IAME X30 CHALLENGE ITALY 2011 - NATIONAL FINAL - November 19th-20th, 2011
The second edition of the X30 Challenge Italy, the stock class series promoted by IAME, ends in Sarno. At this IAME feast is Russo to conquer the national title in the X30 Light category and Donadei in the X30 Heavy.
The X30 Challenge Italy Champions are Vittorio Russo in the Light category and Tino Donadei in the Heavy.
During the past weekend, on the Circuito Internazionale di Napoli, ITALY, it has in fact been raced the national final of the X30 Challenge, the stock class series on IAME X30 engines. The drivers on track, separated for each category, could join the final after taking part to a race in the regional trophies. As usual, it has been a party for Karting and a great show for all spectators.
X30 LIGHT Willing or not, the protagonist has been the final winner: Vittorio Russo, but of course not the only one. In front of all, at the time to set the best chrono, goes Luca Osvaldi, pole man of the qualifying. Behind him, but not to far, come Davide Gherardi, the two brothers Carlo and Luigi Piccolo and Vittorio Russo, in front of Alfredo Gagliardi and Vukan Vusurovic.
These two last mentioned drivers will be those, together with Russo, to reap the pre final: Russo is author of a great recovery and after few laps he is there battling in the leading positions. Till the very final lap he is leading, but is then forced to leave the pace to a wild Gagliardi that finally wins the race. By the way Russo is 2nd and fully on the run for the title, as well Vusurovic, 3rd, Osvaldi 4th and Carlo and Luigi Piccolo, respectively 5th and 6th.
The protagonist of the Final is an unexpected Osvaldi, strategically "calm" during the Pre Final, he gets wild in the final and leads the race after few laps, but Russo is not willing to loose the chance to win and stays right behind him, looking for the best moment to pass. With few laps to go, Russo tries and passes, speeding straight to the national IAME X30 title.
Osvaldi is anyway 2nd in front of Gagliardi, also on the podium. Vusurovic, Carlo and Luigi Piccolo, Emiliano Mazzalupi and Davide Gherardi follow in the overall classification.
X30 HEAVY The Heavy category has been almost totally dominated by Tino Donadei. The Italian driver is the fastest starting from the qualifying (9th overall) followed by local driver Giuseppe Franzese that is the one giving the most pressure to Donadei all week end long. In the Pre Finale Franzese finishes right behind Donadei and prepares for the final battle. Behind them, with some gap, comes Vincenzo Zupo.
In the final the show repeats, Donadei is first and national champion for 2011 and Franzese right behind him. Zupo is 3rd. Following a decision of the stewards, Franzese gets unfortunately disqualified, so Zupo comes 2nd and Madonna 3rd.
A very exciting final fired up the spectators hearts during this important Trophy in Sarno. The battle has stayed open till the very last lap both in the front and back rows! The prizes for the drivers consisted in one chassis for the first classified, one X30 engine for the second, a spare parts cheque for the third and a set of tyres for the fourth, beside all this, there has been also a draw prize giving among all participants and another lucky driver could win a complete KF3 chassis!
EPILOGUE It has been a very exciting season for the X30 Challenge. This stock class series, almost brand new for Italy but yet very popular around the World, is raising year after year with more and more drivers and teams involved; having the 40% more drivers compared to the past edition, is an evident testimony.
A winning mix: free chassis, same engine for all, a strict technical regulation, performance, reliability, low managing costs and, above all, a great driving experience are the basic concepts of true Karting and exactly what drivers are appreciating in the X30 Challenge.
THE NEXT SEASON The drivers who have joined the Italian National Final, will be eligible to join the first edition of the IAME International World Final that will be held in France in October 2012.
