A very interesting experience at the OK-N French Trophy

Thirty OK-N karts powered by Modena Engines, TM Kart and Vortex competed in France for the first time at the OK-N French Trophy in Salbris, much to the delight of the drivers.

The discovery of OK-N in France was rich in lessons learned at the OK-N French Trophy, held from 21st to 23rd July on the Salbris international circuit. The races were very lively, and the suspense even continued beyond the Final finish line before Maxime Geley, who had already been crowned French Senior Champion the previous week, took victory. The drivers were unanimous in their praise for the enjoyable sensations provided by the OK-N engine.

The draw for the engines between the three FFSA partners, Modena Engines, TM Kart and Vortex, represented by their French distributors, added a real plus to the competition. Good performances, small gaps between the three engine brands, all of which finished in the top five, and furious racing were the highlights of this French Trophy.

A strong initiative from the FFSA
Thanks to the original formula adopted by the FFSA to introduce this new category, the 30 places available were quickly filled by the drivers selected from their karting leagues. It should be pointed out that the entry fee of €700 included the registration fee, the supply of the engine and its accessories: carburettor, airbox, exhaust and engine mount, plus two cans of oil. The engines had to be returned to the Parc Fermé after each day.

A return to the origins of karting
The OK-N project launched by FIA Karting is a return to the origins of karting. The powertrain is based on the tried and tested OK engines, with maximum engine speed reduced from 16,000 to 15,000 rpm and no exhaust valve. Power and simplicity are its main qualities. The push-start, aided by a decompressor, took some getting used to, but by the end of the meeting the procedure was no longer a problem.

A different approach
Accustomed to single-make categories, the drivers and their mechanics were not all familiar with the subtleties of these OK-N engines, which are heirs in spirit to the legendary ICA and Formula A karts. The adjustment of the diaphragm carburettors sometimes caused a few problems for the less experienced. The real specialists were able to make the difference.

Live coverage on Saturday and Sunday
The event was widely followed thanks to live broadcasts on the FFSA’s official YouTube channel, ffsa.tv, from Saturday’s heats through to Sunday’s Final.

Close races
Gaspard Simon (Tony Kart/Modena) started from pole position with a time of 59”468, ahead of Evan Mainier (KR/Modena) and Enzo Lévêque (Redspeed/TM). Simon maintained his lead after the two Qualifying Heats, ahead of Lévêque and Mainier. In the Super Heat, Andy Ratel (KR/Modena) won ahead of Mathis Parlant (Tony Kart/Modena) and Simon, then Lévêque and Alexis Coursault (Birel ART/TM). The participants’ fighting spirit was at its peak during the Final. The race began with a duel in the lead between Ratel and Simon. Parlant then moved into 1st position. The disappearance of Simon and Hugo Herrouin (KR/Vortex) in an incident with four laps to go, followed by Mainier’s retirement two laps later, changed the face of the Final. Parlant crossed the line with a lead of over 7 seconds over Maxime Geley (Sodi/TM). He was subsequently penalised for causing a collision and left the win to Geley, who achieved another success a week after being crowned French Senior Champion. Lévêque completed the podium ahead of Lilian Forny (OTK/Vortex) +7 places, Medhi Lassoued (Sodi/Vortex) finished 5th (+13 places) and Gwenael Loison (Tony Kart/TM) 6th (+19 places). Ratel, 6th on the line, was placed 16th following a penalty.

Thanks to FIA Karting, the top three and Fourny, the top Vortex, have qualified for the 2024 OK-N World Cup. Geley has also qualified for the Road to The OK-N World Cup, which will take place during the OK & Junior World Championship at Franciacorta in October.

OK-N French Trophy standings
1- Maxime Geley (Sodi/TM)
2- Mathis Parlant (Tony Kart/Modena)
3- Enzo Lévêque (Redspeed/TM)
4- Lilian Fourny (OTK/Vortex)
5- Medhi Lassoued (Sodi/Vortex)

FFSA Karting – Press Release / © Photo KSP – Arthur Saulnier

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