In Karting and Cars, a Le Mans victory is the fruit of hard work. At 68, the Frenchman Claude Jamin is a significant character in the world of Endurance Karting. He holds an incredible record with RTKF, preparing passionately with extreme care for every competition with his team. This meticulous work is mobilises his energy throughout the year to refine logistics, equipment and strategy in every detail.
This year, the # 1 crew of Sarthe RTKF 1, a Sodi – Parilla – LeCont, piloted by Charles Fiault (FRA) Becq Gautier (FRA), Kevin Petit (FRA) and Anthoine Hubert (FRA) won the 31st edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Karting and the CIK-FIA Endurance Championship. The success of the team has also been completed with the 2nd place of the crew of No. 72 Sarthe RTKF 2.
Jamin, can you look back on your experience of Endurance Karting?
– It is a passion that brings together a large number of people throughout the season. Sarthe RTKF has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans Karting eight times continuously since 2009 with Sodi chassis and Parilla engines. We have also competed in the French Endurance Championship for many years which has allowed us to gain extensive experience in the discipline.
What are the strengths of RTKF?
– Don’t expect me to reveal our secrets! More seriously, the careful preparation of the equipment is paramount. Every detail counts in order to lose the least time possible. It is of course a question of the overall reliability of karts, but also the speed of pit stops for refuelling or for a simple adjustment. Everything must be optimised and this is where experience plays a big role. Our partner Sodi chassis is actively supporting us and for IAME engine, we trust the Boulineau brothers who are the serious benchmark. Never forget that consistency is always more important than pure performance in endurance.
What were the features of the 2016 edition of the 24H Karting?
– There was a double challenge this year. On the one hand we used the new OK engines and secondly, an official CIK-FIA title rewarded the winner. The OK engines proved very good in their first year of existence. This did not cause us any major problems through our knowledge of KF, even though we worked hard to make the transition. There was the removal of the front brakes and lowering the weight, but nothing major. We were more disrupted by changes in regulations during the summer with the air boxes and front fairing fasteners. It didn’t leave us much time to react.
An eighth victory, along with a 2nd and a CIK-FIA title, are you content?
– Absolutely! I think we showed we knew what to do! For some time I have wanted to retire. This victory with OK and the CIK-FIA Endurance Championship will perhaps give me the opportunity. Endurance is now on track, there is room for young people!
Info CIK-FIA / © Photo KSP