Susilo: Full of Hope Despite a Difficult Winter Cup

After two months spent in his native country, Indonesia, Kevin Susilo went back to Italy, the country of his passion, karting. He had just the time to do some training and was back into the swing of the Winter Cup. Unfortunately, the occasion was not favourable for young Kevin, who was not particularly fond of the rain he found waiting for him. A little dose of bad luck later on and his race ended prematurely. But he has kept his good spirits and WSK tests are already on the horizon.

Modest: though he is not yet a star in Indonesia, Kevin confessed that a few articles about him appeared in the local press. Kind: Kevin is the teacher’s pet of DR Racing Team: he shows his kindness with little attentions to everybody in the team, drivers or mechanics. Motivated: Kevin follows a tough physical training programme that includes jogging and soccer in order to be, as he puts it, at the top in KF2. Brave: the fact that he doesn’t like the rain does not mean that Kevin gives up easily. He spares no efforts to learn as much as possible, again and again. Determined: Kevin is not the type of guy who worries too much after a disappointing result. He is aware of the progress he has already made and remains very positive about the future.

Young Kevin has grown a lot during last year. He smiles when he hears the remark and answers that now he has the right size for the chassis. KF2 suits him and he likes it a lot. But he admits that it was not easy to return to work. The cold and humid weather did help him, either. When his group started timed qualifying, a downpour fell on the track. Kevin had to slalom between the puddles and that’s something he doesn’t like. As for many other good drivers in his situation, the result was far from satisfactory.

Forced to make up for the lost ground in the qualifying heats, Kevin buckled down to the job but the Winter Cup is a tough competition and luck was not on his side: In fact, his heats were held mostly on Saturday, when the track was still slippery. After a collision, he lost some precious positions, but regained ground when the track dried, though not enough to avoid the repechage. 29th at the start, it was a mission impossible to finish in the first 6 places that open the doors of the finals. Kevin threw himself in the fight anyway and regained 10 places, just for pleasure.

Watching the races from the stands, Kevin observed the other lucky drivers in action on the track and did not miss a single second of the show. Another chance for him to learn! But he is already focussed on La Conca, for the next race to be held in a few days’ time. It will be the beginning of a great adventure in the WSK Euro Series, preceded by his collective tests. A smile brightens the face of the young driver at the idea that soon he could have a chance to get his revenge…