Dennis first leader in U18 World Championship

The CIK-FIA “U18” World Championship which got off the ground this week-end on the German circuit “Prokart Raceland” at Wackersdorf has by and large reached all expectations. The drivers, all below 18 years of age, have produced a magnificient spectacle throughout the whole week-end and have proved that this formula – based on minimum cost and a level-playing field for all entrants – has an exciting future.

After the qualifying practices and heats, the 34 drivers who qualified for the Final phase contested 2 prefinals, of which the second one, for the first time in a CIK-FIA World Championship, had a totally reversed grid. After these two races, it was the Austrian Julian Wagner (Mach 1) who gained pole position. But all the drivers knew perfectly well that only the Final would count for Championship points in this new “Under 18” World Championship.

First in front, the Finn Matias Köykkä (Maranello) gave up the lead to Simone Favaro (Parolin). But the Italian was excluded after several laps for having caused an avoidable accident at the start. So, the young British driver Jake Dennis (Top Kart) inherited the lead and never looked back. Coached by former World Champion Terry Fullerton (1973) and supported by Racing Steps Foundation, which helps talented young drivers with limited finances, the Englishman confirmed the faith placed in him. “It’s a great feeling to be leading a World Championship standing”, acknowledged Jake. “This concept in which you put talent first is really good. As a result, I’m so happy to be the winner.”

Runner-up in the Final, Finland’s Mattias Köykkä was also upbeat. “It’s difficult to find big sponsors in Finland”, he explained. “So, a World Championship with limited cost like this one is a really excellent opportunity to grasp.” The Finnish challenge was even more successful with 3rd place going to Teemu Suninen (Maranello). Other drivers catching the eye in the top 5 included Irishman John Norris (Intrepid) and yet another Finn, Ville Mäntylä (Energy), but also notable was 4 different chassis makes in the top 5 finishers. Sixth placed Vincent Fraisse (Intrepid) finished in front of Julian Wagner (Mach 1), Spaniard Victor Colome (Intrepid), Northern-Irishman Adam Strirling (Intrepid) and Austrian Stefan Riener (Intrepid).

The next round is scheduled for the Spanish circuit at Alcaniz from 27th to 29th of August, before the final round at Val d’Argenteon, in France (1st to 3rd of October). We already have a taste of things to come in these two passionately fought competitions.

Info CIK / © Photo KSP