Tenth consecutive Rotax Grand Finals for Adams

Adams, who turned 50 in July, is one of the veterans of the Grand Finals, and despite not being the driver who can boast the oldest participation – Canadian Scott Campbell, who also qualified for the 10^th non-consecutive time, holds this record as his first participation dates back to 2005 – he is certainly one of the best trained Masters around. In fact, Adams also competes in the Rotax Euro Challenge, where DD2 Masters drivers race neck at neck with the younger lot of the DD2 class.
 
We touched base with the fast Belgian.
 
How does it feel to have qualified for the Rotax Grand Finals for the 10^th consecutive time?
I am very proud about it because I started to race in the Rotax series back in 2006 and I never missed a qualification. This means that I’ve won a championship every year, and it’s quite an achievement!
 
Can you share the memory of your first ever Grand Finals?
My first Rotax Grand Finals was in Viana de Castelo, in Portugal. The Masters category didn't exist back then, so I raced together with the DD2 drivers. I was fast in the heavy rain but I had a flat tire in the final and was forced to retire.
 
What's the best memory you have of the 10 Rotax Grand Finals you took part in?
For sure, my best memories are my 2 victories. In 2007 I won the Rotax Grand Finals in Al Ain (UAE) in DD2 Masters, while in 2009 I won in Sharm el Sheik (Egypt) in Max Masters class.
 
What's the edition of the Rotax Grand Finals you are most disappointed about in terms of results or performance?
I’m not sure if it’s because the memory is still fresh in my mind, but I’d have to say last year in Valencia. I finished 4th in the final after a fantastic race, but I was disqualified because I mounted a smaller washer on the seat strut. Rules are rules, but it’s one of those decisions that still stings.
 
The Rotax Grand Finals gathers the best Rotax drivers from all around the world. How did you prepare for the race?
Unfortunately I have had no time to test, my work schedule is quite demanding. Working in construction doesn't allow me to make particular preparations for the race, but at least it helps me to keep fit, and at 50th years old it’s ever so important.
 
What was the most difficult race of your Rotax season and why?
This season I raced 12 races in total. All of them have been tough, but especially those at the Euro Challenge. Firstly because I was the oldest driver in the DD2 Masters category, and secondly because we race all together with the younger drivers of DD2!
 
What makes the Rotax series stand out in the Karting scene?
To me, the engine is simple to use, the level of the competition is very high and to compete in the DD2 Masters category is very exciting!
 
 
PROFILE
POB Brussels (Belgium)      DOB 27/07/1965 (50 years old)
 
Champion DD2 Masters – 2007 Rotax Grand Finals Al Ain (UAE)
Champion Max Masters – 2009 Rotax Grand Finals Sharm el Sheik (Egypt)
Champion DD2 Masters - 2009, 2011, 2012 Rotax Euro Challenge
Champion DD2 Masters / Max Masters - 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015 France Rotax Series
Champion DD2 Masters – 2013, 2014 BNL Series
Champion DD2 Masters - 2015 Florida Winter Tour