RGMMC Paddock Magazine

MARCH 2016
No. 002
ROTAX EURO
RACE ONE
GENK 2016
Pro`s Opinion
// Ernst Penninger
// Steven Chapman
// Ronald Montfoort
Driver Interviews
// Olli Caldwell
// Thomas Drouet
RGMMC NEWS
// Presenting the new
MOM System
THOMAS DROUET
// Driver-Interview

THE RGMMC GROUP WAS THRILLED TO HAVE RELEASED
THE FIRST EDITION OF THE PADDOCK MAGAZINE IN
FEBRUARY AT THE ROTAX WINTER CUP. STAY IN TOUCH
WITH WHAT‘S GOING ON IN THE RGMMC PADDOCK.
Every RGMMC organised event will have another issue, sharing information, news about
drivers as well as teams and much more.
Known for being different, RGMMC is moving away from the traditional race booklet,
creating a magazine that supplies more information about the sport and news about
the teams as well as drivers. We will be creating an informative, entertaining magazine
over the next 12 months, giving our readers, an insight into the karting industry and
paddock gossip. Together with our new IPTV media partner Telemundi, we will be also
supplying online video content such as interviews and news stories about the actual
event. Digital versions of the ROTAX event issues are available for download at:
WWW.ROTAXMAXEUROCHALLENGE.COM
If your team or driver has any news to share, please send it to us at info@rgmmc.com,
so we consider to publish it in the following issue.
For placing adverts in our magazine contact us via e-mail at info@rgmmc.com.

CONTENTS
ABOUT US 6
RGMMC NEWS 7
MOM SYSTEM 8
ABOUT THE RACE TRACK 10
COLUMN RINUS VAN KALMTHOUT 11
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE PADDOCK 12
WHAT DO THE PRO’S THINK 14
RGMMC PADDOCK POSTER 16
WELCOME TO THE FELINE FIELDS 18
RACE PREVIEW 20
DRIVER INTERVIEWS 22
PREDICTIONS 24
ABOUT THE ROTAX EURO 27
INFORMATION 30
rgmmc.com
info@rgmmc.com
facebook.com/rgmmcAG
twitter.com/RGMMC
telemundi.com

INTRODUCING THE
ORGANIZERS
The RGMMC Group is a well established motorsport management
company, with its interests in event organization and
promotion, consultancy, manufacturing of chemicals as well
as technology innovation.
Established over 20 years ago, we have created a strong competent reputation in the
motorsport world. Being involved in Karting, Rally Cross, Touring Car, GT Series, Formula
racing and Motocross, is what differentiates the RGMMC Group to its competitors.
At the RGMMC Group we have a simple driving philosophy which was embedded in the
company from the first day. Our philosophy Attention to Detail and Innovation still today
remains to be the heart of the company. We function in a high speed industry – keeping
up with the times is an absolute must in order to push the market further. We look forward
to our 2016 series, with plenty of new innovations being released on the market
place as well as our newly formed company branding and ideals.
ROLAND GEIDEL
JAMES GEIDEL
With a wealth of experience spanning some 40 years
in sales, marketing and sponsorship, Roland is able
to combine his passion for motorsport with a pragmatic
business approach, which led to the creation
of RGMMC as one of the most respected event
management companies to exist in the world of
karting.
From driver to Formula and GT racing engineer,
James has gone on to become a race team manager
and owner, developing a deep practical experience
and understanding of the sport. Now he is concentrating
his effort on the continuous development of
RGMMC, where his skills in motorsport business and
management are being fully implemented.
6

RGMMC & TELEMUNDI
MEDIA – KART STREAMING
TO ANOTHER LEVEL
Telemundi – a world network, providing sport promoters and
organizers the opportunity to live stream their events across the
globe in high quality. In an age where the only thing that matters
is NOW, live streaming has become the pinnacle of importance
and marketing for sporting events.
Having used countless production companies and freelancers over the years, the RGMMC
Group decided it is time to become involved in creating a high quality sports filming company,
and thus Telemundi Media was born. Using professional high quality TV production material
and an experienced crew, including a producer, editor and professional camera men, we believe
we will create a new trend in karting especially offering high quality shows which will go
on for two days during each RGMMC event in 2016.
“We have a simple goal for 2016, that’s to break away from the traditional kart filming, of
only the races and a few interviews and really create a show for the viewers at home and
step by step push the sport of karting more into the public eye using all the technologies and
platforms available to us today.”
For viewing information please visit: www.telemundi.com
RGMMC &
The RGMMC Group has always been known for creating
its own solutions for software and hardware. After years
of using our own administration and scanning systems,
we have now together with a third party company helped
create the MOM system – short for management of
motorsport – to help us keep track of race material,
schedules and the overall event on track. After the successful
beta test at the RGMMC Rotax Winter Cup,
we are pleased to announce that we will be integrating
it into all aspects of the RGMMC Group events to
become even more efficient and speedy for the teams
and drivers.
7

