Aussies Out Of Luck In Spain
| AKA media | 19 June 2013 |
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Australians Dimitri Agathos (Greystanes, NSW), Joseph Mawson (Hinchinbrook, NSW) and Josh Smith (Townsville, QLD) were out of luck at Round One of the 2013 CIK-FIA European KF Championships in Spain on the weekend.
The trio was among a strong field of 64 entrants representing 23 different countries at the prestigious event.
Mawson, competing with the Top Kart Racing team, qualified the best of the Australians on Friday by setting the 44th fastest time while the Kosmic Racing Australia pair of Smith and Agathos were 56th and 57th.
Above: Australian trio (L to R) Dimitri Agathos, Joseph Mawson and Josh Smith in Spain
pic - KSP
Throughout the heat races all three drivers focused towards a starting berth in the 34-kart final, which was decided from the top 17 finishers in the pair of pre-finals. Entering the finals stage Mawson was placed 24th, Agathos 50th and Smith 60th.
With all three drivers in the second pre-final, all three drivers would require some luck on their side if they were going to make the top 17 to transfer into the main event. Mawson was the best placed, with the Australian Motor Sport Foundation driver starting from the sixth row of the grid.
In the opening lap chaos of the pre-final, Mawson was dropped down the order to 21st while Agathos was caught up with an incident on turn three dropping him to second last.
Just as Mawson and Smith were closing in on a transfer position, another competitor made contact with the rear of Mawson's kart which resulted in him spinning – right into the path of his fellow Australian Smith, eliminating the pair from the race.
Above: Dimitri Agathos / Kosmic
pic - KSP
Agathos’ race was over shortly after also with two karts colliding in front of him causing one to spear straight into his path.
The event was won by Kosmic Racing’s Nicklas Nielsen ahead of Danish counterpart Christian Sorensen and CRG driver Max Verstappen.
What the Australians had to say…
Joseph Mawson (Hinchinbrook, NSW)
"The weekend was a very difficult one, not much went right for me," said Mawson.
"After qualifying down the order I had a good run through the heat races to be 24th in points, which was a good achievement given I started in 40th after qualifying. In the pre-final, all I really needed to do is maintain my position and I would make the final. Unfortunately though I got caught up in a crash on turn one which dropped me well down the order.
"I was then making my way back up the order and was running 18th, one spor behind a transfer spot, before getting hit in the rear and being spun around by another driver. I was then collected by a couple of other karts.
"Unfortunately, this weekend shows just how tough, and harsh, racing in Europe can really be."
Above: Joey Mawson / Top Kart
pic - KSP
Josh Smith (Townsville, QLD)
“Unfortunately Joey got turned around just in front of me and I had nowhere to go and collided with him at high speed,” said Smith.
“I’m now nursing some sore ribs and a few bruises but it was unlucky for the kart which acquired the most damaged with a twisted chassis. It was a shame for the trip to end the way it did but I have learnt so much these two weeks in Spain.
“A huge thanks must go to the Kosmic Racing Department, Kosmic Racing Australia and the Australian Motor Sport Foundation for their support and helping me get here. Also to Remo Racing, the Australian Karting Association, Lee Hanatschek and Peter Galvin for all the work he has done in getting this opportunity together.”
Above: Josh Smith / Kosmic
pic - KSP
Dimitri Agathos (Greystanes, NSW)
“It has been an awesome two weeks in Spain. I’ve learnt so much about racing and also about the kart,” said Agathos.
“I was unlucky not to be able to get a result in the pre final. After getting a great start I found myself being punted in the third corner which dropped me back to second last. I fought through the field only to get stuck behind someone that was three tenths slower then me. Going up the hill on the straight two karts came together causing one to shoot into me and the other in the opposite direction.
“Anyway that's just racing. I like to say thank you to everyone for their support and a big thanks to Hogs Breath and the Kosmic Racing Department and Kosmic Racing Australia for making this experience possible.”
