Daily Report 1: Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals
Conde, Brazil – Welcome to the 2018 RMCGF hosted at the International Karting Circuit Paladino of Conde in Paraíba, Brazil. This impressive finale of the karting season sees 360 drivers coming from 55 countries during the 19th edition of this famous race. The Circuito Internacional Paladino is located in the Northeast of Brazil, a tourist and industrial hotspot, also known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful beaches. Paladino is a popular choice for drivers as the circuit provides both speed and ample passing opportunities.
Yesterday the drivers were able to register for the event, undergo scrutineering, whilst some used the tracks hire karts as an opportunity to experience for the first time the circuit they will be competing on all week.
On Sunday the sun was out when the gates opened and the amazing line up of over 360 brand new Karts from Rotax’s Chassis Partners (BirelART, IPKarting (Praga) and Sodikart) could be seen on the main straight and into the distance up the hill on the circuit. But there were periods of rain throughout the Kart Raffle, where the drivers and their mechanics finally got their hands on their randomly chosen Kart and Rotax engine packages. Along with these they received all the tools and equipment they needed to assemble their karting package, beneath the massive driver tent in preparation for tomorrow.
Not only were the karts being prepared for track action, each class had a driver’s briefing where they were introduced to the Race Director and his team, and what to expect when they take part in the Non-Qualifying practices on Monday.
For the first time in Rotax MAX Grand Finals history there was some on-track action on the Sunday with the first Non-Qualifying Practice for the E-Karting Cup FIA-Americas 2018 (EKC FIA-Americas 2018) along with Qualifying Practice and Pre-Final. These classes all race with the Rotax THUNDeR kart and will be show cased with more racing throughout the week here at the 19th RMCGF.
After all the hard-work is completed in the paddock, the drivers and their supporters can look forward to the Welcome Party being held at Paço dos Leões (Lions Palace) tonight from 19.00. This will give everyone involved a chance to come together and celebrate the spirit of Rotax karting, but also the feeling of competition will still be present, both the Team Contest and the qualifying rounds of the MOJO Tyre Changing Contest are being held at the Welcome Party. You can vote for your favourite Team on the Rotax Facebook Page and keep up to date with those that qualify for the Final of the Tyre Changing Contest which will be held on Saturday December 1 at the Driver's Party.
Stay updated by downloading the New App: Rotax Grand Finals for either IOS or Android phones. You can access live timing through the website: https://www.rotax-kart.com/de/Max-Challenge/Grand-Finals/Grand-Finals-2018/Follow-the-Races/LIVE-RESULTS
Stay tuned for our upcoming daily reports, which bring the intense action of the RMCGF to you! For more information about the Rotax MAX Challenge, please visit our website.
The Rotax MAX Challenge (RMC) is a professional kart racing series established, owned and organized by BRP and its Rotax kart engine distributors. Approved by and in compliance with CIK / FIA, the RMC is a "one-make-engine" formula: only Rotax kart engines that are checked and sealed (for equal performance) will be used. The success in the competition is mainly up to the skills of the driver.