Sebastien Bourdais in testing.
Undoubtedly the first impression of the electric Sodikart used in the ERDF Bercy Kart Masters: quite a kick in the butt. Unlike a combustion engine the thrust is maximum from the start, and was regulated in the machines assigned to journalists who boldly stepped up on Friday morning after a kind invitation from the organizers of the event.
The performance in the mechanical test had previously been reduced to reasonable values ??to avoid crashes into the Tecpro from the media. Anthony Abbasse also told us that “… The karts reach their maximum speed on the timing line”, unlike the test versions that reach their maximum speed earlier, with a more than 50 m difference. The potential was a long way from being reached.
An anonymous journalist.
However, this configuration is very exciting for the driver. The lightweight turbine noise is enough to hear them, while the mind can concentrate on driving in peace. The machine is quick and sharp: between the acceleration at low speed and the braking performance characteristic of the Sodi, so there is plenty to learn. As we have already seen, the Dunlop KF3 DEH tyres are particularly at ease on the asphalt at Bercy. The performance of the STX is at the level of a racing kart, but it is as easy to drive as a leisure kart.
All of the elements deserve to continue to be used after Bercy: it is perhaps the kart for the future, the perfect missing link capable of attracting a crowd of fans to competition karting.
The budget question is not relevant at this stage of the project development, but Sodikart will have embarked on the adventure with a set realistic of medium-term objectives, including the technological challenge and image of the company from Nantes. As Kartcom writes, we are ready to bet a case of good organic Muscadet …
Info Kartcom with Kartlink / © Photos KSP Chris Walker