8

PRESENTING
THE NEW
MOM SYSTEM
Organisation and management are a major factor in
creating a well-run event. Unlike many industries and
sectors, motorsport organisers have few specifically
engineered products to assist them in the day to day
management of their events.
Developed over the last year, the MOM system,
an anagram for “Management of Motorsport”, was
created. Designed and developed together with the
RGMMC Group and Weinblum + Stahl, a Design
Communication Agency, the first user friendly
motorsport management system is soon to be
released to the market.
The system is created to make life easier for event
organisers around the world by integrating every
aspect of race administration, from entry forms online
to tyre scanning on track. But the MOM system is far
more superior than a basic administration software.
Having the ability of calculating your company
statistics from sales to race stats, makes the MOM
system like no other event management system on the
market. The MOM system is split into two sections.
The off track section consists of an online portal and
allows users to customise their entry forms, handle
registrations, calculate statistics and sales, and
publish and export data. The on track section carries
our administrations, briefings, material checks such
as tyres and engines. To avoid common problems
with on track registration systems, the MOM system
can function with and without internet connectivity by
using the MOM server and hardware on race tracks
to ensure a flawless result.
IN COOPERATION WITH
WEINBLUM + STAHL

ABOUT THE
RACE TRACK
The karting track in Genk was opened
in January 1981. From then on
the circuit in eastern Belgium hosted
numerous international events.
Especially in the 90ies, the golden age of karting, Genk gained
a worldwide reputation since many races were broadcasted
by TV. In order to maintain its high standard, the track was
rebuilt in 2005. The new circuit was modernized in every way.
Today the competition track is 1.360 metres long, counts
ten corners and combines demanding chicanes with high
speed passages. Two long straights make for many overtaking
manoeuvres following some challenging hairpins. Equally
the entire complex represents the state of the art in karting:
the facilities include a parc ferme area, a shower block, a
shop as well as a two storey control tower, a pit building,
grand stands, a big outdoor screen, a restaurant, a separate
motocross- and RC race track. All this turns Genk into a fantastic
venue which welcomes series, drivers and teams from
all around the world for more than 35 years now.
Start

ONE MORE
YEAR TO ENJOY
Over the winter season, I had a long
think about my future. Should I graduate
to formula cars as a 15-year-old or continue
in karts for another season?
I must admit that it was very tempting to move up to cars,
though. The Netherlands have become part of the Formula 4
Northern European Zone (NEZ) championship, that is growing
in strength just like Formula 4 is doing all over the world.
In Holland, the F4 movement is led by the KNAF, the Dutch
ASN. In 2014, they selected me to be part of their KNAF
Talent First programme that helps young Dutch drivers with
the development of their careers. Karters Richard Verschoor
and Martijn van Leeuwen are the two other talents in this programme.
Of course I’m interested in single-seaters but last
year I enjoyed my time with the Rotax Max seniors so much
that I want to use the forthcoming season to maximise my
preparation before I will make my debut in car racing. Taking
on the best karters in one of the strongest competitions in
the world will be a huge source of education and enjoyment.
It was fantastic being able to finish second in both the Rotax
Max Euro Challenge and the Rotax US Open senior championships.
I was in my first year and only 14 years of age,
so it was a huge surprise that I was able to join the title
fight. I enjoyed it all immensely, especially since it’s all so
well-organised, allowing me to really focus on my driving. But
there is still lots to win and learn. I’m convinced that another
year Rotax will be the best way to prepare myself for a great
career in cars.
I have also launched a new English-language
website which I will be able to maintain entirely
by phone, and is linked to my Facebook and
YouTube pages. Please take a look at
www.rinusvankalmthout.com
Best regards,
Rinus

