COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE ROTAX MAX MALAYSIA & ASIA ZONE CHALLENGE
m a g a z i n e
June 2011 - Issue No.3 - www.racepromo.net - FREE
GETTING IT RIGHT
FAUZY NAILED THE 2ND RMC EVENT AFTER A TOUGH RD1,
KITAZONO CONTINUED HIS DOMINANCE IN DD2
Race Reports Technical TopShots
RMC, JK Racing Asia, Make Sure You've Got the Selection of Shots
Singapore Right Safety Gear
W
CONTENTS
e're now on to our third issue of KARTASIA, and
while practice makes perfect this issue has shown us
that we still have a lot to learn about the publishing
m a g a z i n e
business. Deadlines always arrive faster than hoped and the
work builds up, but we persevere and believe we have brought MAX CHALLENGE
you another great issue while learning a lot in the process.
Rotax Round 3 Preview 13
It is often said that single-seaters are "a step up" from karting. I
don't feel that is the correct way to word it. I like to consider Championship Standings 14
karting as a sport on its own. It has its own World Championship, Entry Lists 15
its own ladder of progression, and even has a handful of
professional drivers. That is why while we have a feature on the Max Challenge Info 17
JK Racing Asia Series (Formula BMW) in this issue, our focus is
and always will be on Karting. We just like to see how the karters
are doing in the big cars. Thankfully most of the JK drivers
RACE REPORT
realise the value that karting serves as a training tool and they
still continue to take part in kart races. Rotax Round 2 9
Singapore Champs 18
As always please drop me a line with contributions or
suggestions to improve the magazine. JK Racing Asia Series 19
EDITOR
Mikko Nassi TOPSHOTS
mikko@racepromo.net
Selection of Photos 3
T his is our third edition of KartAsia magazine and we have
been getting a lot of helpful feedback on the magazine.
To those who emailed me I thank you for your efforts. I
will certainly look into the many requests for more Technical
write-ups. For starters, this issue's Technical write-up is on
TECHNICAL
Safety Gear
INTERNATIONAL
21
safety clothing. I hope you will find the article useful.
The article on "Your Rights to Protest and Appeal" has been held WSK Master Series 23
over to the next issue. The Chairman of the Karting Commission
of Malaysia - Paul David will be writing that article in the hope
that those of you who do not read the National Competition Editor
Mikko Nassi
Regulations will read this article mikko@racepromo.net
and understand your rights during Editing and Admin
a race. 48, Jalan Industri USJ 1 /1
Taman Perindustrian USJ
47600 Subang Jaya
Happy reading and have a good Selangor Darul Ehsan
race in Kuching Tel. 03-80251 792
www.racepromo.net
Photography
Mikko Nassi, Benjamin Leong, Edi Batrawan
CHAIRMAN Contributors
Edi Batrawan, Red Dawn Communications,
James Leong James Leong
james@racepromo.net
All material in KARTASIA magazine is subject
to copyright and may not be reproduced
without permission. All content created by
KARTASIA staff unless otherwise noted.
Although due care is taken to ensure that the
content is accurate and up-to-date, the
publisher can accept no liability for errors and
omissions.
KARTASIA 2
TOPSHOTS
TOPSHOTS
Photographer: Ben Leong
Camera: Canon 7D
Focal Length: 400mm
Exposure: 1 /2000 at f/5.6
Teruhisa Tanaka proved that track knowledge matters as he
improved from 4th place at round 1 of the Rotax Asia Zone
Challenge to take a dominant win in the finals at round 2.
TOPSHOTS
Photographer: Ben Leong
Camera: Canon 7D
Focal Length: 400mm Exposure: 1 /1 600 at f/5.6
Nik Azri Syazwi was one of the surprises of the RMC weekend
improving from an 8th place at round 1 to 2nd in round 2 in the
Senior category.
TOPSHOTS
Photographer: Mikko Nassi
Camera: Canon D7
Focal Length: 260mm
Exposure: 1 /2000 at f/5.6
Silvano Christian (351 ) leads the Indonesian RMC standings. He
hasn't been as lucky with his Rotax Asia Challenge results despite
being at the front in some heats. Can he finish at the front in
Kuching?
