Modena Kart places two drivers on the final podium of the WSK Euro Series
Modena Kart places two drivers on the final podium of the WSK Euro Series

Modena Kart places two drivers on the...

Modena Kart places two drivers on the final podium of the WSK Euro Series

Modena Kart places two drivers on the final podium of the WSK Euro Series

The 2025 WSK Euro Series ended on a high note for Modena Kart. In May in Viterbo, the Italian team had already celebrated exceptional 2nd and 3rd places for Albert Tamm and Gioele Girardello in OK-N...
The WSK Euro Series 2025 Champions
The WSK Euro Series 2025 Champions

The WSK Euro Series 2025 Champions

The WSK Euro Series 2025 Champions

The WSK Euro Series 2025 Champions

The Finals of the second round at the Cremona Circuit awarded the titles to Hedfors (MINI Gr.3), Godschalk (MINI U10), Xie (OK-NJ), Zulfikari (OKJ), Scognamiglio (OK-N) and Costoya...
Livestream PreFinals and Finals of the 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 2 at the Cremona Circuit
Livestream PreFinals and Finals of the 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 2 at the Cremona Circuit

Livestream PreFinals and Finals of the...

Livestream PreFinals and Finals of the 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 2 at the Cremona Circuit

Livestream PreFinals and Finals of the 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 2 at the Cremona Circuit

The second and decisive round will see over 250 drivers making it to the track from 53 countries. Up for grabs are the titles of all categories. In Cremona, the entry list is also particularly...
All is set for the grand finale of the WSK Euro Series 2025
All is set for the grand finale of the WSK Euro Series 2025

All is set for the grand finale of the...

All is set for the grand finale of the WSK Euro Series 2025

All is set for the grand finale of the WSK Euro Series 2025

The weekend that is underway at the Cremona Circuit is the 2025 title decider. The Final stages on Saturday, July 5th with Prefinals and Finals available in TV Live Streaming.
Qualifying practice and initial heats of the WSK Euro Series have been run in Cremona
Qualifying practice and initial heats of the WSK Euro Series have been run in Cremona

Qualifying practice and initial heats of...

Qualifying practice and initial heats of the WSK Euro Series have been run in Cremona

Qualifying practice and initial heats of the WSK Euro Series have been run in Cremona

Qualifying practice and the initial heats of the second and decisive round of the WSK Euro Series have been run at the Cremona Circuit. The final heats will follow on Friday, while the Finals with TV...
Results: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 2 at the Cremona Circuit
Results: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 2 at the Cremona Circuit

Results: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 2 at...

Results: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 2 at the Cremona Circuit

Results: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 2 at the Cremona Circuit

The second and decisive round will see over 250 drivers making it to the track from 53 countries. Up for grabs are the titles of all categories. In Cremona, the entry list is also particularly...
Live timing: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 2 at the Cremona Circuit
Live timing: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 2 at the Cremona Circuit

Live timing: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round...

Live timing: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 2 at the Cremona Circuit

Live timing: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 2 at the Cremona Circuit

The second and decisive round will see over 250 drivers making it to the track from 53 countries. Up for grabs are the titles of all categories. In Cremona, the entry list is also particularly...
International Karting on track at the Cremona Circuit for the WSK Euro Series
International Karting on track at the Cremona Circuit for the WSK Euro Series

International Karting on track at the...

International Karting on track at the Cremona Circuit for the WSK Euro Series

International Karting on track at the Cremona Circuit for the WSK Euro Series

The second and decisive round will see over 250 drivers making it to the track from 53 countries. Up for grabs are the titles of all categories. The Finals, with TV Live Streaming coverage on...
About 250 drivers expected in Cremona’s second round of the WSK Euro Series
About 250 drivers expected in Cremona’s second round of the WSK Euro Series

About 250 drivers expected in Cremona’s...

About 250 drivers expected in Cremona’s second round of the WSK Euro Series

About 250 drivers expected in Cremona’s second round of the WSK Euro Series

The Final of the WSK Euro Series will take place at the Cremona Circuit after the victories in Viterbo’s round one claimed by Costoya (OK), Domain (OKJ), Scognamiglio (OK-N), Xie (OK-NJ),...
Subscriptions accepted for the second round of the WSK Euro Series at the Cremona Circuit
Subscriptions accepted for the second round of the WSK Euro Series at the Cremona Circuit

Subscriptions accepted for the second...

