Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy
Team GKS delivers top performance
Belgium was well represented at the first edition of the Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy, a new competition held at the Le Mans circuit from August 20 to 24, 2019. A lot of top Belgian talents delivered top performances and podium finishes.
Podiumplaces for Belgian GKS pilotes:
Micro Max klass:
Thomas Strauven - 1st place
Lenn Nijs - 2nd place
Juliusz Ociepa (POL - CRG) was in pole position in the Micro Final of the Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy alongside Lenn Nijs (BEL - Exprit). The race director did not hesitate to wave the red flag to remind the young drivers to use their heads before the start. Strauven, the "poleman" after qualifying, returned to the lead on the second lap, after which he was joined by his teammate Nijs (holder of the fastest lap). The duel continued until the last corner when Nijs made his victorious attack on Strauven. However, the latter was declared the winner after Nijs received a one-second penalty for "forcing" the road as he passed the leader.
What they won?
Thomas went home with a super cool quat and Lenn Nijs won a brand new micro max motor!
Junior Max klass:
Thom Reinaerdts - 1st place
After the pre-final, Mike Van Vugt (NLD - Exprit) and Oli Pylka (POL - FA Kart) were once again next to each other on the front row for the Junior Final of the Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy at Le Mans. The trio of Van Vugt, Pylka and Hunter was once again reforming, while Thom Reinaerdts (BEL - Exprit) got involved in an already heated 'fight'. Van Vugt ended a wonderful race with a convincing victory and the fastest lap by 2.4 '' on Reinaerdts who had finally gained the upper hand on Pylka. But Van Vugt was sanctioned for his misplaced spoiler and finished sixth. Therefore, the victory eventually went to Reinaerdts.
Thom won a free ticket to the Grand Finals which will take place from Oct. 19-26 in Sarno, Italy. He will then participate under "team Belgium".
Belgian top riders Adams and Bruynseels will also participate in the grand finals. During the BMC on September 15 at least 6 other pilots will be able to obtain a ticket to participate in the grand finals. For this, they must of course achieve top results.... Exciting!
Juliusz Ociepa (POL - CRG) was on pole position in the Micro Final of the Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy alongside Lenn Nijs (BEL - Exprit). The race director did not hesitate to wave the red flag to remind the young drivers to use their heads before giving the start. Christopher El Feghali (LBN - KR) negotiated the first corner perfectly to take the lead in front of Ociepa, Thomas Strauven (BEL - Exprit) was 3rd ahead of Alejandro Umana (COL - Exprit) and Nijs. Strauven, the poleman after Qualifying returned to the lead on the second lap, then was joined by his teammate Nijs, holder of the fastest lap. The duel continued until the last corner when Nijs carried out his victorious attack on Strauven. However, the latter was declared the winner after Nijs received a one-second penalty for forcing the way when he passed the leader. Ociepa took back 3rd place that had just been stolen by El Feghali and Umana assured 5th place more quietly. - See more at: https://www.kartcom.com/en/news/2019/8/24/micro-final-nijs-beats-strauven-a-few-metres-from-the-finish#sthash.RBNjhgnr.vCBlgvEa.dpuf
Juliusz Ociepa (POL - CRG) was on pole position in the Micro Final of the Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy alongside Lenn Nijs (BEL - Exprit). The race director did not hesitate to wave the red flag to remind the young drivers to use their heads before giving the start. Christopher El Feghali (LBN - KR) negotiated the first corner perfectly to take the lead in front of Ociepa, Thomas Strauven (BEL - Exprit) was 3rd ahead of Alejandro Umana (COL - Exprit) and Nijs. Strauven, the poleman after Qualifying returned to the lead on the second lap, then was joined by his teammate Nijs, holder of the fastest lap. The duel continued until the last corner when Nijs carried out his victorious attack on Strauven. However, the latter was declared the winner after Nijs received a one-second penalty for forcing the way when he passed the leader. Ociepa took back 3rd place that had just been stolen by El Feghali and Umana assured 5th place more quietly. - See more at: https://www.kartcom.com/en/news/2019/8/24/micro-final-nijs-beats-strauven-a-few-metres-from-the-finish#sthash.RBNjhgnr.vCBlgvEa.dpuf
Micro Final: Strauven returns to 1st place ahead of Nijs - See more at: https://www.kartcom.com/en/news/2019/8/24/micro-final-nijs-beats-strauven-a-few-metres-from-the-finish#sthash.RBNjhgnr.hHyjmnnb.dpuf
Micro Final: Strauven returns to 1st place ahead of Nijs - See more at: https://www.kartcom.com/en/news/2019/8/24/micro-final-nijs-beats-strauven-a-few-metres-from-the-finish#sthash.RBNjhgnr.hHyjmnnb.dpuf
Juliusz Ociepa (POL - CRG) was on pole position in the Micro Final of the Rotax Max Challenge International Trophy alongside Lenn Nijs (BEL - Exprit). The race director did not hesitate to wave the red flag to remind the young drivers to use their heads before giving the start. Christopher El Feghali (LBN - KR) negotiated the first corner perfectly to take the lead in front of Ociepa, Thomas Strauven (BEL - Exprit) was 3rd ahead of Alejandro Umana (COL - Exprit) and Nijs. Strauven, the poleman after Qualifying returned to the lead on the second lap, then was joined by his teammate Nijs, holder of the fastest lap. The duel continued until the last corner when Nijs carried out his victorious attack on Strauven. However, the latter was declared the winner after Nijs received a one-second penalty for forcing the way when he passed the leader. Ociepa took back 3rd place that had just been stolen by El Feghali and Umana assured 5th place more quietly. - See more at: https://www.kartcom.com/en/news/2019/8/24/micro-final-nijs-beats-strauven-a-few-metres-from-the-finish#sthash.RBNjhgnr.vrqxYK4O.dpuf
