important measures.

Homologation withdrawn for three helmets

Homologation withdrawn for three helmets Read more

The FIA Motorsport Safety Department and Motorsport Australia have advised the cancellation of three different helmets previously approved under the 8859-2015 Standard due to safety reasons.

Vortex; First, second and third place in Adria

Vortex; First, second and third place in Adria Read more

The karting season starts with a victory for Vortex during the first round of the WSK Super Master Series run at the Adria Karting Raceway. Pedro Hiltbrand wins in OK, while Ugo Ugochukwu is second in OKJ and Jimmy Helias third in Mini.

LeCont gains ground at all levels

LeCont gains ground at all levels Read more

A quick overview of the international karting landscape confirms the progress of LeCont tyres around the world. Over time, the quality of LeCont products has become more and more important in racing, especially as the Italian brand has always placed great importance on its relationship with its customers.

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Francorchamps 24 Hours for Private Karts. Anglo-Dutch domination under the  sultry Spa skies.
Bas Kaligis
/ Categories: International

Francorchamps 24 Hours for Private Karts. Anglo-Dutch domination under the sultry Spa skies.

Three days after their defeat by Belgium in the World Cup, the English returned the ball by dominating the second edition of the Francorchamps 24 Hours for Private Karts. Showing great skill in the 2017 deluge, teams from across the Channel repeated their endeavours in the summer heat. The Team VDH kart # 443, a British team with Dutch drivers, won at the end of the twice-round-the-clock Ardennes race, just two short laps ahead of team # 43 of MS So / Co Select, the holders of the title.

“It was a great event,” said a delighted Patrick Van Billoen, founder of One Day Karting, on the evening of the second “24 Hours” for Private Karts, unique of its sort in Belgium. “The level of driving was extremely high, with very few contacts on track. I think we only had two serious collisions, which clearly shows the degree of fair play which prevailed all weekend among the drivers. Of course we would have liked to welcome more karts, but lack of quantity was offset by great quality.”

It was a first-class entry largely made up of teams flying the English flag, which confirms the craze for the event beyond the borders of Belgium. "I would like to thank our English friends, who once again allowed this event to exist," adds Patrick Van Billoen. "As soon as possible, we plan to consult with each other to improve the existing product even further and, I hope, to attract more crews. Interest is growing in Belgium, but we do not yet have a 'fleet' capable of filling a grid. That is why I also plan to start discussions soon with all the interested teams to see what we can do.”

Twelve months after the torrential rain which had saturated the inaugural event, the weekend's twice-round-the-clock was played under the sun and in temperatures well above seasonal averages. That allowed the sixteen teams involved to have the time of their lives for 24 hours! The suspense was maintained all the way to the chequered flag, crossed first by # 443 Team VDH (Tjimen Van Der Helm - Senna Koolen - Lars Lamborelle - Steven Welsh). It won two laps (less than 2 minutes) ahead of runners-up # 43 MS So / Co Select (Dan Crossley - Paul Wilkins - Steve Lyall - Romano Franssen - Fabio Paoleschi), who almost repeated their success of 2017.

Having dominated in the 2017 storm, the English stables again demonstrated their ease in all conditions by taking the first eight places in the overall standings. Nevertheless, it was the Belgians who took to the track first on Saturday morning. Taking advantage of the power of their EVO3 engine (4-stroke engines designed specifically for the competition), the Fast8Maranello 1 and 2 drivers proved to be the fastest in free practice. The EVO3 also took the front row of the starting grid, the # 81 Fast8Maranello 1 (Rino Gulisano - Michael Veulemans - Dave Coenen - Opnithi Puyato - Kevin Lemmens) starting from pole ahead of the # 88 Neospeed kart (Massimo Petralia - Laurent Dauw - Clement Nopère - Chris Akkerman).

As the lights went out, pole driver Opnithi Puyato was surprised by the speed of Massimo Petralia at his side, the latter immediately taking control of the race ahead of kart # 82 Fast8Maranello 2 (Marco Gulisano - Matthias Boon - Wesley Van Den Bergh - Dylan De Wolf - Glenn Sente - Michael Holsters). The three representatives of the EVO3 category quickly widened the gap between themselves and the rest of the pack. At the heart of it, there was a great battle between the EVO2 teams. A minority in 2017, this weekend the majority of entries were by karts powered by production four-stroke twin-engines, a factor which evened things up a little with gaps of just a few seconds between fourth and tenth place!

Although the heat became less suffocating as time passed, mechanical parts soon showed the first signs of weakness, the # 81 Fast8Maranello 1 having to pit in order to straighten a drive shaft. As a result, one of the favourites to win fell back well down the order, as did the #88 Neospeed, the victim of a chain jump, wasting valuable time in the battle for a podium place.

Team # 82 Fast8Maranello 2 (EVO3) did not ask so much to recover the lead it held without faltering until the halfway point, before also experiencing a fatal engine problem on Sunday morning. The passage through the night also proved cruel for several of the favourites, including # 88 Neospeed, victim of a mechanical breakdown which robbed them of their place in the top 4. The same disappointment also overcame the KRMS Racing team (Antoine Morlet - Jeremy Peclers - Luc Walter - Guillaume Germis - Simon Delvenne), whose race was compromised in the early morning after contact with an opponent, mortally injuring the chassis of kart # 10.