Subscriptions accepted for the second round of the WSK Euro Series at the Cremona Circuit

Subscriptions accepted for the second round of the WSK Euro Series at the Cremona Circuit

The closing round of the WSK Euro Series will award the titles of OK, OKJ, OK-N, OK-NJ, MINI Gr.3 and MINI U10 at the Cremona Circuit next July 1-5.
Parolin Motorsport Srl: Parolin sweeps the board in OK and Mini at Viterbo
Parolin Motorsport Srl: Parolin sweeps the board in OK and Mini at Viterbo

Parolin Motorsport Srl: Parolin sweeps...

Parolin Motorsport Srl: Parolin sweeps the board in OK and Mini at Viterbo

Parolin Motorsport Srl: Parolin sweeps the board in OK and Mini at Viterbo

Parolin Motorsport took a double win at the first round of the WSK Euro Series at Viterbo in Italy from 14th to 17th May with Christian Costoya in OK and Elton Hedfors in Mini. Costoya took advantage...
The winners of the opening round of the WSK Euro Series
The winners of the opening round of the WSK Euro Series

The winners of the opening round of the...

The winners of the opening round of the WSK Euro Series

The winners of the opening round of the WSK Euro Series

The opening event of the WSK Euro Series at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo was won by Hedfors (MINI Gr.3), Godschalk (MINI U10), Xie (OK-NJ), Domain (OKJ), Scognamiglio (OK-N) and Costoya (OK).  
Livestream PreFinals and Finals of the 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 1 at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo
Livestream PreFinals and Finals of the 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 1 at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo

Livestream PreFinals and Finals of the...

Livestream PreFinals and Finals of the 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 1 at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo

Livestream PreFinals and Finals of the 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 1 at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo

After the thrilling and spectacular first part of the season with the five rounds of the WSK Super Master Series, the time has come for the highly anticipated start of the WSK Euro Series. The first...
Ready for WSK Euro Series final phase in Viterbo
Ready for WSK Euro Series final phase in Viterbo

Ready for WSK Euro Series final phase in...

Ready for WSK Euro Series final phase in Viterbo

Ready for WSK Euro Series final phase in Viterbo

The heats end with final phase qualification on Saturday 17th May. Prefinals from 9:50am and Finals from 1:30pm on Live TV Streaming.
Winners of the Viterbo WSK Euro Series
Winners of the Viterbo WSK Euro Series

Winners of the Viterbo WSK Euro Series

Winners of the Viterbo WSK Euro Series

Winners of the Viterbo WSK Euro Series

The first heats highlight several protagonists. Friday the conclusion of the heats, Saturday 17th May the final phase.
WSK Euro Series pole positions at Viterbo
WSK Euro Series pole positions at Viterbo

WSK Euro Series pole positions at...

WSK Euro Series pole positions at Viterbo

WSK Euro Series pole positions at Viterbo

Qualifying practice at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo kicked off the first round of 2025 WSK Euro Series. The finals on Saturday 17th May.
Results: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 1 at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo
Results: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 1 at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo

Results: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 1 at...

Results: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 1 at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo

Results: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 1 at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo

After the thrilling and spectacular first part of the season with the five rounds of the WSK Super Master Series, the time has come for the highly anticipated start of the WSK Euro Series. The first...
Live timing: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 1 at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo
Live timing: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 1 at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo

Live timing: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round...

Live timing: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 1 at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo

Live timing: 2025 WSK Euro Series Round 1 at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo

After the thrilling and spectacular first part of the season with the five rounds of the WSK Super Master Series, the time has come for the highly anticipated start of the WSK Euro Series. The first...
The protagonists of the WSK Euro Series on track in Viterbo
The protagonists of the WSK Euro Series on track in Viterbo

The protagonists of the WSK Euro Series...

