Victory for Haase driver Antti Ollikainen at the Prince Carl Philip’s Racing Trophy in Sweden

Then the best achievement was fourth place in the FIA World Cup in Suzuka, Japan. Antti started competing again at the beginning of 2010. He has participated nine times at the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals and also qualified when won his ticket in 2020. Three times he has been vice champion and finished third on one occasion. This year will be the tenth time that Antti has participated at the prestigious Rotax Grand Finals, which will take place in Portimao, Portugal. 

The accomplished driver from Finland recently accepted an invitation to compete at the Prince Carl Philip’s Racing Trophy combined with the national RMC round the last weekend in August, taking time out of his busy schedule to travel to Sweden. Not only did he thoroughly enjoy the racing in the Haase kart and the company at the GTR Motorpark, but Antti topped it off by taking a superb victory in the Rotax DD2 Masters category.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
How did you come to be driving at the Prince Carl Philip Racing Trophy & RMC in Sweden? 
“In May, I received a pleasant phone call from my friend Fredrik Fransson, who is the importer of Haase chassis in Sweden. He asked if I had the opportunity, would I like to participate in the Rotax competition in Sweden, in which Prince Carl Philip also participates. Fortunately, my schedule allowed me to participate and I said with a smile to Fredrik, ‘yes I will race there’.”

So, tell us what it was like being at this nice karting event in Eskilstuna? 
“The weekend was absolutely brilliant. The organizers of the competition did an excellent job in every aspect, from registration to awarding. The atmosphere was also great. I had many great conversations with my competitors. The weather in Sweden was very good on Thursday and Friday. The sun was shining and it was about 25 degrees. On Saturday evening, heavy rain and thunder started. Sunday's race was also almost cancelled due to the amount of water on the track. In this case too, the organizers of the event did a wonderful job and the competition was able to be carried through to the end, even in the rain.” 



How was the competition? 
“I competed in the DD2 Masters class. The race format included a qualification practice and six finals, three of which drive on Saturday and three on Sunday. The competition was tight and the level was high. This time I won! Fredrik Björk finished second and Max Rundberg third. It was also nice to watch the Rotax electric kart races. I have been able to watch them for a few years now at the Rotax Grand Finals. The concept looks good and the feedback from the drivers is very positive.” 

And you got to meet Sweden’s famous racing Prince too?
“This was my first time meeting a member of the royal family. Prince Carl Philip made a big impression on me. How warmly he treated all people and also had time to have a conversation. He’s a wonderful person. Considering his karting history, I think he drove very well too. Big thanks to Fredrik Fransson for the wonderful opportunity. Hopefully again next year!”

by Jen Wade, Photos Micke Fransson