from CIK-FIA
Based in Sant’Egidio alla Vibrata in central Italy, the company founded by Gianfranco Galiffa in 1994 crosses the decades with the same passion for racing.
For a few years, the KZ2 category with TM Racing engines has been the focus of the tuner Galiffa’s talent. The CIK-FIA International Super Cup KZ2 in 2017 with Alex Irlando and the FIA Karting European Championship – KZ2 with Adrien Renaudin this year are the latest major victories for the sorcerer of Abruzzo. The passion and dedication of Galiffa have more and more admirers.
GIANFRANCO, CAN YOU OUTLINE THE STORY OF GALIFFA KART?
I started as a Driver in the mid-80s before setting up a team based near the Val Vibrata circuit. I ran the big names of motor sport like Ennio Gandolfi, Giorgio Pantano, Edoardo Mortara, Anthony Davidson, Carlo Van Dam… Over time I turned to the preparation of TM Racing engines thanks to my good relationship with its founder Claudio Flenghi. I also have an ongoing collaboration with CRG SpA. I diversified my business by creating my own range of GLine accessories, entirely made in Italy.
WHAT IS GALIFFA TUNING’S FAVOURITE AREA?
Basically, we prepare TM Racing engines for all Italian categories. However, in international competition, we have specialised in KZ2 for a few years. It takes a lot of work at the shop, the test bench and the track. We are a small family business of three people and we are proud of the performance and results of our engines.
WHO ARE YOUR MAIN CLIENTS IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION?
We work regularly for CRG, Praga and private teams. For three years, we have had a very productive collaboration with CPB Sport and Sodikart. With them we have won several important successes such as the victory for Irlando at Wackersdorf in 2017 or the European title for Renaudin this year. At an FIA Karting event like Genk, we serve 20 drivers, with two or three engines each: it’s not a small undertaking!
HOW DO YOU JUDGE THE CURRENT STATE OF KARTING?
I think Karting is doing pretty well. The racing is tight, the organisation is good and the entries are satisfactory. This standard must be maintained. KZ2 is a very interesting category with great technical challenges. On the other hand, I think that KZ should have a difference other than weight. The equipment or tyres should give it more performance to make it more attractive. I also find that the meetings last too long, it generates too much expense. In my opinion, it would be enough to start testing from Thursday.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE GALIFFA KART TO DEVELOP IN THE FUTURE?
We currently have good momentum. To maintain this momentum, we need to invest in new machinery and work harder. We are not lacking the passion to meet new challenges!