The protagonists of the WSK Euro Series on track in Viterbo

The protagonists of the WSK Euro Series on track in Viterbo

The participation is great in all categories at the opener of the series to be held at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo next May 13 - 17.
The WSK Euro Series 2025 is at the start
The WSK Euro Series 2025 is at the start

The WSK Euro Series 2025 is at the start

The WSK Euro Series 2025 is at the start

The WSK Euro Series 2025 is at the start

The first round of the series will take place at the Leopard Circuit Viterbo next May 13 - 17, with categories MINI, OK-NJ, OK-N, OKJ and OK on track.  

Exprit Racing Team: First 2020 race in Adria

Exprit Racing Team: First 2020 race in Adria Read more

The 1st Round of the WSK Super Master Series marks the debut of the Exprit Racing Team: their drivers can count on the Exprit Noesis R chassis, which proves to be highly reliable reaching the third step of the podium.

Classifications after the WSK Super Master Series opener in Adria

Classifications after the WSK Super Master Series opener in Adria Read more

The initial classifications are shaping up after the opener of WSK Super Master Series ran in Adria. Pedro Hiltbrand is currently leading OK, Alfio Andrea Spina OK-Junior, Gerasim Skulanov Mini. Next round on February 23rd in Lonato.

Impressive levels of speed on the debut of Team Leclerc by Lennox Racing

Impressive levels of speed on the debut of Team Leclerc by Lennox Racing Read more

A lot of positive feedback and valuable experience are what Team Leclerc by Lennox Racing takes home from its debut race at the Adria Karting Raceway, in Round 1 of the WSK Super Master Series. The final results were not exactly what they expected, but there were plenty of positive aspects: the familiarity with the Charles Leclerc by Birel chassis and the TM Racing engines will increase over time, as will the understanding in such a young team, with several drivers having joined the group only recently.

Shakedown for the CRG Racing Team at the WSK Master

Shakedown for the CRG Racing Team at the WSK Master Read more

The 1st round of the WSK Master took place on the Adria circuit, a series on 4 rounds where the CRG Racing Team will compete to prepare for the international season. The goal was a shakedown of the 2020 chassis and especially of the new team in the Mini category, lining up 5 official drivers: Christian Costoya, Samuele Leopardi, Simone Bianco, Scott Lindblom and Nico Lahnalahti. Besides the 5 Mini drivers, two Junior drivers made their debut with the CRG colours as well, the Italian Francesco Marenghi (at his first race in Junior) and the Argentinian Francisco Soldavini.

Parolin Racing Kart - Top performances and Mini podium for Khavalkin

Parolin Racing Kart - Top performances and Mini podium for Khavalkin Read more

Held on the dry track of Adria, the first round of the WSK Super Master Series was graced by a very representative line-up. The Parolin chassis was up to the challenge by giving their drivers the opportunity to achieve very strong performances. The intensity of the races did not allow them all to achieve their goals, but Khavalkin's 2nd place in Mini, Victorsson's run in OK-Junior and Wharton's top five in the provisional OK ranking are very encouraging indicators for the season.

Birel ART Racing Team - A promising start to the season at Adria

Birel ART Racing Team - A promising start to the season at Adria Read more

There is no shortage of reasons for satisfaction after the first competition of 2020 for the Birel ART Racing team on the Adria circuit at the opening of the WSK Super Master Series. In OK, it was Maya Weug's strong progress that caught the eye alongside Clayton Ravenscroft's solid run. Tymoteusz Kucharczyk made a perfect debut for the team in OK-Junior in addition to the fine performance from Cristian Bertuca.

Team AKM Motorsport by Antonelli is born: partnership with Kart Republic of Dino Chiesa

Team AKM Motorsport by Antonelli is born: partnership with Kart Republic of Dino Chiesa Read more

Double engagement in karts and single-seaters with the aim of creating a path for the youngest. The partnership with Kart Republic of Dino Chiesa has been made official. The debut at Adria last weekend with Andrea Kimi Antonelli protagonist in the WSK .

Hiltbrand (OK), Spina (OKJ) and Skulanov (MINI) take the win at the WSK Super Master Series in Adria

Hiltbrand (OK), Spina (OKJ) and Skulanov (MINI) take the win at the WSK Super Master Series in Adria Read more

The finals of the WSK Super Master Series in Adria have been tight and hard-fought. The victories went to Pedro Hiltbrand (Tony Kart-Vortex/Tony Kart Racing Team) in OK, Alfio Andrea Spina (KR-Iame-Vega/KR Motorsport) in OK-Junior and Gerasim Skulanov (IPK-TM Racing-Vega/Formula K) in Mini.