t what age did you start racing and how did
you get involved?
I’ve had an interest for motorsport and cars
since a very early age as a result of my father‘s
involvement in the sport. He used to compete in Rally at
a fairly high level as well as some endurance racing later in
his career and by spending a lot of time together with him
in the paddock and in the garage it sort of came naturally to
me that this was something that I’d like to do. When he then
stopped racing he bought me a go-kart and I started racing
at the age of 9, back then of course it was just to have a
good time!
What is your greatest moment in your racing career?
That is a difficult one, there are so many great memories…
In terms of results and accomplishments I must say both of
the times I finished on the podium in the RGMMC Euro Challenge
overall standings as well as the first podium I had in the
Porsche. I had barely any experience in cars at the time and
hopefully we can climb a few more steps this coming season!
Who is your racing idol and why?
To be honest I don’t really have a specific racing idol. I do not
feel the need of inspiration of that kind, as I am naturally a
very competitive person that wants to always improve and
make the most out of every situation. However, I do look up
to my father a lot, to what he has accomplished and by the
way he always supports me in everything.
Going from karts to Porsche racing must have been a big
leap, firstly how did karting prepare you for this and did you
have to change your driving style a lot?
I’ve learned most of what I know today through karting,
especially from competing on an international level against
all the top drivers and teams in Europe. You learn all the basics
of racing... everything from car control, to the different
driving styles, to the mental aspect and the attitude that is
required to be successful in the sport. So for me, by having
competed at the top level of karting, the transition wasn’t
that hard to do. Of course you have to be able to adapt
yourself and apply the knowledge a bit differently as you now
drive a 1200 kg heavy car with nearly 500 hp, but the way
you work is really all the same.
Away from the track, what do you do to prepare yourself
for racing?
I spend quite a lot of time in the gym, probably six days a
week, exercising in form of conditioning and weight training
with focus to prepare myself for the racing. It is an interest
and a “hobby” of mine as well, so it is something I do on a
very serious basis. In addition to the training, I make sure to
regularly drive the simulator/video game to prepare myself
for coming tests/races. Last but not least, I am doing a lot of
coaching in karting both in Europe and in Sweden which also
favours me as it allows me to spend a lot of time on-track as
well as ensures that I stay sharp.
What’s your next three years racing plan?
The coming season I will be competing in the Scandinavian
Porsche Carrera Cup as well as a few rounds in the German
Carrera Cup. Being still fairly new to the Porsche and Rally
cars, in general my aim is to win the Scandinavian Carrera
Cup and really get up to speed and establish myself with
the European/World Porsche-drivers as quickly as I can to
hopefully make some good results before the end of the season.
It will definitely be a hard task having factory and ex
12

F1 test-drivers as competitors but at the same time it is a
great opportunity for me to prove myself within the industry
and the sport.
Optimally, for the coming seasons, the aim is to get into the
Porsche Junior Programme which offers a lot of support and
opportunities to pursue a career as a factory driver.
PHILIP MORIN –
EURO CHALLENGE
TO PORSCHE CUP
13

WHAT DO
THE PRO`S
THINK?
WE ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF JUNIOR SPORT,
IN OUR CASE MOTORSPORT. WHAT DO YOU
BELIEVE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A TEAM
MANAGER OVER THE DEVELOPMENT AND
TRAINING OF THESE YOUNGSTERS?
Over the past years, in my point of view, the responsibilities
in being a team manager have changed.
Whilst before I have been more involved in teaching
and educating drivers directly within their driving and
technical skills, today I share that responsibility more
with their technicians and driver coaches. My job is to
ensure that the team works professionally as a team,
that qualified key people are in key roles and that decisions
are made together based on facts and in the best
interest of the drivers.
I personally have taken more responsibility to educate
the youngsters in terms of social skills; what it takes
to be professional and prepared not only for racing, but
also in today’s world. As a team manager, I believe that I
have to ensure that our youngsters or ‘young grownups’
understand how important it is to maintain communication. Only real dedication and
putting the effort in, will lead to success and happiness in the long term.
Sometimes I also take the role just being their friend who they can feel free to talk to
about their thoughts, fears or even problems they might face.
14

