FROM KARTING TO TOURING CARS: A WEEKEND OF GROWTH AND PODIUMS FOR OUR DRIVERS

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Another intense race weekend saw our drivers competing on circuits across Europe, taking on high-level competitions in increasingly competitive environments.
In Valencia, Round 2 of the Champions of the Future took place, while in the karting world Broodi competed in the TVKC Club Champs against a strong international field. At the same time, Vanessa returned to Germany for another round of the ADAC DKM, continuing her development in one of the most competitive championships.
In Italy, at Franciacorta, Mia Zanki fought hard in the ROK Cup Italy, confirming her determination and desire to stand out. Finally, Silkunas made his debut in closed-wheel racing in Riga, Latvia, gaining new experience and further expanding his technical skills. A weekend full of commitments, challenges, and positive signs, confirming the steady growth of our drivers on multiple fronts.

Westwood – P59 – Champions Of The Future – Round 2, OK-J
A challenging weekend for Benjamin Westwood, who struggled from the start with a difficult qualifying session that inevitably affected his starting positions in the heats. A tough beginning made the weekend even more demanding, especially with the changing weather conditions throughout the event.
Despite the difficulties, Benjamin showed great determination and maturity, managing to secure a place in the Super Heat. A strong display of character, even if it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback and reach the final. Nevertheless, it was a weekend that highlighted his fighting spirit. Focus now shifts to the next Valencia round, where he will return even more determined to prove his full potential.

Zhu – P63 – Champions Of The Future – Round 2, OK-J
Zack Zhu returned to the track in a far-from-easy weekend, starting with a challenging qualifying session where he placed 17th. However, he reacted with determination in the heats, gaining several positions lap after lap and showing strong race pace.
He reached the Super Heat, but adverse weather conditions reshuffled the cards. Rain made the track extremely tricky, and unfortunately Zack lost control of the kart, missing out on a place in the final. A bitter ending, but one that doesn’t overshadow the positive signs shown. Zack leaves Valencia motivated and aware of his competitiveness.

Noeppel – P76 – Champions Of The Future – Round 2, OK-J
Maxime Noeppe impressed despite a difficult qualifying session. Starting from the back, he fought hard in every heat, gaining positions and standing out for his overtakes and racing attitude. Although he didn’t reach the Super Heat or the final, the performance goes beyond the numbers. At this stage, the focus is on growth, experience, and improving race management.
Maxime demonstrated commitment, resilience, and a strong mindset oriented toward continuous improvement.

Kosmopoulos – P93 – Champions Of The Future – Round 2, OK-J
A difficult weekend for Jason, who couldn’t find the right rhythm and failed to progress to the final stages. Some sessions ended prematurely, making things even more challenging.
Despite the struggles, these experiences are part of a driver’s development. There are important lessons to take forward, and we are confident Jason will bounce back stronger.

Angelard – P83 – Champions Of The Future – Round 2, OK-J
After a difficult qualifying, Julia reacted strongly in the heats, gaining up to ten positions in one race and showing great fighting spirit.
She completed all sessions consistently, demonstrating determination and resilience, even if she couldn’t fully capitalize on the available equipment.
Her attitude and competitiveness are very promising for the future.

Gallo – P75 – Champions Of The Future – Round 2, OK
Matteo Gallo stood out among the senior drivers. Despite limited experience in the category, he showed determination and steady progress. He approached each session with the right mindset, finishing races consistently and demonstrating maturity and potential.
With continued experience, Matteo has all the ingredients to become a strong contender.

Salamonde – P80 – Champions Of The Future – Round 2, OK
A demanding weekend for Eduardo, who was involved in several on-track battles, including a significant incident—fortunately without injury.
Despite the challenges, he kept fighting and showed strong character. With more experience, his performances are expected to improve steadily.

Kosmopoulou – P64 – Champions Of The Future – Round 2, OK
Nefeli started well from qualifying (P20) and built a solid progression throughout the weekend. She consistently completed all sessions and reached the Super Heat, where she continued gaining positions, though narrowly missing the final.
Her steady growth and focused approach highlight strong potential for the future.

Ivannikov – P11 – Champions Of The Future – Round 2, OK
A mixed weekend for Vladimir. After a strong qualifying (P9), he confirmed his pace in the heats, including a win and a third-place finish. However, a difficult Super Heat compromised his final chances. In the final, he delivered an impressive comeback, gaining nine positions to finish P11.
Despite some bad luck, his speed, determination, and resilience stand out.

Cooper Dowling – P27 – TVKC Club Champs Round 2
Broodi Cooper competed in a highly competitive international field at the TVKC Club Champs. Despite some difficulties, he completed the race in P27, gaining valuable experience that will support his development in future events.

Zanki – P21 – ROK Cup Italy, Franciacorta – OK-J
A tough weekend for Mia, affected by illness that limited her preparation and track time. Despite this, she delivered a strong qualifying (P9) and fought hard in the race, gaining nine positions before finishing P21.
A performance that goes beyond the result, highlighting her resilience and determination.

Silkunaite – P12 – ADAC DKM, Mülsen
Second preparation race for Vanesa in Mülsen. She showed clear progress and growing confidence, maintaining a solid pace and finishing P12. A valuable experience that contributes to her ongoing development.

Silkunas – BMW Turbo, Riga
Race 1: P3
Race 2 (2h): P1 in BMW Turbo Cup (P6 overall)
Markas made his debut in closed-wheel racing in Riga, driving a BMW, and immediately impressed. He adapted quickly to the new car, securing P3 in Race 1 and winning his category in the endurance race, finishing P6 overall.
A strong performance that confirms his versatility and potential across different racing disciplines.

Author: Gabriele Bovio