Livestream: The First Round of the WSK Super Master Series at Adria Karting Raceway

Livestream: The First Round of the WSK Super Master Series at Adria Karting Raceway Read more

The First Round of the WSK Super Master Series will get underway from January 30th to February 2nd at Adria Karting Raceway, right one week after the WSK Champions Cup. More than 220 drivers will get on track for this much-awaited round in OK, OKJ and Mini, as all the main constructors and strongest teams confirmed their presence. 

Smal, Lindblad and Foteev are the early leaders of WSK Super Master Series after heats in Adria

Smal, Lindblad and Foteev are the early leaders of WSK Super Master Series after heats in Adria Read more

A hard-fought qualifying has named the first protagonists of this opener of the WSK Super Master Series in Adria at the end of 30 qualifying heats. A total of 231 drivers made it to the track in the three categories OK, OK-Junior and Mini. Final stages on Sunday, February 2nd, in live streaming.

231 drivers at the opener of WSK Super Master Series in Adria

231 drivers at the opener of WSK Super Master Series in Adria Read more

Participation has been great also in the first of the four rounds of WSK Super Master Series that is underway in Adria one week after the WSK Champions Cup. A total of 231 drivers gathered in fact in Adria to contest the three categories OK, OKJ and Mini. Qualifying and heats took place today. Further heats will follow on Saturday, while the final stages will go live with the web streaming on Sunday, February 2nd.

Results: The First Round of the WSK Super Master Series at Adria Karting Raceway

Results: The First Round of the WSK Super Master Series at Adria Karting Raceway Read more

The First Round of the WSK Super Master Series will get underway from January 30th to February 2nd at Adria Karting Raceway, right one week after the WSK Champions Cup. More than 220 drivers will get on track for this much-awaited round in OK, OKJ and Mini, as all the main constructors and strongest teams confirmed their presence. 

Tony Kart: Let’s start the 2020 season

Tony Kart: Let’s start the 2020 season Read more

With the first round of the WSK Super Master Series, the new competitive year of the Tony Kart Racing Team is starting. Appointment at the Adria Karting Raceway with the drivers of the OK, OKJ and Mini categories. 

Live timing: The First Round of the WSK Super Master Series at Adria Karting Raceway

Live timing: The First Round of the WSK Super Master Series at Adria Karting Raceway Read more

The First Round of the WSK Super Master Series will get underway from January 30th to February 2nd at Adria Karting Raceway, right one week after the WSK Champions Cup. More than 220 drivers will get on track for this much-awaited round in OK, OKJ and Mini, as all the main constructors and strongest teams confirmed their presence. 

Energy Corse: A strong team already on the podium in 2020

Energy Corse: A strong team already on the podium in 2020 Read more

After a 2019 filled with many victories, the official Energy Corse team lined up a group of nine very promising young drivers at the WSK Champions Cup in Adria, which marked the opening of the 2020 international season for the OK, OK-Junior and 60 Mini categories. In the wet as well as in the dry, Energy Corse undeniably put itself in the spotlight during the three days of racing. A new recruit for 2020, the Russian Kirill Smal impressed on his debut with the Italian team, rising to 2nd in the Final in OK!

The opener of WSK Super Master Series in Adria with 220 drivers

The opener of WSK Super Master Series in Adria with 220 drivers Read more

The WSK Super Master Series will get underway from January 30th to February 2nd in the second racing weekend in Adria, right one week after the WSK Final Cup. More than 220 drivers will get on track for this much-awaited round in OK, OKJ and Mini, as all the main constructors and strongest teams confirmed their presence. 

Kart Republic is proud to present the drivers line-up for 2020

Kart Republic is proud to present the drivers line-up for 2020 Read more

Kart Republic is proud to present the drivers line-up for 2020! The squad of Dino Chiesa has many drivers supported by the teams of KR Motorsport, Rosberg Racing Academy, AKM Motorsport, Sauber Karting Team! Here all Kart Republic drivers for 2020... the show is ON!