Getting Close at Rotax Round 2
Photos: M.Nassi and B.Leong
T
Farriz Fauzy Grabbed Maximum Points at Rd2
he 2nd round of the Rotax Malaysia/Asia Zone out of contention. This left Fauzy and Nik Azri at the
Challenge was held at the Speedway PLUS front with Calvin Wong in 3rd. Despite their pace
karting circuit in Subang, Malaysia on the 7th-8th advantage over the rest of the field the top two kept the
of May. One would expect that the results would be very pack together as they overtook each other during the
similar to the first round seeing as the event returned to opening laps. Fauzy realized the problem. “We were
the same track - but the championship tables got fighting for the lead and that allowed the rest to stay
shuffled around or got closer than they were after for the close. I decided to calm things down a bit and only
first round for most categories. overtake when I knew I could build a gap.” By taking his
time once he made his final move he was then able to
Championship leader Calvin Wong got off to a flying power on to build a gap and take the race win and
start in his CRG in the Senior category with pole championship lead. By this point 3rd place couldn’t keep
position, but with less than 1 up anymore but nobody could break
tenth separating him from "Fauzy made his move away from the group which at times
4th place it wasn’t going to once he was confident was from 3rd place down to 1 0th.
Most progress was made by Silvano
be an easy weekend.
Having featured near the he could pull away." Christian (Intrepid) who came from
1 4th on the grid to 3rd place. Chang
front of the field for most of
round 1 Farriz Fauzy hit Mun Shien (Gillard) and Silvano then
technical problems dropping him to 1 0th in last round’s swapped places several times for
final. This time around he qualified in 4th in his Gillard third, but their overtaking and defending allowed the rest
but quickly turned things around by setting the pace at to close in. “My steering wheel had become a bit loose
the front by winning both heats and the pre-final. and it cost me some time. Maybe without the problem I
would’ve finished 3rd." Eventually it was Senna S.N
Despite a weak qualifying performance Nik Azri Syazwi (Gillard) who came through to take 3rd despite having
(Zanardi) became the no.1 challenger to Farriz Fauzy by been as far back as 8th place earlier in the race, and
the final. The final started badly for Ang Kok Wee as he Mun Shien had to settle for a 6th place finish as Silvano
made contact with another driver in turn 1 putting him took 4th and Calvin Seibl (BRM) finished 5th.
The Junior battle was intense as championship leader
Syazwan Mohd Noor (GP) was put to the test after
dominating round 1 at the same track. Starting the pre-
final in 2nd place behind Japanese driver Teruhisa
Tanaka but a good start and great pace meant he took
maximum points from the pre-final as Tanaka wasn’t
able to challenge. The early laps of the Final had three
different leaders as Syazwan took the lead early but
was overtaken by Daim Hishammudin dropping
Syazwan to 3rd behind Tanaka who swiftly took the lead
from Daim. As Daim and Syazwan battled Tanaka was
able to extend his lead to several seconds and
remained unchallenged for the rest of the race. The
Presley Martono
KARTASIA 9
battle for 2nd didn’t spread out as Daim and Syazwan The next round will be held at a new location for the
kept changing places creating a group from 2nd to 6th. Max Challenge in Kuching, Malaysia on the 1 8-1 9th of
Their intense battle came to an end as Daim forced June.
Syazwan wide entering a corner, dropping Syazwan
down to 6th place. Gilbert Ang had held back in 4th
place for most of the race but made his move with 3
laps to go as he overtook Daim. It was short-lived
however as Daim was able to take the spot back on the
penultimate lap and was able to hold Ang back in 3rd
across the line.
In MicroMax after qualifying on pole and winning both
heats Luqman Hakin looked set to climb on to the top
step of the podium. Presley Martono had other ideas as
he chased down Luqman in the pre-final and dropped
him down to 2nd for the first time all weekend. Kush
Maini would start the final in 3rd. In the Final it was Daim Hishammudin
Luqman who got the jump at the start leading out of the
first corner and lead the first few laps ahead of Martono.
