STRONG PERFORMANCE BY AUSSIES ON WORLD STAGE

Marijn Kremers in full flight during the CIK-FIA International KZ2 Super Cup in Sweden (Pic: KSP)

Gold Coast-based Dutchman Marijn Kremers has finished as the best of the Australian drivers at the CIK-FIA International KZ2 Super Cup in Sweden on Sunday.

Kremers recorded an impressive tenth place finish in the 88-driver field aboard his BirelART entry.

“To finish inside the top ten at this level of competition is very pleasing,” said Kremers.

“All weekend we worked hard on finding the speed and by the end of the heat races we found the speed to match it with the guys at the front. By then though I was further back than I would have liked to be able to challenge for the podium but I gave it my all and used my experience and racing ability to finish inside the top ten.”

High in confidence from the result Kremers’ focus will now turn towards securing his maiden Australian Kart Championship later this month (September 23-25) in Melbourne.

“With my European commitments for the year now complete I’ll be heading back to Australia to focus on winning both the X30 and KZ2 Australian Championships,” said Kremers.

Troy Loeskow finished 22nd in the final (Pic: KSP)

Bundaberg’s Troy Loeskow enjoyed his best result from his four-event European campaign with a 22^nd place finish in the final.

After encountering a penalty and mechanical failure in the heat races, Loeskow scraped into the pre-final stage before charging his way up the order to secure a place in the 34-kart final.

Showing impressive speed Loeskow moved up ten positions during the 25-lap encounter to cross the line just outside the top 20.

“Despite the challenging start to the weekend, I’m very happy with the result in Kristianstad,” said Loeskow.

“My goal coming into this weekend was to make it into the final of my first world championship, against 90 of the world’s best drivers. With the help of the Riccardo Kart and IAME team, and all the supporters back in Australia, I’m very happy to achieve the goals set for this weekend.

“I’d like to thank the Ricciardo Kart and BirelART team for the support in the past few races, the results clearly show my improvement as a driver. I’m now looking forward to racing back in Melbourne in a few weeks time at the final round of the Australian Kart Championship.”

Reigning KZ2 Australian Kart Champion Jason Pringle (Pic: KSP)

In his first event at the highest level of the sport Jason Pringle endured a challenging weekend. Despite missing a transfer into the pre-final stage the reigning KZ2 Australian Kart Champion thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being a part of the factory Ricciardo Kart team courtesy of his 2015 championship prize.

“While the weekend didn’t go to plan in terms of results and goals you never stop learning,” said Pringle.

“It’s not only kart set up, engine tuning and driving on completely different conditions but also about organization, professionalism and what it takes to be the best in the world. It’s also about learning about yourself, it’s not easy spending a lot of time alone in a foreign country.

“All in all it was a fantastic experience to be a part of the Riccardo Kart Team, a big thank you to everyone who made it happen especially my mechanic Fred and team manager Richard Kaell. It’s certainly something that I will never forget.”

Spanish driver Pedro Hiltbrand won the KZ2 Cup while his CRG team-mate was crowned the 2016 World KZ Champion.