Victory Parolin Racing Kart at Adria in the European season opener

Victory Parolin Racing Kart at Adria in the European season opener Read more

The WSK Champions Cup marked the launch of the 2020 international season in Europe. With a new enlarged team gathering no less than 13 drivers in the three categories, Parolin Racing Kart asserted its ambitions. Anatoly Khavalkin's victory demonstrated the competitiveness of the new Parolin Opportunity chassis recently homologated for Mini by the CIK-FIA.

The first titles of 2020 awarded in Adria at the WSK Champions Cup: Barnard champion in OK, Spina in OKJ, Khavalkin in Mini

The first titles of 2020 awarded in Adria at the WSK Champions Cup: Barnard champion in OK, Spina in OKJ, Khavalkin in Mini Read more

The WSK Champions Cup in Adria awarded the first titles of 2020 at the end of a hard-fought weekend with 170 drivers on track. The winner of OK was Taylor Barnard (KR-Iame-Bridgestone/Team Rosberg), that of OK-Junior Alfio Andrea Spina (KR-Iame-Vega/Team KR), and Mini’s Anatoly Khavalkin (Parolin-TM Racing-Vega/Team Parolin). 

A slight rain complicates heats of WSK Champions Cup in Adria

A slight rain complicates heats of WSK Champions Cup in Adria Read more

A big battle has been fought in qualifying heats to secure the best places for the final stages of the WSK Champions Cup that are about to take place in Adria on Sunday, January 26th. The quickest were Ten Brinke in OK, Lindblad in OKJ and Gladysz in Mini.
 

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Competitive international line-up in New Jersey as the battle for the 2018 US Grand Nationals / US Open titles
Bas Kaligis
/ Categories: Rotax

Competitive international line-up in New Jersey as the battle for the 2018 US Grand Nationals / US Open titles

Rotax Senior MAX – Samuel Lupien gets the early break and takes a convincing victory

Canadian Samuel Lupien won the US Open 2018 amongst an impressive field of seniors, making this the fifth time he has qualified for the RMCGF – including vice champion in Mini MAX 2013.

Following early showers for the official practice sessions Friday, 17 year-old Bradley Barrett (Koene/TonyKart) posted the fastest lap of 1:07.465 in timed qualifying by a mere 0.005 seconds over RPG/Kosmic teammates Samuel Lupien and Hannah Greenemeier. The British driver then confirmed his place by winning the Super Pole in two hot laps against the six fastest drivers. Keeping his momentum, Barrett took victory in heat 1, playing it smart to hold onto P1 in a nail-biting race between rivals Mathais Ramirez-Barr (HG/TonyKart) and pace-setter Samuel Lupien.

Two race winners shared the honours in the following qualifiers Saturday; Mathais Ramirez-Barr won the opening heat and Samuel Lupien the second one, as the intense challenge for positions and nosetotail racing further back through the pack left no room for error. The pre-final was another close encounter, but it was Ramirez-Barr kept his cool to take the chequered flag ahead of Greenemeier and Lupien. Barrett found no way past in P4 and Mason Buck (Koene/TonyKart) was fifth. Up to 10 different drivers shared the first five positions by the end of the day’s racing.

In the final Sunday, Ramirez-Barr led the field from the start closely pursued by Lupien, while the outside row of drivers suffered from a delayed reaction by Greenemeier off grid 2. Lupien had taken the lead by lap 2 and worked to build a comfortable gap as the others behind put the pressure on Ramirez-Barr. A collision between Cole Hooton (Prime PSL/BirelART), Mason Buck and David Ilavia (J3/CompKart) dropped them out of contention. Barrett passed Ramirez-Barr for P2 by half race distance before the #341 kart was shadowed by Greenemeier, who set best lap of the race. With one to go, the lady driver overtook her US countryman for third, but a misjudged move from Ramirez-Barr to pass her back, forced Barrett offline. In the dice for P2, Ramirez crossed the line in front of Greenemeier, only to be penalised for the incident. Lupien had taken a clear victory to become the 2018 champion and be awarded the first of the RMCGF tickets. Greenemeier was second to become the US Grand Nationals winner, joining her teammate in receiving the TEAM USA ticket for Brazil. Barrett made the podium for third ahead of Ramirez-Barr and Josh Green (MDR/Kosmic) was fifth due to Ilavia dropping a chain in the last lap.

