Seven kiwi karters face a busy week in northern Italy to contest the annual Rok Cup Superfinal.

The Rok Cup Superfinal is an annual global event staged by Italian-based engine manufacturer Vortex, who operate across 30 countries on five continents. It was established in 2003 in Lonato, halfway between Venice and Milan, on the shores of Lake Garda.

The Rok Cup has grown to be represented on all continents with more than 400 karters qualifying to compete across seven Rok classes.

The drivers got the chance to test themselves and their machinery with the Rok Cup Trophy last weekend on the same track which was invaluable.

The New Zealand team comprises Zach Tucker (Christchurch) and Marco Manson (Auckland) in Mini Rok; Dylan Jessop (Christchurch) in Junior Rok; Clay Osborne (Morrinsville) in Senior Rok; with James van den Berk (Hawkes Bay), and Sebastien Manson (Auckland) and William McDonald (Christchurch) in Super Rok.

They come under the watchful eye of KartSport NZ Academy Director, Tiffany Chittenden, who said it is a flurry of action with one class coming on to the circuit as the other leaves. However, with significant gaps between sessions, it makes for a challenging time for drivers to remain alert.

This week has been super-busy with tyre distribution and free practice on Wednesday (local time), qualifying practice with transponders to check on progress and technical and engine checks on Thursday, with official qualifying on Friday and racing on Saturday.

The New Zealand team is supported by Academy Sponsor SP Tools NZ, plus KartSport NZ Travel Sponsor Sixt, with additional support by Giltrap Group, Racer Products, Supreme Kart Supplies and Lascom Motorsport.

Event information: https://www.vortex-rok.com/sf-home_en.php

Livestream: Rok Cup Global | Facebook

Article added: Thursday 20 October 2022