It‘s about learning and developing for the future!
The winning takes care of itself then!
I believe it‘s our job to mentor and guide these young
sports stars. This prepares them for the future, by
giving them the tools and knowledge to understand
and learn how to perform at the highest level – some
people confuse this with telling them what to do!
We don‘t need to spoon feed children and especially
young adults. We need to guide them and help them
choose the right ways and develop the best techniques
to perform on any given platform in any given situation.
Junior karting is NOT always about winning, as much as
we would like it to be.
My responsibility as a team manager in karting is that we establish a common
ground between driver and the real world out there.
Our drivers all have the dream to become the next talent
in car racing. With maybe the Formula 1 as an end goal.
True; nearly all Formula 1 drivers have their roots in
go-karting, and after 16 years as a team manager I get
a smile on my face, when I see a name in car racing that
I once saw as a young junior driver in karting. However,
not all of them will reach their goal. So, my responsibility
is, besides giving them a safe environment to develop
themselves, is to provide them with the best equipment
and support, to the best of our abilities. We also help
them to create an understanding that they are already
fortunate to be able to participate in these championships,
and that not reaching their goal as a professional
race driver does not mean that they have failed.
An even greater reward for me as a team manager is that former race drivers now still are at the track as coaches
and mechanics for the next generation. In our teams we should give them the opportunity to develop themselves
for the next level.
15

ADVANCEMENT IN MOTORSPORT

WELCOME TO THE
FELINE FIELDS
he Feline Fields Trust is a registered trust that
aims to shape the future of conservation by integrating
social, environmental and commercial
initiatives into a comprehensive, holistic
approach to conserving natural resources.
Natural areas are under increasing pressure from climate
change and anthropogenic activities, resulting in the loss
of habitats, resources and biodiversity. Stakeholder investment
is key to the success of conservation efforts, so Feline
Fields aims to develop cutting-edge projects incorporating
the needs of local communities, government, wildlife and
tourism ventures.
Conservation Objectives
Feline Fields recognises the importance of conserving
natural resources for future generations so that they can
enjoy access to traditional materials, pristine environments
and abundant wildlife. They also understand that conservation
relies upon a large number of stakeholders,
every one of which must be committed
to success. One of the most crucial
tasks is instilling a sense of ownership of natural
resources into the local communities,
and making sure that they see real benefits
from conservation efforts. To this end, they engage in education
initiatives in village schools, promote careers in conservation-related
sectors and filter some of the profit from
private sector enterprises back into local communities.
The Lodge
KALAHARI
Education Objectives
Ensuring that children in local communities have access to
the facilities that they require to learn about the environment
is key to Feline Fields’ long-term understanding of conservation.
Feline Fields has been pledged the deed for a piece of
land in Sexaxa village by the chief of that community so that
they can build a Wildlife Education Centre for the children.
The Lodge
The Lodge and Spa represents the commercial, private sector
component of our organisation, and is the vision of Marjan
Blom and Raphael Real del Sarte, two experienced travellers
who wanted to actualise their idea of a perfect safari lodge.
It is located in a stunning area of pristine wilderness deep in
the Kalahari landscape that is ubiquitous in the central region
of Botswana. This remote luxury lodge has been designed to
minimise its environmental impact, while embodying the indulgence
and comfort that travellers have come to expect
from safari destinations in Botswana. Part
of the income generated from lodge guests
contributes towards funding the activities of
the Feline Fields Trust. They also organise for
local youths to visit the lodge and learn about
employment opportunities in the eco-tourism
sector, which are not limited to guides and managers, but
include chefs, tent ladies and maintenance staff as well.
More information and booking at www.felinefields.com
18

