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| October 23, 2012 News |
| Team USA Has Successful Test Weekend at Ocala Gran Prix |
| Article by: Ken Johnson - GoRotax.com |
On October 19-21, 14 of the top karting drivers from all four corners of the continental U.S. gathered together at Ocala Gran Prix in Ocala, Florida to test and prepare for this year's Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals. The drivers were all qualified members of the 2012 Team USA squad that is set to represent the United States this November in Portugal.
The purpose of the test was two fold. First, the weekend was to allow the drivers and tuners to work with the same type of equipment they would be using at the Grand Finals in Portugal. For many, this would mean working with kart chassis they have never driven before. This was a benefit to all teams, most especially the DD2 drivers since the nominated DD2 chassis is the Mach 1, a brand that currently has no representation in America.
The second goal, and perhaps the most significant, was for the drivers to come together as a team. This, by many accounts, was accomplished extremely well. The Junior MAX drivers in particular really enjoyed their time together on track and off. In addition there was more camaraderie between classes this year than last. With several of the drivers having Grand Finals experience, it was common for them to be sharing their experiences with the “rookies” so they would know what to expect.
Friday started out cool but clear as the team members arrived at 7:30 in the morning for a catered breakfast. It was to be the first of many fantastic meals by the OGP staff caterers. During the meal, MAXSpeed President Richard Boisclair addressed the team to deliver the keynote address about Team USA and what was expected from the weekend. Richard laid out the plan for the weekend as well as what was expected in terms of conduct.
When asked to comment on the weekend, Richard said, “One cannot overstate the importance of this weekend to Team USA. With Jorge Arellano’s help we’ve been able to to do something very unique that other countries can’t, or will not do.” On the chances of the team he was very bullish, “I love this team. We have a lot of fast, experienced drivers here and I feel our chances for a win are very high.” Richard, it should be noted, had put his money where his mouth is. Should that initial Team USA win come this year at the Algarve Circuit in Portimão, Portugal, MAXSpeed will pay the winning driver $10,000.
After Richard spoke, Ocala Gran Prix owner Jorge Arellano had his turn setting the tone for the weekend. Jorge, by any account, has the most to do with making this weekend happen and graciously lent his resources, his facility and his staff to furthering the preparation of Team USA. Jorge is one who believes if you are going to do anything, do it right. And this weekend was certainly done right. Not only was everything possible provided for the drivers and mechanics in the way of new chassis, tires, paddock structure, food and accommodations, but, to make the most of the experience, factory representatives were brought in from Birel, Haase, Mach 1, and Sodi.
The fact that everyone involved had positive things to say about the weekend, perhaps it was the chassis manufacturer’s representatives that had the best perspective of the significance of this event. Sodi’s Marketing Manager, Thierry Germanovitch, was on-hand for his second Team USA test and had this to say, “What Team USA is doing here is unprecedented. There are other countries that call and ask some questions, some will ask for a kart to use. But, nobody does anything on this high a level.” When asked about the drivers, Thierry was very complimentary, “Team USA has some very impressive drivers. I have seen a couple in particular that I can envision winning in Portugal.”
The German Mach 1 brand had two representatives to look after their DD2 chassis, company owner Martin Hetschel and Mach 1 factory driver John Norris of Ireland. Martin was really impressed with what he witnessed at OGP. “What a fantastic opportunity the American drivers have.” he said. Martin went on to say, “I like what I see here, and I like what I see in the Rotax series. Becoming an official chassis supplier is a major step for Mach 1 and we see it spreading our brand awareness into new markets.”
Jussi Kohtala first became familiar with Team USA last year in Al Ain when some of the DD2 Masters drivers needed setup help with their chassis. This year, when the Haase factory asked the Finnish Haase satellite team owner if he’d be willing to travel to Florida to help he jumped at the opportunity. “I’ve never been to America before so this is very special,” said Jussi. “After getting to know some of the US guys in Al Ain I really wanted to help however I could this year. And, I must say, although I am Finnish and that team will be my priority, I have been treated so well here that in my heart, I feel very much part of Team USA.” Likewise, there was a lot of respect from the Masters drivers towards Jussi. They felt by the end of the test they really knew the Haase chassis and what needed to be done to make it work the way they wanted.
For the second straight year, the Junior MAX drivers will be competing on Birel chassis. Representing the legendary Italian chassis was MRP’s setup wizard Chris Lobaugh. “There’s no doubt, Jorge puts on an event that is over-the-top,” Chris said. “Every need has been taken care of and we’re treated like family. As a result of that, we feel like we’re family and that’s crucial going to the Grand Finals,” he added. In addition to the test, Chris will be joining the team in Portugal as lead tuner for Senior MAX competitor Louie Pagano. The two work very well together and make a potent combination.
Before any of the karts could turn a wheel on the OGP track, they had to be prepared for the drivers. To simulate a Grand Final event, each driver had to draw for the chassis they would use through the weekend. Then, just as it will be in Portugal, the teams were off to the paddock tent to install their seats, mount tires and make their baseline setups.