 

Rotax Mini MAX – James Egozi secures his US title in a fantastic battle of the young guns

In case you don’t know him… the pocket rocket from the USA who drove his little heart out to become the 2018 champion is 10-year old James Egozi. He has been racing for about 7 years!

It was a US domination on day 1 of the program where Friday’s sessions were topped by three different American drivers. While #44 Jack Jeffers (Orsolon/TonyKart) posted quickest lap of 1:13.027 during the 10-minute qualifying to take pole from Team Koene’s James Egozi (TonyKart ) and Felipe Bernasconi (Parolin), it would be the former World Micro MAX number 1 Diego Laroque running for Speed Concepts (Energy) who stole the show in the Super Pole. However, heat 1 proved to be a more difficult feat for the accomplished 12-year old from Phoenix, who lost the lead he had fought so hard for while being fastest on track as well (1:12.770), when Egozi claimed the deserving win in the deciding lap and Karsten Defonce took third. The Mini MAX class was a constant shuffle for positions in every race as the laps wound down. The

youngest of the 120-kart entry list brought together a group filled with budding talent and fast developing drivers, all pushing for the top step of the podium with the dream to be champion. Three winners shared the race victories Saturday, yet the amazing place-swapping happening amongst the 29-kart field was great. Recapping the wins, it was James Egozi first in heat 2, pole-sitter Laroque winning in heat 3 and Brent Crews (Nitro Kart) across the line for P1 in the pre-final in front of Laroque and Bernasconi, with Egozi fourth from Ryan Stanton (CompKart) in P5.

Starting from row 1, Crews and Laroque swapped places several times in the race for the lead to begin Sunday’s final, but this was short-lived when Egozi took advantage of their battle and got the break he needed to snatch P1. With a string of karts pushing the limit, Crews and Bernasconi tangle, seeing the latter fall down the order and the front-runners the chance to pull a gap. The 14-lapper kept the racing compact, until the loss or gain of the long straight slipstream came into effect. With the flag in sight, Egozi had his head down to remain victorious over a disappointed Laroque as the new Mini MAX US champ and winner of the ticket to Brazil. Defonce surrendered P3 to Crews in the closing stages, who would receive his invitation to compete at the RMCGF as the eligible driver for the Micro MAX class, making it his second year in a row to qualify. A close race for the next positions was won by Santiago Biagi in fifth ahead of Jeremy Fletcher.

 

Rotax MAX Masters – Brazil’s Antonio Pizzonia makes his debut a winner in New Jersey

Competing for the first time in the Rotax MAX Masters, Antonio Pizzonia came to the USA focused on taking the victory at the US Open event and winning his chance to take on the world in Brazil. Local driver John Bonanno put his J3 Competition CompKart at the top of the timesheet with a 1:08.310 to be fastest from Billy Cleavelin (RPG/Kosmic) and Pedro Cabrera (CRG Nordam/CRG). Not to be outdone by former F1 driver and current Brazilian stock car racer, Antonio Pizzonia (TonyKart), Bonanno pushed to hold onto his pole position for heat 1 by nailing the Super Pole session with a lap of 1:08.248. The race turned on some wheel-to-wheel action in the first of three qualifying races for the over 32- years line-up, with Bonanno first to cross the line ahead of heat race pace-setter Adam Pettit (Solo Kart) and the international class entry of Pizzonia in third. Although not as easy as he may have hoped, Bonanno was outstanding from the beginning of the weekend and managed to beat the competition to the line in all three races Saturday, including the prefinal to claim pole for Sunday’s showdown for the podium. Lining up alongside him was Rotax newcomer Pizzonia who ranked P2 in the points following the heats, while Pettit took third in the pre-final to start on row 2 next to Pedro Cabrera and Salvatore Sparacio finishing in P5. With everything on the line, Bonanno was determined more than anything to bring this one home, leading the 17-lap final from the flag. Pettit had the better start from grid 3 on the inside, as Pizzonia moved forward to make up for lost ground. The Brazilian searched for a way past the #623 of Pettit and persisted, finally taking P2 and going after Bonanno. Over the half-way mark, Pizzonia made the pass for first, allowing Pettit to follow for P2 in the process. The pole-sitter fought back and with a couple of laps remaining, Bonanno was into second and chasing victory. Giving it all he had, the American fell just short of his goal as the laps ran out. The US Open title and the RMCGF ticket for Masters would be awarded to an elated Pizzonia. As runner-up, Bonanno is the 2018 US Grand Nationals champion with Pettit taking then third place. In the battle for top 5, Billy Cleavelin took P4 just under 3-tenths ahead of Pedro Cabrera.