In the 3rd lap however an overtaking move resulting in
damage and a DNF to Luqman as Kush Maini took
advantage and took the lead. It then took just 2 laps for
Martono gain 1 st place back from Maini and he then
controlled the race from the front. Meanwhile Adam
Muqri drove an impressive final having started from 8th
place.
The DD2 grid has had steady growth in entries in the
opening two rounds of 2011 , and with a 50% increase
looking likely for round 3 based on early entries it looks
like it is becoming a category worth watching and racing
in. The 2nd round started off with round 1 winner Shota Shota Kitazono
Kitazono in his BRM taking top spot in the time trial
ahead of Ken Smith (GP) and Ray Kong (BRM). By the
pre-final the top two had reversed and Syazwan Mohd
Noor managed a 3rd place finish despite a damaged GP
frame. The final started with Kitazono taking the lead
from and Kelvin Choo (CRG) leaping from 4th to 2nd.
Smith eventually made his way past Choo but by then
the gap to Kitazono was already 4 seconds and kept
growing. The battle for 3rd lasted to the end of the race
as Guy Ermer (BRM) wrestled 3rd from Kelvin Choo
with a handful of laps remaining. Meanwhile in the
battle for 4th and 5th Shirley Wong had broken clear
from Yuka Segawa, and Freddy Lawan managed to take
5th place from Segawa on the penultimate lap. James Pull
DD2 Grid
KARTASIA 1 0
Results
Senior Max Junior Max
MicroMax DD2
KARTASIA 11
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ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE GUIDE
ROUND 3 PREVIEW
I f the 2nd round of the Rotax Max Challenge Asia
Zone & Malaysia series is any indication it is clear
that most categories will likely go down to the
final round. One could've expected the status quo from
round 1 to carry over to round 2 but that wasn't the case
as the championships have mainly just been getting a
The DD2 category will keep growing with more drivers
on the probisional entry list and a few really quick
names on the rostrum to compete with the established
drivers. Shota Kitazono has by far the most comfortable
championship lead of any category in the DD2 Asia
Zone category as he leads 2nd place Guy Ermer by 1 3
lot closer. Round 3 in Kuching will certainly be the points. In the Malaysia standings it is Ermer at the front
toughest to predict as almost none of the regular RMC with a 6 point lead ahead of Syazwan.
drivers have any prior experience from the track so
drivers and teams alike will be aiming to adapt to the The following pages contain the current championship
new circuit as quickly as possible. standings for the top 1 0 as well as the full provisional
entry lists for round 3.
In the Juniors Syazwan didn't have everything go his
way in round 2 but he is still at the front of the closest
championship battles. In the Malaysia challenge he is
just 2 points ahead of 3rd place, and a single point
ahead of Gilber Ang in 2nd. Meanwhile round 2 winner
Teruhisa Tanaka is in 3rd place just 5 points behind
Syawzwan in the Asia Zone standings. Wins in the pre-
final and final will be enough to move him to the top of
the standings.
The Senior category showed just how quickly things can
change as Calvin Wong was in the championship lead
but has dropped back behind Farriz Fauzy in the title
fight. Fauzy catapulted from 6th in the points after round
1 to take the lead. Fauzy's ISRacing teammate Chang
Mun Shien isn't far off in 3rd place in both
championships and a successful weekend could see
him taking the top step in the championship with two
rounds to go.
In MicroMax James Pull is looking to get back to his
winning ways after a slightly dissapointing round 2, in
order to maintain his championship lead ahead of Kush
Maini and Presley Martono. Muhammad Luqman Hakim
will be looking to restart his championship chanllenge
after a DNF in the final of round 2. Guy Ermer
KARTASIA 1 3
ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE GUIDE
Championship Standings
Rotax Max Malaysia Challenge
Rotax Max Asia Zone Challenge
Muhammad Luqman Hakim Chang Mun Shien
Sato and Tanaka Syazwan Mohd Noor
KARTASIA 1 4
ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE GUIDE
Drivers
Provisional Entry List for Round 3, 1 8-1 9 May 2011
SENIOR JUNIOR
Seniors Junior Podium
KARTASIA 1 5
ROTAX MAX CHALLENGE GUIDE
MICROMAX DD2
CHIEF MINISTER CUP
KARTASIA 1 6
Need to Know
T
Useful information for those new to Karting or Rotax.
he Rotax Max Challenge is a karting series with
a single-make engine philosophy. All drivers
must use Rotax Max engines, and they are 2011 CALENDAR
required to adhere to strict regulations in order to
ensure an equal playing field. It's also a one tyre series,
with only Mojo tyres permitted in the Senior, Junior, and
DD2 categories, while the MicroMax drivers use Deli
brand tyres.
