Preview: Rnd 1, 2012 Rotax MAX Euro Challenge
Tweetpress release
BLAST OF A START FOR EURO 2012!!!
The first edition of the ROTAX MAX EURO CHALLENGE (March 28 - April 1) looks set to be an exciting start to the 2012 four-round series with entries full to capacity in each of the three classes being contested. More than 190 drivers from 30 nations will line up on the grid at the initial ‘Euro’ event at the popular Karting Genk circuit in Belgian, which also played host to the CIK-FIA World Championships as well towards the end of 2011.
This year, the Euro Challenge field in Senior and Junior Max, as well as the ROTAX DD2 gearbox class, is already showing much interest from a growing level of quality drivers, as it has done over the past seasons. With many new competitors coming on board in every class and numerous juniors moving up the ranks as senior rookies, there is no way of knowing who is expected to make the finals for the first showdown in 2012. One look at the entry list is enough to see the caliber of the contenders that includes both past and present national, European and world champions from the ROTAX classes, not to mention other karting categories.
Above: It's all about the close competition and great racing! 2012 Rotax Max Euro Challenge vice champion and winner of round 2 at Wackersdorf in Germany, Kasper H Jensen (Denmark)
pic-
Bas Kaligis / RGMMC Media
Now in their ninth season as the organisers and promoters of the highly-regarded international series, RGMMC Establishment is extremely proud of the increasing success of the championship that has unknowingly become a benchmark for ROTAX racing world-wide. RGMMC’s Roland Geidel believes the track record of the ‘Euro’ clearly represents what this event has been able to achieve for almost a decade now. It continues to provide an ideal platform for young drivers to advance their racing skills through competitive karting, while giving more experienced drivers the opportunity to compete against some of the world’s best in MAX today.
“Our philosophy has always been dedicated to providing competitive, professional, exciting and affordable international events while we aim to ensure we can create a solid grounding for all drivers to pursue their possibilities for a future career in Motorsport. To begin our 9th consecutive year with a maximum number of entries at the opening round is fantastic. Working closely together with the ROTAX engine manufacturers and instigators of the ROTAX Euro Challenge, BRP-Powertrain in Austria, we have successfully managed to keep improving the event and even still increase the recognition it has globally as a professional championship.”
2012 is no exception when it comes to the importance of introducing new concepts to the series to maintain the safety assurance aspect of the competition. Beginning from round 1 in Genk, every kart will be fitted with an on-board camera produced by RGMMC specifically for the championship, which enables the drivers and race officials to ensure an even more level playing field when it comes to fair sportsmanship and great racing. Additionally, in the best interest of driving standards RGMMC bring in another Deputy Clerk of Course, Joel Blanc, who is a familiar face in European karting from working closely with the FFSA and CIK-FIA.
The ‘Euro’ also brings in yet another new venue when RGMMC takes the event to Sweden for the first time in the history of the series for the summer edition in May, where the location selected for round 3 is the impressive 1234 metre Kristianstad Karting circuit. The track was extended and resurfaced during the previous year to meet the demands of the CIK-FIA A grade homologation, while the latest additions to the complex facilities will be completed in time for this season’s competition.
“With many Swedish drivers having participated to this day in the championship, it’s only fitting that we bring the Euro Challenge to their home territory,” added Roland Geidel, who is in fact Swedish-born himself. “And, it’s always good for the competition to offer a new venue to keep the series interesting, especially as the round during the holidays when we know many family members and friends come to support our competitors.”
www.rotaxmaxeurochallenge.com is where you can find the complete race program and also follow the link to the live timing online with trackside live commentary throughout the weekend beginning Friday, March 30.
