KPR: target achieved at European level in Rotax

At the beginning of his collaboration with Sodikart in 2011, Dominique Chech had already stated his intention to reach the top level of European Rotax in five years. Kart Racing Pro showed real progress in putting Nicolas Picot on the podium at Salbris in 2013, and working on the engine for Anthony Abbasse, in 2nd place at Campillos the following year. The 2016 season has seen the international ambitions of the French team realised at the last meeting at Salbris where the KPR drivers fought to the end for the win.

With 2nd place for Adrien Renaudin in Rotax Senior with the fastest lap, 2nd and 4th positions for Enzo Valente and Jean Nomblot in Rotax Junior, the results speak for themselves. “It’s just beautiful!” exclaimed Dominique Chech, visibly delighted. “I‘m really overwhelmed. European competition is extremely tight and I’m delighted with such a result at the highest level. First I congratulate the drivers who fully deserved their places. The team worked hard to get here and I thank every member. And of course it’s thanks to Sodikart that we could fulfill our mission. Sodi chassis are exceptional, whatever the track or the weather. Spread the word!“

Very fast from the start of the season and already with a 5th and 8th place on the scoreboard, the KPR drivers were ready to impress during the last meeting at Salbris. Under constant sun with temperatures ranging from 20 to 37 degrees, the three Kart Racing Pro drivers were highlighted from Tuesday afternoon, monopolising the fastest times in free practice. In the heat, a lot of people were keeping an eye on the French team and the Sodi chassis, but there was a big surprise from the high-performance hardware, even better on new tyres.

The speed was confirmed during Qualifying: Enzo Valente and Jean Nomblot were 3rd and 5th in Junior, while Adrien Renaudin posted the 4th fastest time in Seniors. At the end of the qualifying heats, Nomblot, very fast, reclaimed 3rd position with two fastest laps!

Valente was 6th despite a puncture and a right rear tyre destroyed in Heat 1, which had the effect of completely twisting the chassis. Renaudin was forced to go into the gravel to avoid a collision in front of him in the first heat. He restarted 23rd, came back bravely to 10th and took 6th place in the intermediate classification.

While rain intervened in the Junior Prefinal, Enzo took the lead with his HS chassis and resisted pressure from his rivals to the end. “A European victory in the Junior Prefinal brings great satisfaction after so much work and expenditure of energy!” admitted the boss of KPR. Jean meanwhile ranked 6th with a new fastest time in the race. Regarding Adrian, the Senior Prefinal proved complex. Blocked at the start, he moved up to 3rd before going off, but he still finished 5th.

In the Junior Final, Valente could do nothing in the dry, the chassis not reacting to adjustments. Yet he resisted the threat from his pursuers admirably and took a magnificent 2nd place, while Nomblot finished immediately behind 3rd.

The Senior Final was undecided until the last corner. Starting 5th, Adrien passed his opponents one by one and started hunting down the leader, 2” ahead of him. Toppling the lap record, running two tenths faster than everybody, he joined the leader five laps from the end and attacked on the last lap. The sensational 2nd place that Adrien Renaudin brought to KPR produced a magnificent spectacle along with the fastest lap in the Final. “With a driver of this calibre, it is much easier to progress,” concluded Dominique Chech. “It motivates the team to move forward. We now have the ability and willingness to welcome new French and foreign drivers, to follow on from Adrian, who will no longer race in Rotax Max next year.“