2017 CIK-FIA Best-Of: Academy Trophy – Handsaeme, the young talent of the year

The 8th season of the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy fulfilled its mission perfectly in 2016. The technical partner OTK Kart Group supplied the single design Exprit chassis and Vortex engines, the tyres this time from Bridgestone. 51 young people aged between 12 and 14, including six women, from 39 nations and five continents, took part in the 2017 edition. Xavier Handsaeme of Belgium won in the last of the three competitions, a very competitive season.

As the winner, Handsaeme was invited to participate free of charge in the CIK-FIA World Junior Championship in one of the official OTK Kart Group teams. The CIK-FIA has also assured the top five of the 2017 Academy Trophy’s overall ranking free entry into the 2018 CIK-FIA Championship, Cup or Trophy of their choice. With a strong one-make framework, the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy manages to offer great technical fairness to young Drivers who have the opportunity to show their potential on the international stage on a level playing field.

# 1 Genk (BEL): Advantage for van Vugt

Although Xavier Handsaeme (BEL) had the fastest Qualifying time on his home soil, Mike van Vugt (NLD) had a clear round in the Qualifying Heats. He escaped at the front of the Final to win the first victory of the season with the fastest lap in the race. Tijmen van der Helm (NLD) pulled away from a restless pack to take 2nd place while Handsaeme recovered 3rd position after a penalty for Oliver Skop Skjellerup (DNK).

# 2 Le Mans (FRA): Decisive Final for Handsaeme

The second Competition reflected a very different hierarchy. Alexander Simmonds (GBR) took Pole Position and Sami Meguetounif (FRA) led after the Heats. But Handsaeme had a clear victory in the Final, leaving his opponents to compete for the places of honour. After a few adventures, Meguetounif was 2nd in front of Skov Skjellerup. Despite his comeback in the Final, van Vugt lost the lead to Handsaeme in the provisional standings.

# 3 Alahärmä (FIN): Win for Melo D. Porto and the title for Handsaeme

Francisco Melo D. Porto (BRA) proved to perform perfectly on the spectacular Finnish track. He won two of his three heats, having been the fastest in Qualifying, and won the Final. But Handsaeme skilfully managed the situation and his 2nd place allowed him to receive a well deserved Trophy while van der Helm moved up to 3rd place.

With his 63 points, Xavier Handsaeme was crowned followed by Tijmen van der Helm (49 pts) and Francisco Melo D. Porto (41 pts) 3rd.

Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP