The 2009 series of the Belgian Karting Championship has been launched in style. This year there are three rounds and notably some innovations from previous years. In particular there is incorporated into the Belgian KF2 championship the opportunity for the first Belgian driver (respecting the age criteria) to gain a place amongst the finalists of the Volant RACB National Team.

Promoted as a year of transition, the 2008 series of the Belgian Championship is now firmly behind us. Yet the 2008 series is not forgotten since....’Quite to the contrary’ explains Mathieu Remmerie. ‘Last year, it was my first year as the RACB Karting Manager and I learned a lot. So I want the 2009 Belgian Championship to be better than in 2008’.

The members of the Belgian National Federation of Motor Sport have therefore worked hard this winter. The results of the invitation to tender for the tyres will be known at the beginning of February but, while waiting, we can already take a peep behind the curtain!

The Calendar

With three rounds scheduled on the three homologated circuits (Mariembourg, Genk and Francorchamps), the fixture list is not packed. But on the other hand it has been moved earlier in the season with an opening on 21/22 March and a Final on 9/10 May. ‘Having regard to the current economic climate’ explains Mathieu Remmerie, ‘it was preferable not to add an additional round. On the other hand, if we do not have additional rounds, then we want to make the existing schedule better in terms of organisation, technical control and promotion. This will be achieved by a quality press service, and also by the introduction of a new service whereby all relevant information, results and photographs will be uploaded to the new RACB Internet Website (www.racb.com)’.

It is also worth noting that the round at Genk scheduled for 11/12 April will take place just a few weeks before the regional qualifying rounds of the CIK European Championships for classes KF2 (the up and coming stars) and KF3 (juniors). This should attract strong foreign opposition happy to take this opportunity to prepare for that important event on this track in competitive race conditions.

In exactly the same way, the organisation of a round of the French Championship at Mariembourg, one month after the opening of the Belgian Championship, should attract our neighbours from the south.

A place for a Finalist in the Volant RACB National Team

Already strongly disputed in 2008, the KF2 class will have an even higher profile in 2009. The RACB has in fact decided to offer a place in the Volant RACB National Team to the first Belgian in the championship who meets the age criteria (to be born between 01/01/1991 and 21/03/1994). This driver will be guaranteed to have the opportunity to spend 3 days at the Autosport Academy, on the Le Mans Circuit and, perhaps if all goes well, to receive official support of the RACB for the continuation of his or her career in a single seater car. In short, a prize which must speak volumes for the winner.

News from the age categories

Several decisions have been taken in conjunction with the Dutch Motor Sport Federation. Thus, the technical regulations of the KF5-Junior Class (the new name for the class raced by 11-13 year olds), based on the detuned KF3 engine, will be identical on both sides of the border. Furthermore, from now on, all drivers in the Benelux region will be eligible to score points in the Belgian Championships in both KF5 and Mini classes.

In the Mini class, as a matter of fact, the three challenges established in 2008 will be renewed. ‘But there will be changes’ as Mathieu Remmerie specifies.’ It is no longer a question of seeing a driver in one of the challenges being quicker only than the others. We will organise comparative tests to equalize performances.’

Reinforced controls

One of the points on which the RACB Sport particularly intends to insist upon this year will be, without a shadow of doubt, the sporting aspect of the Belgian Championships. Consequently, technical controls will be enforced (the clutches will be controlled by the Alfano system) with, amongst other things, the integration within the team of a new permanent Technical Commissioner having experience at international level.

By way of further control, there will be a permanent judge of fact introduced on to the circuit. Empowered to judge the sporting actions of competitors on track, they will ensure good sportsmanship from all drivers. It all points to 2009 being a vintage year for the Belgian Karting Championship.

Calendar
21-22 March: Mariembourg
11-12 April:    Genk
09-10 May:     Francorchamps