RMCET makes a return to Val d’Argenton for the spring edition

The international event has an entry list just short of 120 drivers for the second round this weekend, May 26-28, with a program comprising four Rotax categories to close out the mid-season: Junior MAX, Senior MAX plus the two-speed gearbox DD2 and DD2 Masters. 

In the Junior MAX field, Mateja Radenkovic is another winner from round 1 who appears to be showing his strength this season. The Belgian won the stage in his national RMC last weekend at home in Mariembourg, going head-to-head with Dutch rival Kasper Schormans, to rank at the top of the standings. Both youngsters are likely to continue their battle throughout this series as well. But again, there are still definitely more prospects to mention with a very good chance in this category.

Leading the way since his double Finals finish in April at the opening round at Karting Genk ‘Home of Champions’, defending RMCET Senior MAX champion Sean Butcher is aiming for a second title in 2023. Fresh off another victory at the first British Karting Championship weekend earlier this month, Butcher is in fine form to make it a reality, not forgetting he took third place at Val d’Argenton last time around. However, the Senior grid is packed to the brim with some of the best in this class.

The DD2 provides a unique mix of both young and seasoned champions at the RMCET, with an incredible depth of growing talent, experience and speed adding to the cocktail for some great action on track. The first edition of the series was superb, won at the line by the RMCC Grand Finals title-holder from Bahrain Martijn van Leeuwen. The battle out of the final corner in the deciding race at Genk saw fellow podium-finisher David Aulejtner, and Team Netherlands Junior Enzo Bol, taking on Van Leeuwen as he sealed his second race victory in the series opener. With a long list of top-ranked drivers and Rotax champions lining up in the direct drive class, it’s going to be a real thriller!

When it comes to the DD2 Masters, this compact group of long-time competitors is never so easy to pick. Last year’s RMCET champion Denis Thum heads the points table coming into the French event. He failed to get the results he wanted in the last Final race at the Limburg round in Belgium, where Michael Becker stole the top step of the podium. Trailing them in P3 the overall standings, never to be discounted, is the highly-competitive Lithuanian Martynas Tankevicius. All eyes are on France.

Last year, the newly-resurfaced 1,280-metre circuit provided some exciting racing in the springtime, offering a brand new challenging venue on the RMCET calendar for competitors. Situated in the north of the large Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, stretching from the west to the southwest of France, Val d’Argenton welcomed the RMC Euro Trophy back on French soil once more. The owner since July 2020, Arnaud Sarrazin, is a former European and five-time French karting champion, who has joined the Rotax family of racing and also has his own professional team. He’s now working to reignite the spirit of the prestigious history of high level competitions this special track boasts over 30 seasons.

Friday’s five minute Qualifying sessions will decide the start grid in the 15 Heat races Saturday. The points from the Rankings after the Heats count towards the championship this year, so the positions are not the only thing to gain from tomorrow’s racing. Sunday will sort out the remaining places in the Junior- and Senior MAX groups with the Second Chance Races, leaving the best-ranked 36 competitors to contest the Pre-Final and Final. It’s shaping up to be a brilliant weekend of racing.

Tune in online for livestream and live timing via the links on the Rotax Global app (available on the App Store or Google Play Store) and on the RMC Euro Trophy website - www.rotaxmaxchallenge-eurotrophy.com. Subscribe to @RotaxMAXChallengeEuroTrophy on YouTube to wacth all the track action live beginning from 10:00 both days. Stay updated on the social media channels for any news.

SATURDAY
10:10 – 16:35   Heat Racing
SUNDAY
10:20 – 10:55   Second Chance Heats
11:30 – 12:40   Pre-Finals
14:00 – 15:10   Finals
15:45                 Prize-giving Ceremony 


RESULTS 

LIVESTREAM 

LIVE TIMING 

Text Jen Wade  Photos Nina Megger