Having established itself as a leading force in the OK-N Junior class, the Modena Kart Racing Team was keen to demonstrate its expertise in the KZ categories. It did this in the finest possible manner by securing a sensational FIA Karting podium finish in the KZ2 Masters at the International Supercup, the sport’s de facto World Cup. The team was able to rely on the skills of New Zealander Daniel Bray, who put in a magnificent performance at the wheel of his Parolin-TM Kart.
An experienced and determined team
Having already won the KZ2 World Cup in 2020 and finished as KZ2 Masters runner-up in 2024, the Modena Kart Racing Team has a strong command of gearbox categories and proved this once again at the Le Mans circuit with a driver who shares many synergies with the Italian team. Daniel Bray has extensive experience in international competitions, and his determination makes him a formidable competitor.
Fastest lap and success in the qualifying heats
Following excellent testing on Thursday, Daniel Bray quickly demonstrated the strong competitiveness of his Parolin chassis and his engine, prepared by Galiffa Tuning. Right from the start of the official competition, he established himself as a title contender by finishing second in his group during the first Free Practice session. A few hours later, he confirmed this form in Qualifying: 3rd in his group and 5th out of 70 entrants in the overall standings. He went from strength to strength in the Qualifying Heats: 2nd, 1st and 2nd, setting the fastest lap in his third heat. His performance remained at a very high level in the Super Heat after starting from the front row.
Efforts rewarded with a podium finish
As was to be expected, the Final was extremely intense. Daniel Bray never let up, and the third step of the podium awaited the New Zealander after this superb race.
“Of course, we were there to win, and I believe our competitiveness was every bit as good as the winner’s, as my lap times show. Nevertheless, these two podium finishes achieved within the space of two years demonstrate our ability to consistently be among the frontrunners,” said Daniel Bray after the finish.
The team congratulates the other two drivers on their performances racing for Modena Kart: David Malcolm, also from New Zealand and competing in the KZ2 Masters class along with Daniel Bray, as well as the Italian Alessio Piccini in the KZ World Championship. Competing amongst the works teams, Alessio secured a creditable 12th place in the Final after reaching the top 10 in the Qualifying Heats.
Analysis by Gabriele Finocchi, Team Principal of Modena Kart
“I am delighted to see the team return to the world podium in FIA Karting following our previous successes. This proves once again that the Modena Kart Racing Team is capable of excelling on all circuits and in all categories. It is also the result of our excellent collaboration with Parolin Motorsport. The season isn’t over yet; we have more titles to aim for, notably this weekend at the ACI Sport Italian Championship in Viterbo.”
A comment from Alessandro Palloni, Team Manager at Modena Kart
“With the Parolin chassis, Galiffa Tuning engines and a driver as talented as Daniel Bray, we knew we had everything we needed to secure an excellent result in the KZ2 Masters. But a lot can happen in a competition like this, which is decided by a single Final race. Everyone held their nerve, and Daniel did the job to secure 3rd place in what is effectively a World Cup.”