19

ROTAX MAX EURO CHALLENGE
AHEAD OF PRIME SEASON
About 150 drivers from over 20 nations
4 events in Belgium, Italy, Spain and France
Improved live timing and live stream
The countdown has started: From 28th of March to 3rd of April 2016 the ROTAX
MAX Euro Challenge kicks-off its new season. For the 13th successive year Europe’s
most popular ROTAX series is promoted by Roland Geidel and his RGMMC Group
which has always been a warrantor for perfect organisation and professional processes.
Over 80 international events have been run by the RGMMC Group and 2016 are
many more to follow.
he opening round will be held on the 1.360
metres long track of Genk (Belgium) followed
by the second stop on the Italian
track „Laghi 7“ in Castelletto (Italy) from
9th to 15th of May. The high speed track of
Zuera in Spain will mark the second halftime of the
season from 18th to 24th of July, before Salbris (France)
will host the final round from 22nd to 28th of August.
A foretaste was already given by the traditional ROTAX
Winter Cup in Valencia (Spain) in February. During this
rehearsal the international ROTAX scene already showed
breath taking fights on the tarmac while RGMMC set new
benchmarks in the field of broadcasting: Apex, the new
time keeping partner was introduced, delivering even more
data to the drivers and mechanics. Equally the display of
results never was visualized better: impressive graphics
and innovative features make live timing and live stream
even more appealing to thousands of viewers all around
the world. Speaking about streaming service one has to
mention another improvement too. All new HD cameras
and a team of cameramen make for most vivid and real
pictures during the events, bringing the purest racing
action live to your mobile, tablet or PC.
Having a look at the subscriptions, the ROTAX MAX Euro
Challenge will welcome about 150 drivers for the first
round at Genk. Over 20 nations will compete in the three
categories of junior, senior, DD2 and the special classification
of DD2 Masters.
20

Date:
Distance:
Junior Gearing:
Junior Laptime:
Orientation:
28 MAR – 3 APR
1.360 metres
13/76
57.3 sec
clockwise
Start
Over 50 junior drivers will start at Genk, fighting for the
first points of the season. Adam Smalley (Coles Racing)
could play a leading role in this category. After winning
the Winter Cup, the British youngster belongs to the top
favourites. Same applies to his fellow countryman Tom
Canning (KR Sport) who finished second at Valencia. But
there are many more top drivers such as Axel Charpentier
or Mark Kimber (both Strawberry Racing) who look back
on a strong 2015 season in the Euro Challenge. Yet these
candidates only mark a fraction of the large grid, which
surely will come up with some surprising twists in the end.
A great show is expected in the senior category. Over
40 drivers are heading for the European crown this year.
But the grid not only impresses with its quantity. Drivers’
quality is extremely high too and represents the best of
international ROTAX racing. First to mention is Rinus van
Kalmthout (Daems Racing): The reigning vice champion of
the Euro Challenge is ready for the big hit this year and surely
will not be satisfied with the runner-up role again. Yet the
Dutchman will not have a walk-over. Winter Cup winner
Nicolas Schoell (Strawberry Racing) from Austria or the
Turkish top driver Berkay Beslar (Bouvin Power) will give
him a hard time. Then there is another name one should
keep an eye on: Jack McCarthy (Strawberry Racing) from
the UK. The reigning European junior champion will debut
in the senior class, challenging the established drivers and
as the past has proven, the youngsters are always good
for a surprise. The listing of favourites could go on endlessly
but finally we have to wait and see what the season
start really comes up with.
The DD2 category promises a lot of action, too. With
around 40 drivers the grid is well-stocked and consists
of designated top drivers of ROTAX gearbox karting. The
man to be beaten certainly is titleholder Ferenc Kancsar
(VPDR). The Hungarian switched the team and is now racing
for the successful squad of VPDR. The new combination
still has to prove its power but should not be underestimated
at all. Kancsar’s hardest opponent could be
Edward Brand (CRG SPA). The Brit finished fourth in the
senior category of the 2015 Euro Challenge, now stepping
up to the DD2, where he already proved his skills by winning
the Winter Cup at Valencia. Alongside there is Brand’s
teammate Luka Kamali (CRG SPA). The German not only
convinced by some strong Euro Challenge races in 2015
but even took the title in his domestic RMC championship.
The Swiss Kevin Ludi (Spirit Racing) is another quick man
to be mentioned, always convincing with top results and
consistency. Austria’s Constantin Schoell (Daems Racing),
Finland’s Ville Viiliainen (VRT), Spain’s Dalmau Caballero
Oriol or Britain‘s Barrie Pullinger (Dan Holland Racing) are
some more prominent and successful names completing
the circle of favourites.
As for the Masters classification, the former champions
Christophe Adams (GKS Lisette Power) from France and
Martin Pierce (Uniq Racing) from Ireland aim to take another
title. But they have to watch out for Slawomir Muranski
(Wyrzykowski Motorsport). The driver from Poland impressed
at the Winter Cup, when he not only won the
Masters category but finished third on the podium in
the overall grid of the DD2 class. Eventually it could be
time for a female champion: Tamsin Germain (DG Racing)
is ready for another successful Euro Challenge season
which may finally bring the total victory for the British
racing lady.
The 2016 season of the ROTAX MAX Euro Challenge
promises a highly balanced level of competition and most
thrilling race action in each category. At last, Genk will
unveil the first pacemakers and everyone is invited to
join the event live. More information regarding reports,
photos, results and live TV stream are available on
the official websites www.rotaxmaxeurochallenge.com or
www.telemundi.com.
To the media: Text and photos are of charge for editorial
use. If you need more information or further photos please
have a look at our website www.rotaxmaxeurochallenge.com
or contact us at info@rgmmc.com.
21