Spared such concerns, # 443 Team VDH (Tjimen Van Der Helm - Senna Koolen - Lamborelle Lars - Steven Welsh) emerged from the night in the lead, and made it without mishap to the chequered flag. After a cautious first half of the race, the crew of the # 43 MS So / Co Select (Dan Crossley - Paul Wilkins - Steve Lyall - Romano Franssen - Fabio Paoleschi), sounded the charge in second position but failed to close the gap of two laps that separated them from the lead. Victorious after 1,642 laps, the team representing the Netherlands won on their first time of entering the 24 Hours for Private Karts. Twelve months after its great success in the downpour, MS So / Co Select had to settle for the runners-up position ahead of the Red Racing kart # 13 (Adam Nichols - Lewis Cannon - Martin Black - Jake Randall), which had also been on the podium last year.

At the foot of the podium was # 42 MS Lucas (Karl North - Jamie Crease - Josh Falcus - Andrew Delahunty - Will Jones) ahead of four other English teams with, in order, # 111 MS JSR (Connor Lucas - Mick McDonald - Jack Grinsell - Sam Tugwell - Matty Hopecraft), # 115 Team Keane (Rob Stanway - Danny Keane - Wez Grundy - Toby Dodson - Tom McDonald), #39 PGS Racing (Paul Scaife - Steve Thompson - Steve Nichols - Ben Brown - Archie Brown) and, eighth, # 77 Offline 1 (Gareth Plackett - Chris Pedlingham - Rob Aston - Jonathan Robertson).

"Best of the rest", the eclectic Young & Experience team (# 19, Cédric De Meurers - Guillaume Faye - Miko Bouvier - Gianni Di Franco - Paul Theysgens), saved the honour of the teams in black, yellow and red with ninth position and victory in the EVO1 category (production single engine). The top 10 of this second edition of the 24 Hours for Kart Privés was completed by the kart # 34 TT Sport (James Tracy - David Cross - Michael Cross -Keith Batrum - Barry Hammond - Dan Adderley) ahead of # 6 Modernized Racing (Steven Thomas - Lewis John Nurse - Ryan Waring - Paul Waring - Phil Overton - Gary Simms).

Success was not on the side of the Belgians on their own soil, and the three representatives of the EVO3 category did not pass the finish line. The # 88 Neospeed (Massimo Petralia - Laurent Dauw - Clement Nopera - Chris Akkerman) was declared class winner, despite a premature end to the race due to weather conditions which proved to be too much for some teams. The # 81 Fast8Maranello  (Rino Gulisano - Michael Veulemans - Dave Coenen - Opnithi Puyato - Kevin Lemmens) consoled themselves with pole position and the fastest lap of the race (46.514, very close to the lap times of a Rotax Max or a Parilla X30). Overwhelmed by mechanical problems, # 17 Steam Team (Walter Timmermans - Thierry LeLuc - Michael LeLuc - Jeroen Rottey - Francky Volckaerts) and # 10 KMRS Racing (Antoine Morlet - Jeremy Peclers - Luc Walter - Guillaume Germis - Simon Delvenne ) left Francorchamps empty-handed, probably with an appetite for revenge in 2019!

Final classification: 1. Team VDH #443 (Van Der Helm-Koolen-Lamborelle-Welsh) 1642 tours; 2. MS So/Co Select #43 (Crossley-Wilkins-Lyall-Franssen-Paoleschi) + 2 t; 3. Red Racing #13 (Nichols-Cannon-Black-Randall) + 9 t; 4. MS Lucas #42 (North-Crease-Falcus-Delahunty-Jones) + 10 t; 5. MS JSR #111 (Lucas-Mcdonald-Grinsell-Tugwell-Hopecraft) + 12 t; 6. Team Keane #115 (Stanway-Keane-Grundy-Dodson-McDonald) + 20 t; 7. PGS Racing #39 (Scaife-Thompson-Nichols-Brown-Brown) + 34 t; 8. Offline 1 #77 (Plackett-Pedlingham-Aston-Robertson) + + 49 t; 9. Young & Experience #19 (De Meurers-Faye-Bouvier-Di Franco-Theysgens) + 60 t; 10. TT Sport #34 (Tracy-Cross-Cross-batrum-Hammond-Adderley) + 67 t; 11. Modernised Racing #6 (Thomas-Nurse-Waring-Waring-Overton-Simms) + 7 2 t; 12. Neospeed #88 (Petralia-Dauw-Nopère-Chapelle-Akkerman) + 369 t; 13. Steam Team #17 (Timmermans-Le Leu-Le Leu-Rottey-Volckaerts) + 412 t; 14. KMRS Racing #10 (Morlet-Peclers-Walter-Germis-Delvenne) + 583 t; 15. Fast8Maranello 2 #82 (Gulisano-Boon-Van Den Bergh-De Wolf-Sente-Holsters) + 770 t; 16. Fast8Maranello 1 #81 (Gulisano-Veulemans-Coenen-Puyato-Lemmens) + 895 t

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