Karting News Briefs

RIP – Former F1 driver Philippe Streiff passed away on December 23. Why are we reporting this on a karting website? Streiff was the founder of the famous Elf Karting Masters, an indoor karting competition that gathered some of the best drivers in the sport. It ran on a temporary circuit at the Palais Omnisport de Paris Bercy every December from 1993 to 2001. In fact, the inaugural event in ’93 was the final time Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost competed against each other, aboard identical karts fitted with 100cc piston port JICA engines. The tv coverage of Prost v Senna (and later, Schumacher, Doohan and many more) was said to have resulted in a surge of karting in France at the time. Streiff scored his only F1 podium in Australia, placing third in Adelaide in 1985. He became a paraplegic as a result of an F1 testing accident in Brazil in 1989.


MARKETING 101 – We’d suggest some drivers might need to REMOVE the padding from their seat to fit in after Christmas! Good one from the DPE Marketing people, below:

HAVEN’T PADDED YOURSELF OUT ENOUGH AT CHRISTMAS? You may have indulged, but if you haven’t padded yourself out quite enough, one of our new Kartech Seat Padding Kits will provide extra comfort and protection. See more on the DPE website HERE.


NO PRESSIES! – Last week we asked “Did you give or receive a karting related item for Christmas?” It would seem for many it was not a very Merry Karting Christmas as 70% said there was nothing karting related about their Festive Season. Just under 6% gave and received a karting related gift.


OFF-SEASON – The best way to keep in training (even during Christmas holidays) is to get behind the wheel of a kart and cut laps. Marc Márquez was spotted training with his CRG on the Karting Correcaminos circuit in Spain recently.

(pic – CRG)

DOWN, NOT OUT – Queensland karter Jai Buckley suffered an unfortunate injury a week prior to Christmas, losing parts of several fingers in a ride-on mower accident. “Nothing in life prepares you for the loss of your fingers” he posted on social media. “Seeing your limbs detached is the hardest feeling. Thank you to everyone for the love and prayers, it’s working.” Jai posted photos of his injuries (pre and post op) on his Facebook page. We’ve elected not to publish here as some of our younger viewers might be startled by the sight. Buckley has been working for himself as a small business owner doing ride-on mower sales and servicing. He’s set up GoFundMe page to help cover his medical and rehab costs – see HERE. Best wishes with your recovery, Jai!

Jai Buckley waits to go into surgery after injuring his fingers (pic – Buckley/FB)

IAME SWITCHOVER – A KA100 Masters class has been provisionally added to SKUSA’s 2023 Winter Series and Pro Tour. SKUSA has officially dropped X30 Masters from both series and added KA100 Masters, based on the category’s stunning debut at SuperNationals (almost 50 entries). “The future of the KA100 Master program on the national level (is in) the hands of the racers” a SKUSA statement read. The organisation has set a minimum of 10 entries to trigger the class running. “We’ve seen the category grow at the regional level across the country over the last few seasons” SKUSA President Tom Kutscher said. “SuperNationals shows the interest in keeping a single-speed Master category at the national level.” Class structure for both series is: Pro Shifter, Master Shifter, X30 Senior, X30 Junior, KA100 Senior, KA100 Junior, KA100 Master, Mini Swift, Micro Swift. EDIT: KA100 Masters has now been confirmed as running.



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LITTLE BULL – OK Junior world champion Enzo Tarnvanichkul has joined the Red Bull junior program for 2023. This year, the 13-year-old won the FIA OK Junior karting world championship with Tony Kart, thus becoming the second Thai karting world champion after Alex Albon. Although Red Bull’s backing tends to focus on those further up the single-seater ladder, it seems Mr Marko still follows what’s going on in karting.


RIP PADDY – Mackay & District Kart Club report the passing of Patrick ‘Paddy’ Spinks. “Paddy spent a great portion of his life as the caretaker of our club, a job he took seriously and performed to a high level, especially in his younger years” the club posted on social media.


SINS – Driver confessions posted by the CRG factory…

(pic – CRG)

SILVER ANNIVERSARY – The Energy Corse team celebrated 25 years of the Energy kart brand in style over Christmas at the Porsche Experience Centre in Franciacorta, Italy. “A special night for a special birthday – living our passion to the fullest, since 1997. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey as well as to all the people who acknowledged this amazing anniversary with us.”


INTERNATIONAL RECAP – FIA Karting Awards Gala Highlights:


PREP – Get everything cleaned and lubed for the new season with Motul products, available via DPE Kart Superstore and their distributors.

NEW MOTUL CLEANING & MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS – Our range of Motul products for chain, transmission, brake and cleaning are now available. DPE Kart Superstore will reopen on Monday 9th January. All online orders placed at the moment will be processed and dispatched from January 9. Visit https://dpekartsuperstore.com/collections/motul now



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