Name: Olli Caldwell
Birthday: 11 June 2002
Lives in: Stockbridge, England
Team: KR Sport
Aim for the season?
Top 2 in the championship and a World Finals ticket
Racing idol?
Sebastian Vettel, he’s an amazing driver and a true
gent with it
Greatest sporting highlight?
Either being a nationally seeded driver at 11 years old
or my first formula car test
What do you do when you’re not racing?
Play computer games
Favourite food?
Pizza
Do you compete in other sports?
No, but I have a personal trainer 3 hours a week
If you described your character on a race track in
3 words what would they be?
Keen, focused & fast
How would you make karting better?
Make the rules stricter regarding contact
Favourite thing about racing?
The speed and adrenaline rush
22

GET TO KNOW THE DRIVERS
Name: Thomas Drouet
Birthday: 17 November 1998
Lives in: Bétous, France
Team: RM Concept
Aim for the season?
Be the number one Rotax Senior driver in France and
top 10 in the Euro Challenge
Racing idol?
Kimi Raikkonën
Greatest sporting highlight?
Top 5 National Series Karting 2015, top 10 Winter
Cup Rotax 2016. 3 titles, 5 wins and 27 podiums
What do you do when you’re not racing?
Go to school, running, and training on rFactor
Favourite food?
Pasta with chicken
Do you compete in other sports?
No, because karting takes too much time but I run...
alone haha
If you described your character on a race track in
3 words what would they be?
First of all, I would say CONCENTRATE, blend out
the distractions. Then WORKER and demonstrating
HUMILITY. You have to always question yourself
How would you make karting better?
I think we should remove some categories to make
larger fields. This will make races really exciting like
those of the Euro Challenge
Favourite thing about racing?
The cohesion between the different members of a
team. This appears to be an individual sport, but many
people working in the shadow of a driver, are also
important
23

PREDICTIONS
ROTAX EURO
CHALLENGE ROUND 1:
THE PREDICTIONS
the Winter Cup. Add to the mix other impressive junior
graduates like Tom Gamble, Jack McCarthy and Jonathan
Hoggard and you begin to see that there are no clear
favourites. But after a first-corner knock ruined his
Winter Cup, I told Berkay Besler that – if he keeps
driving the way he has been - the wins will come.
Prediction: Berkay Besler
COMMENTATOR – CHRIS HARTLEY
COMMENTATOR – CHRIS HARTLEY
JUNIOR – Tom Canning and the KR Sport team look very
strong, but in Spain, Strawberry Racing’s Axel Charpentier
and Mark Kimber were the leading lights - right up to
the point where they entered the final chicane on the
final lap. They were both, I’m sure, hugely frustrated by
the subsequent penalties that were dished out; but if
they can put that behind them, I see no reason why this
tasty inter-team battle won’t continue.
Prediction: Axel Charpentier
SENIOR – With last year’s champion moving on, there’s
no doubt that 2015 runner-up, Rinus van Kalmthout
looks well capable of pushing for the title. But Nicolas
Schoell was super-impressive en route to victory at
DD2 – Where to start?! Reigning champion, Ferenc
Kancsar is back. Ed Brand, made an astounding start to
his first full season in DD2 at the Winter Cup. And, with
Aaron Sherlock and Martin Mortensen joining the party,
he isn’t the only fast ex-Senior. Then we’ve got regular
front-runners Luka Kamali, Constantin Schoell and
Kevin Ludi. Oh, and did I mention Barrie Pullinger? So,
it’s almost impossible to pick a winner, but I’ll go for
someone who increasingly looks the part these days:
Ville Viiliainen he has taken podium finishes in the last
two RGMMC events and I reckon he has as good a chance
as anyone.
Prediction: Ville Villanen
MASTERS – Undoubtedly, regular front-runners like
Martin Pierce, Tamsin Germain, Richard Faulkner and
Christophe Adams will be up there. And if it rains (it
is Belgium after all), watch out for Winter Cup class
winner Slowomir Muranski. But there’s a new kid in
town, so to speak, and his name is Cristobal Garcia.
He didn’t win Spain, but he looked very quick for the
majority of the weekend.
Prediction: Cristobal Garcia
18 24