The drivers in attendance were:
Junior MAX
- Oliver Askew
- Santino Ferrucci
- Juan Manuel Correa
- Ashley Rogero
Senior MAX
- Danny Formal
- Sam Beasley
- Louie Pagano
DD2
- Fritz Leesmann
- Cody Hodgson
- Kristina Vorndran
DD2 Masters
- Alan Rudolph (team captain)
- Rene Martinelli
- Bill Lester
- Johnny Blair
Once action was underway on the track, the event started to feel just like a normal race weekend in many ways. There was the regular chatter and the usual clinking and clicking sound of tools permeating the paddock tent set up for the occasion. What was unusual though was the station set up for drivers to compare their MyChron data and lap times with each other. This aspect was invaluable to every driver and a large part of the reason that, by Saturday afternoon, all the drivers in each class were very close to each other in lap times.
At Friday’s midday break for lunch, Richard Boisclair unveiled the new Team USA driver’s suits and gloves provided by K1 Race Gear. For this year’s Grand Finals, K1 will be providing each driver with two suits, one for practice, and one for racing. The practice suit is the traditional USA racing color of navy blue with white stripes, while the race suit is predominantly white with navy stripes on the sides. Richard was quick to point out that the final versions of the suits will have a few subtle tweeks to them, but even in their current state of evolution they were a big hit. The K1-Team USA gloves were also very well received as everyone wanted to get their hands in them.
After successful runs on Friday, the karts were cleaned and prepped for a full day on Saturday when Parc ferme would be instated. Just as at the Grand Finals, the competitors would now have to leave their fuel tanks and tires in a designated area next to the track and not be allowed to carry them back to the pits. In his quest to have the teams fully prepared and fully aware, and perhaps just to have a little fun, Jorge Arellano set about mixing up a few of the sets of tires.
Sure enough, a couple of the drivers got caught out by the situation. By the time it was pointed out to them that they had a wrong tire, there wasn’t enough time to change the tires and make the closing of the grid for practice. It’s a tough lesson to learn but at least it was learned here. Suffice it to say, after seeing the consequences of not fully checking their parc ferme items, and of a couple people missing their practice because they were a little late, NOBODY, made those mistakes again.
After a full day of track activity Saturday night featured a fantastic steak dinner with monster cuts of steak and all trimmings. As everyone was going through the buffet line a special steak was brought out just for Jorge that got everyone’s attention. Simply put, it was huge. It wasn’t long before side bets were being taken on whether he could eat the whole thing. In the end, the steak won out but Jorge did a lot of damage to it. After dinner the schedule for Sunday was set and everyone headed back to the hotel.
Sunday consisted of full race runs for all teams. The Juniors and Seniors raced together, and the DD2 and DD2 Masters squared off. Even though there were only a handful of karts on the track, the action was outstanding! The Seniors went lap after lap out-braking and drafting by each other in a tight group. Likewise, the Juniors were doing the same thing, often going three-wide through some of the sweeping corners at OGP.
In the DD2 classes, the Masters showed that they’re not that far off the DD2s as they battled each other. After two mock races in this format, all 14 karts were put on track for a Feature Shootout. We must admit, watching those karts come down the front stretch was an unusual moment. More than the start of a normal race, there was a sense of pride and accomplishment that these drivers, who came to Ocala as individuals, had formed a bond amongst themselves.
The Feature did not disappoint. Everywhere there were battles for position as the DD2s, which had to start at the back, came through to the lead. After the Feature the drivers were free to practice for the rest of the day if they wanted. Some took the opportunity to do so and others had to catch flights home. As can be expected, with so many laps being run and after being put in pressure situations not normally found in a test weekend, the drivers were exhausted when it was all over.
But, as DD2 Masters competitor Rene Martinelli aptly stated, “I feel tired, but it’s a good tired. I learned so much this weekend I feel better prepared than ever.” And, considering this will be his third trip to the Grand Finals, that’s saying a lot.
In the end everyone learned a lot. But, more importantly drivers and tuners bonded and learned they can work with and trust each other. As people were heading out Sunday afternoon farewells were exchanged saying “See you in Portugal.” Alas, we will be heading to Portugal with the strongest team USA ever assembled. Will Team USA stand on top of the podium? That remains to be seen, but we’re better prepared more focused than ever.
Stay up-to-date on the news regarding Team USA through MAXSpeeds website at http://www.GoRotax.com and be sure to “like” them on Facebook at facebook.com/GoRotax . eKartingNews.com will have complete coverage of Team USA during the Rotax Grand Finals on November 25-December 1 in Portimao, Portugal.
 | Alan Rudolph was named 2012 Team USA Team Captain
(Photo: Ken Johnson - studio52.us) |
 | Oliver Askew and Santino Ferrucci discuss strategy and chassis setup
(Photo: Ken Johnson - studio52.us) |
 | Parc ferme rules were enforced
(Photo: Ken Johnson - studio52.us) |
 | Danny Formal consults with the Sodi factory technician
(Photo: Ken Johnson - studio52.us) |
 | The Junior MAX drivers worked especially well together
(Photo: Ken Johnson - studio52.us) |
 | Johnny Blair has a special new helmet pain job just for the Grand Finals
(Photo: Ken Johnson - studio52.us) |
 | Danny Formal shows off the team USA practice suit
(Photo: Ken Johnson - studio52.us) |
 | Cody Hodgson models the new Team USA race suit
(Photo: Ken Johnson - studio52.us) |
 | Sunday saw all four classes run together for a mock feature
(Photo: Ken Johnson - studio52.us) |
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