from FIA Karting
The FIA is deeply saddened by the passing of Frenchman Jean-Jacques Pendanx at the age of 80.
Jean-Jacques Pendanx was the driving force behind ASK Varennes-sur-Allier and the Circuit Jean Brun, yet he always preferred to shine the spotlight on his loyal team of volunteers. Deeply passionate about karting and fully committed to the future of the club and the track, Jean-Jacques Pendanx had a remarkable ability to bring people together, motivate them and secure the commitment of a strong team of volunteers. The club members did not merely organise races on the circuit; they also willingly gave their time to develop the Circuit Jean Brun, to the point of building facilities – a control tower, press room, offices and a restaurant – which enabled Varennes to host numerous French, European and World Championship events.
Established in 1970 with a 350-metre track, the Varennes circuit underwent its first expansion in 1984, with the length increased to 810 metres, followed by a second expansion in 1995, resulting in the current 1,470-metre track. The following year (1996), Jean-Jacques Pendanx became president of the club, a position he held for 25 years, until 2021 when he decided to hand over the reins to Gérard Deschamps.
Thanks to the fluidity of its layout, Varennes is one of those circuits that is almost universally loved by drivers. It suits all categories well, but has always been a favourite among gearbox kart racers.
Between 2003 and 2013, under the leadership of Jean-Jacques Pendanx, Varennes hosted seven rounds of the CIK-FIA European Championship, a CIK-FIA KZ1 World Cup (2008) and a CIK-FIA KZ World Championship (2013). The list of winners from all these international events in Varennes includes the names of George Russell (KF3, 2012) and the duo Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, who finished first and second respectively in the 2013 KZ World Championship.
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The CIK-FIA extends its deepest condolences to the family of Jean-Jacques Pendanx, his wife and his two daughters.
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