2017 was a great year for the revival of high-level karting. The rejuvenation of the OK and OK-Junior categories gave new impetus to the CIK-FIA Championships, which saw young people often take the ascendancy over their elders. I am delighted with the dynamism of this essential discipline in the great pyramid of Motor Sport.
First of all, congratulations to the 2017 winners, including World Champions Dexter Patterson, Danny Keirle and Paolo De Conto. The title of European Champion obtained by Moroccan Sami Taoufik solidifies the opening of the Competition at a world level, especially as this young Driver also won the title of CIK-FIA Rookie of the Year.
The decision to lower the minimum age of the Junior and Senior categories by one year has borne fruit by increasing the number of participants and raising the intensity of the Competitions. The effects of this measure have been only positive for the discipline and its young Drivers who now benefit from a longer period of training. Karting is still a great education for tomorrow’s Champions of Motor Sport. It also allows early awareness of the ideas of speed and risk in a suitable environment and thus contributes to safety education, a major concern of the FIA.
The success of the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy has been confirmed thanks to the quality of the equipment and service provided by the technical partner OTK Kart Group. It is no coincidence that this one-make formula is now emulated in National Championships.
The success of the OK categories, introduced in 2016, has been confirmed by many users. It also made it possible to increase the attractiveness of long-distance races such as the 24 Hours Karting at Le Mans. Several factories have taken up the challenge this year by entering an official team in the CIK-FIA Endurance Championship and I hope that this trend will become more pronounced.
My best wishes go hand in hand with the development of this spectacular and attractive discipline at the base of Motor Sport which is embodied in karting.
Info CIK-FIA Best of 2017 /© Photo KSP