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| April 26, 2012 |
| Driver News: Olivier Bellanger - Florida Karting Championship Series Andersen Report |
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 | | Olivier Bellanger |
Karting competitors from all over the Southeast headed to Andersen RacePark in Palmetto Florida this past weekend, for the fourth round of the Florida Karting Championship Series. 12 year old K1 RaceGear driver and Ocala Gran Prix teammate Olivier Bellanger was among 200 plus racers to brave a stormy weekend and take part in close contact racing under very challenging track conditions.
With a packed field of Rotax Mini Max contenders, Olivier Bellanger was able to position his OGP powered Tony Kart to third position in the qualifying session at the highly technical Andersen track. “I knew I could do well here in Palmetto at this tight and technical race track. I was pleased with my qualifying position being on the inside line of turn one, and I was determined to fight hard to get upfront”, expressed Olivier.
With eighteen racers taking position on the track and the top six drivers separated by less than two tenth of a second, the pre-final race gave spectators plenty to cheer for. Bellanger, Cole and Benyahia quickly pulled away from the pack, the trio demonstrated great driving skills with bumper to bumper action. In the end, Cole crossed the line first with Bellanger second and Benyahia third but a starting infraction penalty moved Cole to second and gave the win to Bellanger.
A severe thunderstorm was quickly approaching the area and the final started under dark skies and strong winds. Starting P1, Olivier led the field of kart racers to a clean start, keeping his position on track. But by the end of lap 2 it started to rain so much that officials threw the red flag and stopped the race as all karts were mounted with dry slick tires. Competitors were given ten minutes to change to rain tires. Thanks to the dedicated team of tuners under the Ocala Gran Prix Team tent acting as an impressive choreographed ballet, all four Mini Max drivers (including Bellanger) under tent saw their Tony Karts prepped to rain set-up in no time.
A full re-start was given and the final continued under the exciting cheers of spectators braving the elements themselves. Bellanger kept the lead with Michael Benyahia in tow and the two hard chargers pulled away from the pack quickly.
By lap 3 the rain had slowed down and Benyahia’s kart was all over Olivier’s rear bumper, making several attempts to pass in turn 3 and 4. Bellanger was able to stay in front only to mid race when on lap 8 Michael challenged Olivier in turn 11 for the lead. By that time the rain had stopped and Benyahia had about a four kart length advantage. But as quickly the rain disappeared as quickly it appeared again when a deluge of water fell from the sky with 2 laps to go. Bellanger’s kart regained momentum and with a half lap left in the race Olivier was now on Michael’s bumper.
Lacking visibility but without hesitation, Olivier made a daring pass in turn 8 to regain the lead with three corners left in the race. It was a drag race to the checkered flag but the number 510 Tony Kart of Bellanger crossed the line first, Benyahia second by less than three feet.
“I can’t believe it!” was screaming the soaking wet Bellanger. “This was an unbelievable race, I knew Michael’s kart was faster than mine with less water on the track and I was praying for more rain! When it started to pour down with 2 laps to go, I kept pushing hard knowing I still could make up the difference. When I caught up to him, I had to take my chances on the following turns. I set him up exiting turn 7 and dove inside turn 8, and then it was a matter of protecting the line in the next three turns to claim the win.”
“This is an important victory and I am so happy, I never gave up and it paid off. I really want to thank my sponsor K1 RaceGear, as well as Nate Grindel, Chris Wheeler, Alex Speed, Gary Carlton and the incredible OGP team of tuners for always stepping-up and helping my dad and me improving our game.” Olivier added “I also want to thank Michael Benyahia for racing hard and clean, and also Christian Cole, Mathias Ramirez and all Mini Max competitors for always putting on a hard fight.”
Bellanger also competed in the Vortex Tag Cadet class where he posted another good result. Qualifying fourth, Olivier took the lead in the pre-final race within the first lap. He led the race until mid-point when he was pushed off the race track by the following kart in turn one. Keeping his kart alive driving through the wet grass, Olivier got back on track but had lost seven positions, nevertheless the young racer at heart kept pushing and came back to P5 by the checkered flag. The final race was unfortunately canceled due to severe thunderstorms and a very flooded race track.
With four races completed since the start of the 2012 Florida Karting Championship Series, Bellanger accumulated great results with 2 race wins and a second place in Rotax Mini Max, and 1 race win, 1 second place and 2 top ten in Vortex Tag Cadet. “I can’t wait to race at the Orlando Kart Center next month, I will be fighting for podium finishes” concluded the youngster.
For more race info, sponsorship or endorsement opportunities, please contact Olivier at olivier.bellanger@live.com |
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