There are 5 events every year, with every pre-final
and final of each event counting towards the final
championship standings. There are 4 different
categories. Senior (ages 1 5 and above), Junior (ages
1 3-1 6), DD2 (ages 1 5 and above), and MicroMax. The
Senior, Junior, and MicroMax categories all use the
same engine with a few differences to restrict power
output in the Junior and MicroMax categories. The DD2
category uses a slightly more powerful engine and has
two gear. The other categories have a single fixed gear.
In addition to fame and glory, the winner of the
Senior, Junior, and DD2 categories earn a chance to go
to the Rotax Grand Finals at the end of the year. The
Grand Finals is a massive karting event which is
effectively the race of champions where all the winners
from different Rotax Challenges around the world
compete to determine the overall Rotax champion. All
the karts and engines at the event are supplied to the Points System
drivers free of charge, ensuring that all drivers compete At each event the pre-final and final count towards
on completely identical and brand new equipment. The the overall championship.
2011 Grand Finals will be held in Al Ain, UAE.
Pre-Final: 34, 33, 32, 31 ... to last finisher.
Final: 55, 52, 50, 49, 48... to last finisher.
Non-Finish: -5 points off last finisher.
The maximum points from a weekend is 89
(34+55) for a driver that has won both the pre-final
and final.
Race Format Explained
The Rotax Max Challenge is a two-day event running on Saturday and Sunday. Each category has free practice,
time trial, heats, a pre-final, and a final.
Free Practice: Each category has 1 session on both Saturday and Sunday morning. Drivers can go on track for
a final practice session before the important sessions start. The time recorded has no bearing on the weekend.
Time Trial: Drivers have 1 0 minutes to record a laptime which determines their starting position for the heats.
Heats: These are races which determine the starting order for the pre-final.
Pre-Final: Championship points are awarded in the pre-final, and the finishing order also determines the starting
order for the final.
Final: The most important race of the weekend. This is the race that determines who gets the trophies.
Championship points are also awarded.
KARTASIA 1 7
AutoInc Singapore Rd.2
Singapore Report
F
Report: Red Dawn Communications
or Round 2 of the AutoInc Singapore Karting Yap Kheng Weng, Benjamin Goh and Eric Ho had
Championship, there were interesting changes in amazing track action as they battled for the top podium
the racing dynamics due to the rain that poured positions for Senior Master Class. Yap had a solid
down on the racetrack on both the Saturday and Sunday performance, climbing from second place in Round 1 to
mornings. Round 2 took place on the 1 4 and 1 5 May clinch the champion title for Round 2, with Goh and
weekend where the rain and cooler track conditions defending champion Ho clinching the first runner-up and
benefited drivers better at navigating in the wet. The second runner-up positions respectively.
final results of Round 2 saw new faces on the podium
for the Cadet and Senior Class, and new faces in top In the Senior Veteran Class, it was a race between the
place for all classes. BMS Racing Team’s Anthony Seow and YZF’s Kenny
Yip. Having gained more understanding and exposure
Sanctioned by the Singapore Motor Sports Association of his opponent’s race strategy in Round 1 , Seow’s hard
(SMSA), officiated by Singapore GP, and supported by work paid off when he beat Kenny Yip to clinch the first
the Singapore Sports Council, the AutoInc Singapore place in the Senior Veteran Class.
Karting Championship 2011 is the only event in
Singapore for Singaporeans to take part in sanctioned Round 3 of AutoInc Singapore Karting Championship
competition. 2011 will be held on Saturday, July 23th and Sunday,
July 24th.
