15 Chassis Makes For 'U18' World championship
The addition of Zanardi and Swiss Hutless has boosted the list of kart manufacturers to 15 for the 2011 edition of the CIK-FIA 'U18' Karting World Championship. Last year, 13 brands competing with Top Kart taking the top spot.
Zanardi, managed by Dino Chiesa and sponsored by Alessandro Zanardi, covered itself with glory last season thanks to Nyck de Vries, CIK-FIA European Junior Champion in 2009 and then CIK-FIA World Champion in 2010.
Swiss Hutless is one of the historical makes of Karting. After a few years of absence from the international scene, the Swiss manufacturer has chosen the CIK-FIA U18 World Championship for its official come-back to competition. The team will be under the leadership of Manuel Renaudie, a professional driver turned Team Manager.
In alphabetical order, the other brands set to compete are: Energy, Haase, Intrepid, Jesolo, Mach 1, Maranello, MS Kart, Parolin, PCR, Righetti Ridolfi, Sodi, Tecno and Top Kart.
"Having again at the beginning of the 2011 season all the makes which took part in the maiden edition of the «U18» World Championship, in 2010, is the best possible token of the success and justification of this competition" explained Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, the CIK-FIA President.
"To see two extra major makes join them is yet another very encouraging sign. I am pleased that all these brands associate themselves to the CIK-FIA’s efforts to promote a World Championship resolutely aimed at youngsters, education and big cost reduction."
The Championship is for 15 to 18 year olds using a pool of KF engines (FIM) and tyres (LeCont) that are distributed by drawing lots and supplied on a free basis to all the drivers.
Chassis are also allocated by drawing lots from among a minimum set of 20 examples which each make has agreed to submit to the CIK-FIA’s marking.
Because chassis and accessories (such as rear axles, hubs or rims) are supplied on the basis of one single-type per make, there is no risk of seeing the appearance during the season of evolutions and upgrades that cost money and are possibly reserved for a handful of privileged customers.
The CIK-FIA «U18» World Championship will comprise three Events:
- Ortona (ITA) on 8-10 July
- Essay (FRA) on 26-28 August
- Bahrain (BHR) on 3-5 November
Drivers’ entries, limited to 102, will open on Friday 1st April.