 

Rotax Junior MAX – US Open success for Canada’s Thomas Nepveu after an early finals setback

13-year old Thomas Nepveu said it was a really challenging race weekend with everyone having such close engines from the lottery, but he had fun racing in New Jersey to once again secure his place in Team Canada for the opportunity to take the World number 1 status at the RMCGF, which narrowly escaped him at the 2016 ROTAX Grand Finals in Italy as the Mini MAX vice champion. The 32-kart field provided bumper-to-bumper rivalry from the opening day at NJMP. Patrick Woods-Toth (RPG/Kosmic) won the timed quali Friday, clocking 1:08.304 from Justin Arseneau (SCR/TonyKart) to make it a Canadian lock-out, with Matheus Morgatto (AM/Parolin) of Brazil third fastest. The Super Pole was won by PSL’s BirelART official team driver Thomas Nepveu, who was sensational to move up to P1 from ranking 6 for the heats, with all four junior Canadians at the event within the first 6 starters. Justin White (J3/CompKart) spoiled the northern party though, flying the USA flag for the race victory after the lunch break in a lunge to the line to beat Morgatto, with Nepveu having to settle for third. The juniors displayed some impressive racing and the international mix threw out the challenge to the US drivers on home soil. Although qualifying was dominated by the Canadians, Morgatto hit the top of the leader board in the overall ranking by winning both heats on day 2, exhibiting his experience until now from competing in ROTAX Mini Max and currently Juniors. In the pre-final, it was the Super Pole champ Nepveu who took the win marginally ahead of White and Morgatto in third. Australian Jaiden Pope (J3/CompKart) finished in P4 to edge out Woods-Toth. Sunday’s final could have gone many ways, as the shuffle for positions within the first half of the field meant it was anyone’s game as the 17 laps played out. Even the race fans could not blink to miss the action unfolding! From pole, Nepveu was relegated back a few spots after White hit the lead briefly, as the scramble brought the threesome of Pope, Morgatto and Woods-Toth into the mix. Both front row drivers fell back in the order in lap 4, as the leading trio swapped places and the field front-runners moved in. With Morgatto at the helm, defending champ Tyler Gonzalez (CRG Nordam/CRG) was up to P4, having started on 9 in a comeback from ranking 17 after the heats and nursing a bruised wrist, until Nepveu overtook him as he set into regaining his place. Just laps from the end, Woods-Toth stole P1 and the Brazilian then retaliated. With some contact in the scuffle, Nepveu came out in the lead of the pack ahead of Pope and never looked behind. He stretched the gap to more than two seconds in the closing minutes for a comfortable victory as the US Open winner, while the frantic battle to the flag resulted in Gonzales being classified second and the US Grand Nationals champion, therefore handing both the Canadian and American drivers their invitation to race at the Rotax Grand Finals. Woods-Toth’s effort to come back to P2 approaching the finish flag were not rewarded, with a penalty making it P6 and promoting Morgatto up to P3 in front of Pope and Luca Mars (Speed Concepts/TonyKart).

 

Rotax MAX DD2 – Danny Formal returns to win US Grand Nationals Champion title number 5

The American is definitely one of the most accomplished drivers of this era from the USA and his return to compete at the Grand Nationals in 2018 only confirmed his sheer determination to win.