Williams Racing driver Javier Chng continued to pose a
TOP 3 RESULTS
threat to reigning champion Jon Lee of GP racing.
Despite losing to Jon Lee in the first round of AutoInc
Singapore Karting Championship 2011 , Chng had
gained an upper hand in the Cadet Class race. Chng
played the condition of the racetrack to his advantage
and topped the podium, sending Jon Lee into second
placing. This race proved to be crucial for Chng in
retaining his title hopes. In addition to winning the
weekend championship title, Chng was also awarded
the Best Presented driver award for Round 2.
Jon was unable to retain his pole position and his
younger brother, Josh, lost his third podium placing to
Lucas Maistre, a French National. Jon pressured Javier
throughout the race but was unable to find a way past.
Jaview had the legs on Jon down the straights while Jon
seemed to reel him down on the twisty parts of the track.
Despite these disappointments, the Lee brothers are
expected to make a fierce comeback in Round 3 in July.
In the Junior Class, the racers on the podium remained
the same as Round 1 , albeit a shuffle. Amin Noorzilan,
who won first place in Round 1 dropped to third place
where Gabriella Teo managed to get ahead of him
during the races to take top position on the podium with
Yeo Hong Yang fighting his way into second place, only
inches ahead of Noorzilan. Noorzilan had earlier
attempted to overtake Hong Yang but the defensive
driving resulted in a crash dropping Noorzilan well down
the order and forcing him to fight back through the field.
Defeating the title holder of Senior Class Round 1 race,
Saravanan Rajakumar, was fifteen-year-old Thaddeus
Lee. His victory against Rajakumar had confirmed his
credentials as one of Singapore’s most promising go-
kart drivers, with him coming out tops in the Senior
Class despite a toe injury. Mohammed Nasri Naufal was
second in the Senior Class, and managed to clock the
“Fastest Lap” for the weekend with the impressive time
of 33.552s, beating Thaddeus Lee by a mere 0.044s.
KARTASIA 1 8
Rotax Max Challenge is Back in Indonesia
A
Pictures: Edi Batrawan / Imola Photografi
fter a few years of no official Rotax Max Mursito while Paul Halliday heads the Masters
Challenge series being held in Indonesia the standings 2.5 points clear of Jeffry Imbrahim.
series made a successful return to Indonesia at
the Sentul International Karting Circuit on the 28th-29th The final two rounds of the Rotax Max Challenge
of May. Indonesia will be held in Surabaya on the 9th-1 0th of
July and in Sentul on the 1 st-2nd of October. To follow
In the Seniors Silvano Christian started off the race the series please visit www.rotaxindonesia.com.
meeting slowly having struggled to find the pace, but by
FINAL RESULTS
the final all his problems were sorted out and he was
able to take 1 st place ahead of Senna SN. The two
however are even on points after the first round thanks
to Senna's better finishing position in the pre-final. Zahir
Ali finished the final in 3rd and is still in the
championship battle just 4 points adrift.
Keanon Santoso took 1 point shy of the maximum with
2nd in the pre-final and a win in the final and currently
leads the MicroMax standings by 7 points from
Prassetyo Hardja.
Ananda Julio is first in the Juniors 4 points ahead of Willi
Silvano Christian had to work hard for victory.
KARTASIA 1 9
KARTASIA 20
Daniel Woodroof has been in dominant form in KF3.
TECH CORNER
How Much are you Worth?
Drivers are often reluctant to spend on safety gear don't make that mistake.
A
By: James Leong
s an official in quite a number of events since
2000 and in the later years as a Steward, I have
seen a fair share of the antics of drivers. I have
seen new drivers turning up for scrutineering with brand
new overalls, expensive racing shoes of the latest type,
gloves and what not. Sadly lacking to their range of
equipment is that most of the time the items are not CIK
approved.
Luckily karting is a relatively safe sport. Most of the time
even when there are crashes they don't result in heavy
impacts that could injure a driver - but when they do you
better hope that you're wearing the proper safety gear.
