Racing dates set for 31st annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix
Racing dates set for 31st annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix

Racing dates set for 31st annual Xtream...

Racing dates set for 31st annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix

Racing dates set for 31st annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix

Rock Island, Illinois — The Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s most prestigious karting street race, has announced dates for its 31st annual race weekend, Sept. 5-6, 2026. Once...
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,...

Racing dates set for 31st annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix

Racing dates set for 31st annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix Read more

Rock Island, Illinois — The Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s most prestigious karting street race, has announced dates for its 31st annual race weekend, Sept. 5-6, 2026. Once again, it will feature race classes for 2 cycle, 4 cycle, shifter and Vintage racers.

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.

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Koolen shines with Team Evolution at IAME Euro Series opener in Mariembourg
Bas Kaligis
/ Categories: IAME

Koolen shines with Team Evolution at IAME Euro Series opener in Mariembourg

It was a case of “The student outdriving the Master” at the opening round of the IAME Euro Series in Belgium over the weekend, when 17-year-old Niels Koolen showed his real potential with a superb performance to secure his podium place on Sunday, ahead of his personal coach and leading Team Evolution teammate Joey van Splunteren.  For the British-based team, it was an excellent way to begin the 2019 European X30 Series, as they take on the some tough rivals.

Taking second place in both the pre-final and final at Mariembourg, Niels has definitely made an impression, competing against a power-packed field in the X30 senior class at international level. However, the young Dutchman had his work cut out from the onset, failing to get through the traffic in the official timed session, which left him way down in P33. He was still on the pace and determined to continue his great season form, having already taken two podiums in Spain. In his last heat, Niels came from grid 13 to 1st, passing his mentor on the charge in P2 without hesitation.

His Evolution teammates and supporters were all cheering and clapping as he returned to the pits. “I had a good start in the final and could follow the leader Callum Bradshaw,” explained Niels. “We slowly pulled away from the others and I kept my focus. To finish second was my best result ever at this level [of racing].” He added, “I’m very happy with the support from Joey and Team Evolution. They are able to give me good material and the knowledge of the team helps me a lot. The atmosphere in the team is great and this makes me feel good to be racing with them.”

After qualifying second in his group and ranking 5th in the senior field of 78, Joey van Splunteren was clearly a strong contender with four top 3 finishes in the heat races Saturday, to start on the front row for the pre-final. The current IAME International Open and Belgium Championship title-holder suffered his own challenges during the weekend though, but his skilled race-craft and experience brought him through to be fighting for the chance to join his fellow countryman at the prize-giving ceremony. Despite being forced wide during the final and dropping back to P12, the 27-year-old battled it out until the closing stages to the flag, crossing the line in 4th.

“I’ve had some problems, but in the end, I cannot complain. We’ve enjoyed the weekend,” said Joey. “I think I was fast enough on the new set of tyres to win, yet still had to move forward through the field in the final. My goal is to win all the championships this season, so I’ll try to win the second round in Italy.  The team is working like a family and it feels like home now. It’s where everyone works for one goal; winning!” As for his teammate’s success, Joey admitted he was not at all surprised, “Niels went like a rocket! He’s very motivated and does everything well. Finishing in P2 at this level is exceptional and I knew he could do this. And, he did it – just perfect!”

With good conditions for racing all weekend, Team Evolution was well-prepared coming into the first round of the championship at Mariembourg. They had put the effort in during the winter months and worked hard over the last year, so it was rewarding to see the signs of progress. With three juniors and five seniors in total at the initial Euro Series event, team manager Ashley Whitcroft was ecstatic to have one of their talented drivers coming through to be a front-runner, “We’re really happy, especially for Niels taking his first major podium with us. It’s a very good result for him and for our team, considering the high level of the competition, which included a lot of past European and World champions. Niels was driving really well. We had some great results in Seniors with Joey too, after he qualified well to eventually finish 4th.”

Urbeltz Moar (SPA), Yarne Goovaerts (BEL) and Jort Coone (NDL) are part of the X30 team line-up for the Euro Series in 2019. In Juniors, it was #49 Herolind Nuredini (GER) who turned on an outstanding performance for the ‘drive of the day’ in the class, climbing an amazing 25 positions to take P7 in the final from the back of the grid. All three juniors, including UK drivers Liam McNielly and Zach Ripley, posted times within the top 10 in Friday’s qualifying practice.

The second edition of the four-round series takes place at Castelletto in Italy from May 28-31.

 

About Team Evolution:

- We work with drivers from the early stages of their racing career and develop their skills, enabling them to compete at the forefront of European and World championship level of karting.

- We have a great team moral with outstanding staff which creates the perfect platform for success. A real family atmosphere helps keep the drivers relaxed during their time with the team. - We also work closely with the engine tuner Grice, allowing us to maximise engine performance. 

- Unlike most teams, we work with two chassis manufacturers – Kart Republic and OTK. Not every driver’s style is the same, so this really allows us to match every driver’s needs.

 

Our program in 2019:

IAME X30 Euro Series

IAME X30 Belgium Series

IAME X30 Spanish Series                 

FIA Karting World Championship 

FIA Karting European Championship

Various Club Races in the UK

 

Our partners:

Grice Engines, Freem UK, Tillett Seats & Super B Batteries

 

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