Bringing a depth of more experience together in the 2-speed gearbox categories, the ROTAX DD2 offers senior competitors yet another level of racing. USA international Michael Greenfield (PSL/BirelART) shot to the top of the screen (1:06.345) to edge out last season’s winner Davide Greco (PSL/BirelART) by a slim margin of 0.004 seconds in the qualifying, while four times ROTAX US Grand Nationals winner Danny Formal (HR/TonyKart) ranked third. Super Pole changed the order of the day when Canada’s Greco set an even faster lap of 1:06.204 on the intro of the MOJO D5 tyre this year, demoting Greenfield back to P2 in front of Australian class rookie Jac Preston (J3/CompKart). Heat 1 gave Formal the chance to rebound from starting on grid 5 as he drove his way up to P2, but it was the Canadian Greco who succeeded and Preston with best lap in third. Saturday produced another exciting and also unpredictable series of races. Greco claimed heat 2, while Preston set the race pace again Saturday and outdrove the multiple USA champion Formal and defending champ Greco to take the chequered flag in heat 3, then blitzed the field in the pre-final. Securing a front row start alongside his Aussie teammate for Sunday’s final, Ecuador driver Juan Diego Villacis (J3/CompKart) showed his own potential to challenge for the title, finishing in P2 ahead of Formal. Max Hewitt was close in fourth while Isaac Marritt rounded out the top 5. Formal charged to the early lead in a strategic move to control the final, as Villacis grabbed P2 followed by Preston looking for the way to another win and Hewitt also eager to advance. Within 3 laps, Villacis led the race as Preston worked on closing the gap. Greenfield was the real mover, carving his way from row 5, lucky to only tag Preston’s bumper before passing him, as the young driver slowed suddenly along the strait. A mechanical issue left the pole-sitter sidelined with only a handful of laps to run, so Greco was in P4 and when the flag indicated 2 laps left, the incredible race to the finish was on. Back into the lead, Formal was not about to let the winner’s trophy go and while Villacis tried hard to retake P1 at the front of the pack, he lost out in the final attempt. Greco was involved in the last dash confusion for places, although Greenfield still came home to take second and secure his place at the RMCGF in

the Team USA together with the new champion Formal. Climbing up the order for the last step of the podium, Hewitt took third in front of Isaac Marritt of Canada and Villacis ending up further back in P5.

 

Rotax MAX DD2 Masters – Derek Wang takes home his ticket to Brazil in the clash of the titans

The showdown for the final title at New Jersey was decided by a challenge to the line in the last metres that rewarded 40-year old USA Masters driver Derek Wang with another championship

The DD2 Masters had all but one of the drivers who previously qualified for the RMCGF in years gone by, suggesting the smaller field was going to turn on some great racing. USA multiple karting champ Derek Wang posted best lap of 1:07.172 in his PSL/BirelART kart, slightly faster than teammate Scott Howard and Argentina’s Henry Martin (CRG Nordam/CRG). Howard picked up the pace to grab Super Pole honours (1:07.156) as well as winning the opening heat (1:07.029). It was a clean sweep to pole position in Sunday’s final for 2017 RMCGF Oz team boss Howard, remaining unbeaten in every race plus the pre-final. Leading the US campaign in the 32-years plus 2-speed class, Luis Schiavo was twice P2 and ranked second after the heats by one point to fellow seasoned American Derek Wang, who moved up a place in the pre-final for a front row start Sunday. Taking third in the last race for the finals grid was the driver from Peru, Andres F. Grajales, followed over the line by Columbian Santiago Guerrero (CRG) and in P5, Martin. The final clash of the titans ended in a photo finish across the line between the two prominent arch rivals. Howard looked confident coming into the race based on the weekend statistics, having not dropped a lap since heat 1 on Friday, but Wang had been closing the gap to the Australian’s pace and knew what it would take to win. The US driver was in P2 by lap 3 and proceeded to chase the leader. The times were almost identical as the duo pumped out the laps, although the pressure was on not to make any mistakes and Wang had the slightest advantage in the closing stages, managing to be right on Howard’s bumper as they approached the last curb before the home strait. With both drivers taking a wider-than-usual line to exit the final corner, Howard was partly on the grass struggling to maintain his position, while Wang stayed more on track as they headed for the chequered flag. With the momentum to overtake, Wang snatched the victory by 0.088 seconds to take the US title and his ticket to compete once more against many of the world’s best who will qualify for the RMCGF. Martin in P3 was winning his race to the podium to take P3 over former Team USA member Schiavo in fourth and Grajales finished in P5.

All results from this event can be found online at – https://speedhive.mylaps.com/Events/1554911

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