Coming back to this issue, have you asked yourself the
above question? Just how much are you worth? The
respect you have for yourself is reflected in the ways
you look after your own safety. Buying inferior helmet,
racing suit, shoes and gloves tells just how much you
value yourself. You may argue that you have spent so
much money on the kart and engine that you do not
have any budget left to get proper attire. On that point
you are wrong! Your racing gear takes first preference.
Just as the helmet protects your head, the racing suit,
shoes and gloves will protect your body, feet and hands
respectively. You should have purchased all the
necessary gear first before attempting to buy the best for drivers under 1 5 years old, helmets must be
kart and engine. approved under SNELL-FIA CMH (Snell-FIA CMS2007
and Snell-FIA CMR2007), and drivers older than 1 5 may
Having the best equipment to race and then injuring also use these helmets if they fit them properly. For
yourself by having inferior gear is not what you want. drivers over 1 5 years old helmets must fall into the
Therefore, spend a little time to work out your budget following category – Snell Foundation K98, K2005,
and then see what sort of racing gear you can get. SA201 0, K201 0 and SA201 0 (USA) or British Standards
Institution A-type and A/FR-type BS6658-85, FIA 8860-
For starters, a FIA/CIK approved helmet is a must. CIK 2004 (FRA), SFI Foundation Inc. Spec.SFI 31 .1 A and
spells out clearly what helmets are approved. Presently 31 .2A and Snell-FIA CMH (Snell-FIA CMS2007 and
Snell-FIA CMR2007). It must be noted that certain type
of helmets must not be painted or carry adhesive
material. When you choose a helmet, make sure it fits
perfectly. After using the helmet for some time, it will
become slightly loose. Always air-dry your helmet after
use so that the foam lining will not deteriorate. Always
make sure you clean the helmet of any dirt with a soft
wax and cloth. If at any time you had an accident
involving your helmet, do not take the chance of using it
again. Replace it immediately. You can never tell if the
shell has cracked as only by doing a crack test can you
determine the problem. Why take the risk?
KARTASIA 21
the same process. If your racing shoes or gloves is FIA
approved you can be sure that the Homologation
number will be shown on the item itself. Having your
racing gear FIA/CIK approved meant that they have all
passed the safety standards. When choosing a pair of
racing shoes, again make sure that it fit properly and
the shoes MUST always cover the ankles. In karting,
most of the injuries to the feet occurs at the ankles.
Likewise when choosing a pair of gloves always see
that it fit properly. Do not choose a pair of gloves that is
one size too big or one size too small. The palm side of
the gloves should be of soft leather so that you can feel
your grip on the steering. When you have to drive for a
long period you would appreciate your pair of gloves if
they were made of soft material. For maintenance of
your leather gloves you should after each race hang
your gloves to dry under normal light and not directly
under the sun. If you dry under the sun the leather part
of the glove will become dry and brittle. This will result
in the gloves getting torn the next time you put them on.
Applying a softening lotion on the leather will leave
them supple and your gloves will last for a long time.
Gloves for karting must cover all the fingers and half cut
will not be allowed.
The next thing down the line is your racing suit. In the Armed with a Snell Approved helmet, CIK approved
early days of karting there were no standards used. racing suit and a good pair of gloves and shoes, your
Karters were wearing denim material for overalls and for racing gear is now complete. With that you can rest
the real safety conscious type, leather overalls were assured that you would be having the best racing gear
used. However, while along with CIK approved suits there are available in the market.
they are still legal to race with, leather overalls are
heavy and that coupled with sweat they became Only once you have the proper kit can you truly say you
uncomfortable. With modern technology racing suits are worth every ringgit you have spent! For the latest on
now comes in the style like Formula 1 . For as little as safety regulations and a lot of interesting reading visit
RM800.00 you can now buy a CIK approved racing suit. the www.cikfia.com and www.smf.org websites.
Why a CIK racing suit you may ask? If you are one of
those who may get a chance to represent the country or
take part in an international race, the minimum
requirement of a racing suit is that it must be CIK
approved. Just like the helmets, FIA imposes a certain
standard on clothing manufacturers. The racing suits
must conform to these standards and once having
passed these, a FIA/CIK Homologation number is
issued and this number is always sewed on the clothing
approved. The expiration of the homologation is also
stated in the approval code and it is normally 5 years.
