The first round of the WSK Champions Cup in 2015 provided an opportunity to assess the validity of the new bumper fixings homologated by the CIK from 1st January to limit aggressive and unsporting driving. Even more so than in the two test rounds at the Academy Trophy in 2014, the attitude changed last weekend on the La Conca circuit.
60 Mini, KF-Junior and KF saw serene starts without major clashes at at the first corner or the first hairpin as was often the case before. To emphasise: there were no regrettable incidents due to a stampede during the 23 starts at the meeting, which is remarkable!
The races also didn’t see the usual pushes unfairly ruining the races of unlucky competitors. The change was startling. Although the first few heats saw many bumpers in the down position, the drivers weren’t slow to react and at the end of the first day, their behaviour had accommodated the concept. The penalty is 30s penalty after the finish in the case of a down bumper, or voluntary pit stop costing between 15s and 20s at La Conca. A very positive result which should hopefully continue at all competitions this year.
However, the new system is not perfect, it would not be fair to say that it is. It requires impeccable oversight by the commissioners and relentless sporting management. Competitors may cheat the system at several levels: surreptitious alterations of the system itself or tricks to avoid getting caught. Devious actions on track could naturally trigger a rival’s system.
However, the overall balance is positive and the gains in the general running of an events are indisputable.
Info Kartcom with Kartlink / © Photo KSP