An American In France
press release
Though the charms of France and of the Nantes region are well known and recognised, you must definitely feel a lot of passion to leave your home state, California, and move to the other side of the Atlantic. This is undoubtedly the trait of character that better identifies Andrick Zeen, in addition to his natural kindness. Of course, this young American is not lost somewhere in France, since he lives within a few wheel turns from the Sodikart factory and Sodi Racing Team. 2010 is his second important karting season in Europe, with a very busy schedule in international KF2.
Andrick is a surfer, a tall boy with fair hair and blue eyes, but he is typically American not just in his appearance. His approach to competition is also US style: fun first of all, but maximum seriousness during preparation. And then there is this well-known openness to the others, the taste for human contact, always a smile. It is not surprising that Andrick is so well integrated in his team as well as in the different paddocks.
Andrick likes motor sports in all their forms. He began riding motocross as a young boy, today he races in the most important karting events in Europe and tomorrow he might end up at the wheel of a racing car. It is just as simple as that. As for karting, it all started in 2005, in the Cadet category with Comer 60 engines, at events organised by Stars of Karting. «In the US, the Cadet category is not exactly the same as in France, though the spirit is similar», Andrick explained patiently. «The level was already good, with groups of 35 participating drivers. It was perfect to start with. On my first year, I finished fifth in the championship; I was very happy about it so I continued».
The following logical step was ICA Junior, also in Stars of Karting, to build up some good racing experience, both for driving and equipment set-up. He concluded the 2006 season in 10th place. The following year, a broken arm interrupted his season in Tag Senior. 2008 was the year when he discovered France, with his participation to two events of the Championship, in Salbris and Essay. «Everything was new for me: the KF2 category and its front brakes, but also the team, the wet and changing weather, the tyres and the adjustments ... A lot of things and all at the same time!»
In 2009, on his first full season in GPO, Andrick regularly crossed swords with the best representatives of the category and at the same time gradually changed into a full-time driver. His driving style improved and he often ranked in the first 15 and even flirted with top 10 rankings.
