2nd edition of the Ciao Thomas Knopper Memorial Race

The 2nd edition of the Ciao Thomas Knopper Memorial Race was a true “Dream Edition!”

None other than Michael Schumacher showed up at the registration desk of the Ciao Thomas Knopper Memorial Race to sign up personally for the KZ-2 class.  He rounded out the already stellar line-up that included Bas Lammers, Paolo de Conto, Joey Hanssen, Kevin Leijtens, Marcel Jeleniowski, and Marvin Meindorfer! The seven-time Formula-1 winner showing up in Kerpen was a complete surprise.

Appearing in a Tony kart of KSM, Schumacher won the respect of the spectators and his competitors in his exciting battle with Joey Hanssen and Bas Lammers. However, neither Hanssen (2nd), Lammers (3rd), Schumacher (4th) nor Verdi Geurts (5th) could prevent the Italian, Paolo de Conto, from finishing first and taking home the prize. It was the second victory for the Energy driver in the memorial race for Thomas Knopper.

And once again Paolo de Conto donated his prize money totalling € 2500 to Thomas Knopper’s foundation, the TK Racing Foundation. The family Knopper wishes to thank Paolo de Conto, also on behalf of the foundation, for this generous gesture.

As organisers of the Ciao Thomas Knopper Memorial Race we can look back with satisfaction on a wonderful event. The weather was beautiful, on the track riders battled for every centimetre of blacktop.
The brilliant line-up with world champions as well as European champions, including the 42-year-old Schumacher, attracted plenty of spectators.

The programme during the break included several demonstrations and performances by a salsa band and a brass band. A spectacular highlight was the arrival of the finish flag and the memorial flags for Thomas that literally fell out of the sky thanks to three parachutists who landed on the circuit with incredible precision.

The mystery guest of the second edition of the Ciao Thomas Knopper Memorial in Kerpen was The Stig, who appeared from behind a smoke screen to greet the many fans that turned out for Thomas Knopper’s memorial race. After the colourful and impressive presentation of the drivers, it was time for the finals.

Before the final of the KZ-2 there was a special commemorative moment for Thomas Knopper.
Drivers and spectators were silent and moved when “The Show Must Go On” by Queen poured out of the loudspeakers on the circuit. It gave everyone goose bumps.

With de Conto, Hanssen, Lammers, Schumacher and Geurts on the podium the spectacular fireworks show was ignited and it could be seen and heard far and wide!

In short, it was a sun-drenched weekend characterised once again by its special atmosphere and sportsmanship.

See you next year!

http://thomasknopper.com

Press realease by Foundation TK Racing / © Photo Cuno de Bruin