A spectacular show, with uncertain outcomes and unexpected twists in the first round of the Rotax MAX Challenge Euro Trophy, held on the 1360 meters of Karting Genk: The Home of Champions.
Zdenek Babicek (Mini MAX), Jacob Ashcroft (Junior MAX), Vic Stevens (Senior MAX), Enzo Bol (DD2), and Nicolas Picot (DD2 Masters) emerge victorious in 5 finals filled with drama and beautiful battles on the track.
Mini MAX: Babicek Clinches an Eventful Race
Zdenek Babicek (TEPZ Racing) brings immense joy to his racing family, winning the inaugural edition of the Belgian Cup by Mini MAX. The Czech driver secures the ticket to the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals 2024 in Sarno, amidst an eventful race. Many key drivers are out, including the British duo Tom Read (Strawberry Racing) and Oliver Spencer (Dan Holland Racing), the first two drivers to retire. As the race continues and Babicek pulls away, the battle behind him intensifies. We also lose Albert Friend (Strawberry Racing) and Friday’s pole-sitter AJ Burggraaff (SP Motorsport). In the end, alongside Babicek are the Home Hero Vince Vanderhallen (Bouvin Power), 2°, and the British driver Oliver Warner (Dan Holland Racing), 3°.
Junior MAX: Ashcroft Triumphs, Drama Ensues
Once again, Jacob Ashcroft (Dan Holland Racing) proves to be the one to beat in Junior MAX. A dominant force throughout the weekend, Ashcroft opens up a significant gap immediately. It’s about a 4-second lead separating him from everyone at the finish line. Behind him, there’s a four-way battle between Ties van Wijk (Bouvin Power), who finishes 2nd, Boav Maximov (Bouvin Power), Toms Strele, and Cameron Nelson (Dan Holland Racing). Strele and Nelson engage in a fierce battle, turning fratricidal as a contact forces both to retire. Adrians Tions (MRG Racing) and Conor Clancy (Strawberry Racing) complete the top 5.
Senior MAX: A Nail-Biting Finale Crowns Stevens
It was meant to be the main event of the Sunday, and indeed it was: plenty of twists and turns in Senior MAX. Pole-sitter Macauley Bishop (Dan Holland Racing) immediately loses the lead to Sean Butcher (KR Sport), slipping back to 11th position. The battle intensifies, and at the front, leadership changes constantly and Butcher had a contact which pushed him back in the field. A stunning overtake on the final lap allows Bishop to regain the lead, completing the job. But the bumper is down, and it means a 5-second penalty. Consequently, victory passes to the home hero Vic Stevens (Bouvin Power), with Austin Lee (Kraft Motorsport) and Ethan Jeff-Hall (Sam Politt Racing) joining him on the podium.
DD2: Bol won it!
2023 RMC Euro Trophy DD2 vice-champion Enzo Bol (SP Motorsport) reaffirms his position as the one to beat in DD2, securing a well-deserved victory. The Dutch driver, opened a significant gap, being spectator of the exciting battle behind him. Patriks Locmelis (MRG Racing) emerges victorious in this battle, finishing 2nd ahead of Hungarian Bende Szabo (Privateer). Szabo prevails in the clash with Tomass Birstins (MRG Racing) in 4th. A Final to forget for one of the contenders, Axel Saarniala (Force Racing), forced to retire in the middle of the race.
DD2 Masters: Picot, mission completed
A flawless start allows Nicolas Picot (Privateer) to secure victory in the opening round of the RMCET at Genk. Picot quickly establishes a lead, preventing rivals from posing a threat. 2nd place goes to Latvian Haralds Garkaklis (Privateer), who prevails over Igor Mukhin, who brings the Cypriot flag back to the Euro Trophy podium after years.
The second round of the RMCET Euro Trophy will be on Wackersdorf, Germany, from 7 to 9 of June.
Info RMCET Press Office / Photo © Print H24