Great show on finals day at the Rotax MAX Challenge Winter Cup, with thrilling battles on the track and unpredictable weather conditions making it an amazing event.
The wet tarmac during warm-ups made way for dry conditions in the Pre-finals and Finals.
Mini MAX – Friend, Mission completed!
The winner’s trophy and a free entry ticket for the 4 rounds of the RMCET go to Albert Friend (Strawberry-Tony Kart), who clinched victory in a spectacular Final. The early laps witnessed an hard battle for the leadership between Oliver Spencer (DHR-LN) and Zdenek Babicek (Tepz Racing-MS), later joined by Nikita Ljubimov (Bouvin Power-Tony Kart). The final lap proved decisive as Friend claimed victory ahead of Spencer and Babicek, who showcased exceptional skill in the slippery conditions during the pre-final.
Junior MAX – Ashcroft wins over Strele
Jacob Ashcroft (DHR-LN) emerged victorious in the race. Friday’s poleman defeated teammate Toms Strele, who started from pole position. The race was influenced by rain, prompting the Race Direction to impose a “slow” regime. Sterle attempted to break away at the start, but the change in grip favored his teammate. Lewis Goff (Sam Politt Racing – Exprit) secured the 3rd spot on the podium, gaining two positions from the start, showing strong form since the morning pre-final.
Senior MAX – Thien emerges victorious
Jayden Thien (DHR-LN) crossed the finish line as first after a final filled with emotions. The Dutch driver engaged in a duel with poleman Kai Hunter (Hunter Motorsport-LN). The two immediately built a considerable lead over their competitors. Ethan Jeff-Hall (Sam Politt Racing-LN) secured the 3rd position, while the battle for fourth place was intense among Macauley Bishop (DHR-LN), Matthew Higgins (DHR-LN), and Lee Austin (Strawberry-Tony Kart). In the end, Bishop emerged victorious.
DD2 / DD2 Masters – Locmelis takes it in DD2, Tankevicius triumphs over Picot
The first final of the day was won by Patriks Locmelis (Biedriba MRG Racing-Birel ART), narrowly defeating Danish driver William Kristensen (RS Competition-Tony Kart). Kristensen climbed 7 positions from the start, challenging Locmelis for victory until the checkered flag. Poland’s David Aulejtner (Schepers Racing-KR) secured the 3rd position. Martyn Tankevicius (Privateer-Birel ART) emerged victorious in DD2 Masters, overcoming competition from Nicolas Picot (Privateer-Tony Kart) and Fabian Bock (Kraft Motorsport-Tony Kart).
The winners of all categories earn a free entry to the 4 rounds of the RMCET, while the 2nd placed drivers receive a free entry to 2 events, and the 3rd-placed drivers earn a free entry for the RMC International Trophy.
Mini MAX: 1°: A. Friend, 2°: O. Spencer, 3°: Z. Babicek
Junior MAX: 1°: J. Ashcroft, 2°: T. Strele, 3°: L. Goff.
Senior MAX: 1°: J. Thien, 2°: K. Hunter, 3°: E. Jeff-Hall.
DD2 – 1°: P. Locmelis, 2°: W. Kristensen, 3°: D. Aulejtner.
DD2 Masters – 1°: M. Tankevicius, 2°: N. Picot, 3°: F. Bock.
The season will continue in Genk, where the first round of the Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy will take place from April 12th to 14th.
Info Rotax Winter Cup Press Office / Photo © Hellophoto