When choosing your racing suit ensure that it fits
properly. In karting, you take on a different driving
position to that in a car. You have to ensure you have
enough room at the crotch area otherwise you will be
very uncomfortable having to stretch your racing suit.
In the same way, racing shoes and gloves go through
KARTASIA 22
JK Racing Asia Series
The First Step for Karters Aspiring for a SingleSeater Career
M ost young karters have aspirations of becoming
Formula 1 stars or professional racing drivers.
The typical road to Formula 1 is from Karting
to a low level formula car such as the Formula BMW,
of the calendar will provisionally see the series travel to
China, Singapore, and India.
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
then on to GP3/F3, or F2, and the final step in Europe at
the moment is typically GP2. Very few make it all the
way to the top, but that hasn't stopped people from
trying to do so.
KartAsia had a look at the latest round of the JK Racing
Asia Series (formerly Formula BMW Pacific) held at the
Sepang International Karting Circuit on the 28th and
29th of May. The series has been the breeding ground
of hopeful karters in Asia taking their first step into
single-seater racing. Most events have 4 races per
weekend, with the aim of providing karters with much
needed racing experience in single seater cars.
Most of the current grid will sound very familiar to drivers
that have been racing in the Asian karting events over
the past few years. Multiple Rotax Max Challenge
Malaysia champion Nabil Jeffri is perhaps the name with
the most karting success. He is currently in his 2nd year
of racing the Formula BMW cars, recording a podium
finish at the last round after a difficult weekend, and
currently lies 3rd in the championship behind Irfan Ilyas.
Ilyas has also been racing in several of the Malaysian
kart racing series' over the past few years, and after four
2nd place finishes at the last round he has shot up to
2nd place in the JKRAS standings. The championship
leader and 4-time winner at the latest round is Austrian
Lucas Auer who has been at the front of European
karting events before making the switch to race cars in
Asia.
The majority of the grid is made of Malaysian drivers
and currently 2nd to 6th places in the championship are
occupied by them. This makes it interesting to see how
the drivers cope as the championship moves to new
circuits after the first two weekends were held at the
Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. The remainder Ilyas and Jeffri
KARTASIA 23
Hiqmar Danial
Lucas Auer
Afiq Yazid
Aaron Chang Mun Shien Natasha Seatter
Calvin Seibl
KARTASIA 24
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE
Tackling the WSK series
A lot of drivers from Asia keep doing the rounds
at the big European races. The latest being the
WSK Master Series in Siena, Italy on the 2nd-
5th of June.
other pre-final group Presley Martono finished in 25th
with Putra Minang in 28th.
Sean Gelael put in an impressive performance as he
has continued his move towards the front of the
In the Mini 60 category Max Fewtrell, James Pull, European races with an 11 th place in the final of the
Perdana Putra Minang, and Presley Martono all took KF2 race, despite starting the final in 32nd after a DNF
part in the 72 kart field with incredibly tough competition, in the pre-final.
while Indonesian driver Sean Gelael was in the KF2
category against 38 other drivers. The next round of the WSK Master Series is towards the
end of September, while the WSK Euro Series heads to
Fewtrell ended on top of the "Asian" group of drivers Spain on the 28th-31 st of July. Follow the progress of
after the heats with a best heat finish of 1 2th and 46th the drivers you know at these events on
overall in points. Next up was Presley Martono in 57th www.wskarting.it.
with a best of 1 4th out of his heats followed by James
Pull in 60th and Perdana Putra Minang in 61 st. They all
made it through to the pre-finals as the top 68 get split
into prefinal A and B, with the top 34 then going on to the
final. Max Fewtrell was once again the top of the Asian
group as he finished in an impressive 11 th making it
through to the final where he finished in 20th place,
which was just 11 seconds behind the winner. Fewtrell
was the only one of the Asian group to make the final as
James Pull hit trouble and was forced to retire. In the James Pull Filepic
Presley Martono Filepic
KARTASIA 25