KARTING MAGAZINE UK – CHRIS MCCARTHY
KARTING MAGAZINE UK – CHRIS MCCARTHY
COMMENTATOR – MATT SUCKLING
COMMENTATOR – MATT SUCKLING
JUNIOR – Joe was a new name to appear at the Winter
Cup for me but the experience was definitely there
along with the pace as he set the field alight. He had an
unfortunate result in the Pre-Final which left him 31st
on the grid for the final but he soon made up ground to
grab a top 10 finish at the end of the weekend.
Prediction: Joe Phillips
SENIOR – It was pretty much new territory for the field
at the Valencia track in the Winter Cup, Jack was one
who progressed nicely through the weekend to take
away a respectable top 5 in seniors. Now it‘s onto
Genk and a circuit that he knows very well indeed after
claiming last years’ junior title there and finished on the
overall podium.
Prediction: Jack McCarthy
DD2 – I‘m sticking with Ed for the first round of the
Rotax Max Challenge after he blew everyone away in
Spain, problems in the Pre-Final last time out didn‘t
phase him whatsoever as he claimed a superb win in
the final. It‘ll be hard to stop him but watch out for a
couple of home favourites maybe.
Prediction: Ed Brand
JUNIOR – Tom Canning had a taste of the Euro Challenge
last year, but this year comes as a definite title
contender. He’s with the hugely competitive KR Sport
and after his impressive performance at the Winter Cup
I think if luck is on his side this weekend he’ll be on the
top step.
Prediction: Tom Canning
SENIOR – I watched Rinus throughout last years BNL
Karting Series and he was listed in the Karting Magazine
‘Top 5 European Drivers 2015’ list. Pound for pound he’s
one of the best out there and if his engine problems at
the Winter Cup are behind him there’s no doubt he’ll be
in with a chance come the last lap.
Prediction: Rinus van Kalmthout
DD2 – As Karting Magazine’s best rated European driver
last year , I think my guess has to be on Ferenc Kancsar
for this one. He’s in the form of his life and I’m expecting
him to hit the ground running in 2016. Aaron Sherlock
now with Strawberry Racing will be an interesting watch.
Prediction: Ferenc Kancsar
MASTERS – Richard Faulkner is in the very capable
hands of Coles Racing and I think their proven ability
should see him win this weekend.
Prediction: Richard Faulkner
MASTERS – Experience should do him well.
Prediction: Christophe Adams
25

BOOST YOUR
LOGOS, CREATION & HOSTING OF
WEBSITES, ANNUAL BROCHURES,
NEWSLETTERS, SPONSOR KITS ETC.
Meet us at the
Rotax Max Euro Challenge 2016 in Genk
28 March – 03 April 2016
WEINBLUM + STAHL GmbH
AGENCY FOR COMMUNICATION DESIGN
Berlin | London | Zurich
Phone +49 30 2462 7777
info@weinblum-stahl.com
www.weinblum-stahl.com

