The opportunity to experience racing against the best proved a massively positive experience for three New Zealand karters in Europe.

Nathan Crang and Dave Malcolm competed in the KZ2 and KZ2 Masters respectively, while Lochy McGregor took part in the third and final round of the FIA Academy Trophy at the CIK-FIA KZ World Championship at the famed Le Mans circuit in France.

Overall, there were 320 drivers from 56 nations taking part, and while none of the three kiwis managed their way into finals, they all gained significantly from the experience.

While the big fields and experienced racers were a challenge for the kiwis, the inclement weather proved just as challenging.

Lochy was grided up for his first heat as the skies opened – as it had done previously for qualifying. Racing was delayed as they changed tyres but he was knocked off the track and finished 20^th with a bent axle.

He made ground in the second heat group from 16^th before colliding with a kart spinning in front of him to bend another axle and ultimately finish 19^th.

It meant Lochy missed out on the finals but it has proven a “wonderful opportunity learn and try something different and bring new skills back to New Zealand Racing,” he said.

“And I have made a list of new friends and opportunities to race in other countries in the future.”

Lochy and his family returned to the track to support his Academy friends and the two compatriots in the KZ Championships.

It was a busy racing schedule for Nathan with a warm-up ahead of five heat races, battling changing weather throughout the day.

He showed excellent speed but had two DNFs when he was unavoidably involved in crashes – which resulted in his missing out on the Super Heat by two spots.

“Nathan’s speed was great. In the first race, which was wet, he was second fastest on track,” said coach Daniel Bray. “He was fastest on track during the race till he got in the battle pack so he showed plenty of speed but could not avoid the crashes in the big and competitive fields.”

Bray said Dave had an indifferent qualifying on the wet track and he didn’t get the best out of his wet lap in just a six-minute qualifying.

He improved with a strong performance in the final heat, making some excellent passes (and getting into the racing groove.”

Bray said both drivers were amazed at the speeds on the super-fast track with a 150km top speed and only down to third gear in the hairpins.

“Overall, it was a fantastic experience and learning opportunity for them both.”

Article added: Thursday 08 September 2022