Kout, Champion after the suspense

The suspense of the CIK-FIA European Superkart Championship continued to the end, not only for the awarding of the title but also for the hotly contested places of honour, with four Drivers being able to take the third step of the overall podium. The Competition at Assen was full of twists and more uncertain than expected because of problems for the two favourites, delaying the result and allowing a wider confrontation that the expected duel.

The Qualifying Practices were already somewhat surprising but Adam Kout (MSKart-DEA) was flying. In the first session he beat the track record four times to establish it at 1’35”035. Peter Elkmann (MSKart-VM) never came close to this performance, beaten by Marcel Maasmann (Anderson-VM) and Liam Morley (Anderson-DEA) both in front of him on the grid. Maasmann, prepared by the Redspeed team, had already given an indication of his potential at a circuit he particularly likes.

Maasmann wins in Race 1

During the first Race, the already large audience witnessed the quartet soaring ahead: Maasmann who had made a great start, Kout, Elkmann who was quick to infiltrate and Morley. The front two lines, which would be the fastest throughout the Competition, took to their heels. Certainly Henrik Lilja (PVP-PVP) and Andreas Jost (Anderson-VM) remained in the vanguard but they were isolated, and Gavin Bennett (Anderson-DEA) soon retired following a seized engine. Jason Dredge (Anderson-PVP) had a superb start and was up to 6th on the third lap, but he also had to give up with a seized engine. Everyone was astonished that Kout did not escape. Maasmann remained close, but it was Elkmann who attacked him. In mid-race, Kout let go and slipped back because he had lost third gear. We imagined that the victory would go to the German after nine laps but he was overwhelmed by the two survivors of the top three. His brake balance was not optimal and he couldn’t resist the masterful Maasmann. The Dutchman, however, was almost surprised by Morley on the line.

Kout: Victory and title after Race 2

On Sunday, there was already a crowd at dawn to see demonstrations by Max Verstappen, the country’s idol, but the Superkarts put on a show to live up to public expectations. After a good start at the front, Elkmann took control under braking against Maasmann, Morley and Bennett. Kout did not make a good start at all because of his clutch; he was 7th on the second lap. Elkmann gave himself a slight lead over Maasmann who lacked grip. The Dutchman defended while his opponents tried several times to overtake without success, which allowed Kout back after he had dropped Jost, Lilja and Bennett. From far the fastest on the track, Kout caught up and passed Maasmann and Elkmann for the decisive confrontation. The Czech Driver passed his great rival unopposed and escaped to victory, and the title was decided. Although Elkmann and Morley could only follow at a distance, there was entertainment at many levels, especially during the spectacular duel between Bennett and Maasmann. The British Driver managed to overcome his opponent in the final chicane. This changed the ranking for 3rd place, with Morley, Kout’s teammate, taking it by one point at the expense of Maasmann. The joy was at its height in the MSkart clan, which put two drivers on the podium of the Championship in 1st and 3rd places.

Very fairly, Peter Elkmann was the first to congratulate his opponent: “Adam is a ”really good guy”, he completely deserves his title. I had a good season, but here at Assen, I was unable to achieve a good second sector. I intend to take my revenge next year!“

Adam Kout embraced all of his team members before declaring: “What a relief after my disastrous start… Fortunately, I had the perfect set-up for to come back and win. With this European title, we will be even stronger in 2016!“

Info CIK / © Photo KSP – Mediasuperkart