ABOUT THE
ROTAX EURO
The Rotax Euro Challenge is now in its 13th successful year, organised and promoted
by the RGMMC Group. Having seen some great driver’s go through the ranks
over the years, countless names come to mind including the first to reach Formula
1 the young Dutchman Max Verstappen – who started his career on the world
famous race track Genk, which is also host to the opening round of the 2016 Rotax
Max Euro Challenge.
Guanyu Zhou well on his way to F1, came to the Rotax
Max Euro Challenge series as a junior. Now he is in the
Ferrari Driver Academy competing in the 2016 FIA
F3 series after much success in Formula 4, where he
was team mates with another Euro driver and talent
Ralf Aron.
Jack Hawksworth first sat in a kart in May 2004, and
raced with us at Braga in October 2004 and subsequently
several seasons with RGMMC. Jack went on
to become a full time professional race driver in the
USA driving Indy car and NASCAR.
Lando Norris started racing the Rotax Euro Challenge
as a junior, demonstrating amazing natural talent
from the beginning. None today in the world of karting
hasn’t heard of Lando, World and European Champion
in KF classes and now showing great promise in single
seaters and GT racing storming his way up the motorsport
ladder – definitely a name to remember.
Apart from drivers now going through the ranks of
Formula and GT racing, names like Ben Cooper and
Chris Lock became factory kart drivers in KF categories
and proved their talents were second to none
by winning some of the most prestigious titles in the
world in their first years.
Coming from outside of Europe, including South
Africa’s own Wesleigh Orr & Cristiano Morgado, both
champions which went on to race high levels of single
seaters including A1GP.
Still in the world of karting, as team managers and
driver coaches, you will meet a lot of Euro veterans
around the paddock every weekend passing on their
skills to the next generation of racing drivers.
Motorsport legend Ayrton Senna said “A very important
message, go-karting is the best school children
can have to learn how to drive. It is a safe and healthy
sport, and the speed of competition and challenges
are very pure. The young competitors will become the
future champions of Formula 1”.
27

2015 CHAMPIONS
ROTAX EURO Challenge 2015 // Class Juniors
Salbris Laghi Wackersdorf Genk Points Points
3–5 April 29–31 May 24–26 July 4–6 September with
Pos. No. Name Nat. Race Team PRE FIN PRE FIN PRE FIN PRE FIN total deduction
1 8 Jack McCarthy GBR Strawberry Racing 34 55 26 37 29 52 34 50 317 254
2 34 Fin Keeneally GBR Aim Motorsport 31 26 33 50 30 23 33 55 281 228
3 46 Scott Symons GBR KR Sport 15 40 31 46 28 26 31 43 260 219
ROTAX EURO Challenge 2015 // Class Seniors
Salbris Laghi Wackersdorf Genk Points Points
3–5 April 29–31 May 24–26 July 4–6 September with
Pos. No. Name Nat. Race Team PRE FIN PRE FIN PRE FIN PRE FIN total deduction
1 206 Pierce Lehane AUS Strawberry Racing 34 55 20 46 34 55 34 22 300 258
2 219 Rinus van Kalmthout NLD DAEMS Racing 6 35 34 52 33 48 33 49 290 249
3 263 John Steward GBR Strawberry Racing 33 52 8 23 30 50 31 46 273 242
ROTAX EURO Challenge 2015 // Class DD2
Salbris Laghi Wackersdorf Genk Points Points
3–5 April 29–31 May 24–26 July 4–6 September with
Pos. No. Name Nat. Race Team PRE FIN PRE FIN PRE FIN PRE FIN total deduction
1 613 Ferenc Kancsar HUN BirelART/KMS 34 52 33 52 30 45 34 52 332 257
2 628 Paolo DeConto ITA CRG S.P.A. 22 44 34 55 33 55 7 48 298 247
3 648 Roope Markkanen FIN VRT 30 21 29 47 31 42 32 55 287
21
237
28

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INFORMATION
ON TRACK INTRANET LIVE TIMING
(NO 3G OR 4G REQUIRED)
1. Step
Connect to live timing
WIFI network.
2. Step
Apple devices may require you to
deactivate auto-login.
3. Step
Deactivate auto-login on Apple
devices.
4. Step
Open Safari or web
browser and type in
www.rgmmc.com,
it will automatically
redirect you to the live
timing app.
For internet live timing
Open the event website and click on the live
timing link. OR In your web browser fill in the URL:
http://www.apex-timing.com/live-timing/rgmmc/index.html
Watch live TV at www.telemundi.com
30

BORN FROM THE WIND
TO DOMINATE THE ASPHALT.
The OTK M6 bodywork: as fast as the wind
that gave them form and as precise as
the calculations that carved their profi le.
A decisive detail of the Racer 401. Winning, as usual.
M4
M6
-0.40 -0.20 0.00
0.20
0.40
CFD analysis results
-0.5 0.5
TONY KART by OTK KART GROUP

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RGMMC Limited
An der Halde 3, 9495 Triesen
Liechtenstein