21/08/2023
Race weekend in Katrineholm. A good result, but we wanted more of course!
Valla Raceway is a short, narrow and twisty track with cruel curbs, and overtaking is very difficult.
After only 2x7 min test runs we were setup for time qualifiying.
New tires and some adjustments on the kart - off we go.
Speed is all OK and we ends up at 6th place in qualifying.
In the first Heat I started 4th, on the outside, it´s always tricky.
Managed to do a good start and survived the first corner.
Ended 4th at the checkered flag.
After a DQ on a competitor in front of me I ended 3rd.
In the second Heat I started once again on the 4th position.
A tough and fun race, ended 4th.
Time for the Pre-Final.
Starts in 4th position... again :)
Manage to survive the first corner again and out at 4th place.
We have now picked up some more speed after the previous heats.
A battle for third is on-going all the 18 laps, a lot of over-takings and switch backs.
Ends as 3rd at the checkered flag.
Unfortunately I had a FF and +5 sec penalty. (Due to cruel curbs...)
In this tight heat it results I drop back to 9th position..!
Now, the Final race.
Starts from 9th position and our podium chances was heavily reduced.
In the first corner there was some incidents but I managed to get thru without any hassle. Out as 4th - Wow!
A really good start lines up for a real battle for the podium!
A furious race, again with overtakes and switch backs and some though but fair driving.
Up in 3rd, down to 4th, back to 3rd, back to 4th, and almost back to 5th...
A really fun and exciting Final race ended in 4th place.
Now back in the paddock - once again FF and +5 sec...
Moved back to 6th place.
Short summary:
Qualifying: P6 of 25 drivers
Heat 1: P4 -> P3
Heat 2: P4 -> P4
Pre-final: P4 -> P3 💪 but FF +5 sec penalty = P9
Final: P9 -> P4 but FF +5 sec penalty = P6
Overall, a good race-day, with good speed and challenges on the track.
We are now looking forward to the race track in Linköping at the beginning of September. See you there!
NERD jb-Light Production Handelsbolag LN Racing Kart