EURO CHALLENGE TAKES ITS SUMMER
ROUND TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC
22.07.2008
The Autodrom Ceská Lípa,
Sosnova is the selected venue for the third round of the
Rotax Euro Challenge this week, making this the eighth
nation to host the championship in 5 years. The circuit
was first built in 1978 and was then upgraded to international
Karting and Rallycross in 1995. The Global Assistance
Racing Arena has hosted two times each the 125cc CIK/FIA
Trophy, European Championship and ICA & JICA qualifications,
as recently as last season.
With vast experience also in organising
such events as the World Supermotard Championships twice,
together with numerous others including Rallycross, the
Autodrom management say they are very proud to offer a
high level of quality and friendly service to the 170
participating competitors, their teams and supporters
at the upcoming Euro Challenge. The track itself is fast
and flowing with eight corners, and unlike any of the
other series venues, runs in an anti-clockwise direction.
As the organisers and promoters of the
Euro Challenge, RGMMC Establishment are looking forward
to round 3, having made the choice to go to the Czech
Republic based on the fact that more and more drivers
from Eastern Europe are supporting the event. RGMMC’s
Roland Geidel explains “We’re quite excited
about taking our summer round to Sosnova and cannot be
happier with the warm welcome we’ve been given by
the local organisation. They have gone out of their way
to make sure everything is ready for the arrival of our
Euro competitors.” In celebrating its 5th season,
RGMMC have also invited all the drivers, pit crew and
their guests to a Grill Party at the circuit Friday night.
The championship is alive and well after
two rounds, with all classes seeing the points relatively
close for the lead. RL Race Team’s Chris Lock is
the only one in Senior Max to have been on both podiums
this year but needs to do well to strengthen his hold
on the series, with the ’07 vice champ Mike Joossens
and defending title holder Ben Cooper not far behind in
the tally. In Juniors the current World number 1 Kevin
Korjus shares 1st place on equal points with his TKP team
mate and Euro Rookie Peter Hoevenaars. Their rivals are
unfortunately closer than they would like on the championship
ladder, so it’s still anyone’s prize for the
taking.
The only driver to have dominated the
finals so far this year is Leeroy Poulter, racing in the
Rotax DD2 with Kalman Motorsport. However, the South African’s
not leaving anything to chance – after losing the
title last year when he almost had it wrapped-up in the
third round. The battle continues for the Max Masters
honours, with only one point separating last year’s
front runners Jerome Bourquard of BRK, France and current
Euro and World Masters champ Colin Davis. There may be
an upset on the cards in Sosnova though, if the home track
advantage works in favour of Czech driver Radim Feber
in 3rd position, who was on the podium in Germany.
Watch the race action live on the internet
Sunday, July 27th from 11:00am at www.massive-mag.tv
Simply click on "Next Live Events" and go to
“Kart Racing”. It gives race fans from around
the globe the chance to enjoy the fantastic racing as
it unfolds, that normally can only be seen by those lucky
enough to be at the Euro Challenge. Kart Data Live Timing
continues to be available throughout the weekend online
as well from Friday morning practice and qualifying, plus
Saturday’s heats and all finals Sunday. For the
‘Timing Live’ link, just go to the official
homepage of the Euro Challenge at www.rgmmc.com.
Official free practice begins Wednesday
at the Autodrom Ceská Lípa.
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