International recognition for Maxime Geley in OK-N

Maxime Geley had a particularly good year in 2023. French Senior Champion at Septfontaine, he won the French Trophy OK-N at Salbris before shining in international competition with his 2nd place at the Road to the first World Cup in Italy.

“The 2023 season exceeded all my expectations,” said the 18-year-old from Haut-Savoie. “The first great satisfaction was to finally win the French Senior Championship on the Septfontaine track that I’m so fond of, against some tough competition. Then I wanted to discover the new OK-N category. It was an interesting experience, especially as a stroke of luck enabled me to win the French Trophy. Push starting was no problem, but I have to admit that I was always worried about having to restart on my own in the event of a spin. In its strictly original version, the engine didn’t really impress me because of the rev limiter. Nevertheless, the whole package has some interesting qualities and remains affordable compared with other categories in the same segment.”

Thanks to the agreement between the FFSA and the FIA Karting, Maxime’s victory in the French Trophy opened the doors to the ‘Road to the first World Cup’ organised on the Franciacorta circuit by the Italian ASN during the FIA Karting OK and Junior World Championship. Following his family’s tradition of doing as much as possible with the means at his disposal, Maxime briefly familiarised himself with the track the day after the Champions of the Future Euro Series, a few weeks before the race. This gave him the opportunity to meet some Italian teams familiar with OK-N and to hire an engine prepared by Gamoto Kart, which performed much better than the production engine used at Salbris.

Maxime immediately found his feet at the wheel of his Sodi/TM Kart. Regularly between 3rd and 5th place during Free Practice, he preferred to ensure that Qualifying went smoothly without waiting until the last minute on a congested track. He set the 8th fastest time without the slightest slipstream advantage. Cautious at the start of the first Qualifying Heat, Maxime made up ground until a valve problem forced him to retire. The second heat was more favourable for him, with a good start and a rapid return to 2nd position with the fastest lap.

In 15th place after the heats, Maxime made another fine comeback thanks to his excellent speed. Although he finished 2nd at the finish line, he was unfortunately classified 9th because of a penalty for an incorrectly positioned front fairing. He immediately made up five places at the start of the Final and battled for a long time in the top three. Once he had moved up to 2nd place, there was no way he could catch the leader, who was well clear of the field and also very fast.

“I’m extremely happy to have taken part in the Road to the first World Cup, even if I was disappointed at the time not to have won. I was very competitive throughout the weekend and 2nd place is a gratifying result against experienced Italian drivers. I’d like to thank the FFSA for giving me this opportunity. Organising the weekend wasn’t very complicated. My father and I kept costs down by using our camper van. I’m lucky enough to have a sponsor who supports me, App’n’Web, and I have the support of Sodi through Gillian and Christian Lay’s GLP operation. Working with Gamoto Kart has gone very well, with a very open manager who has a good sporting mentality.”

Maxime has not yet decided on his sporting programme for 2024. Now a student in international management, he will give priority to his studies, while keeping one foot in racing. Trying his luck in motor sport remains a dream that can only come true with solid partners. Karting is still a passion that he can indulge with his father. He liked OK-N, the new Senior federal category will catch his eye, X30 is among the possibilities and KZ2 is also arousing his interest. After an excellent 2023 season, different opportunities could soon present themselves.

FFSA Karting – Press Release / Photo © KSP

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