The New Zealand Super Seven did Kartsport New Zealand proud at the annual Vortex Rok Cup Super Final in Italy.
The Rock Cup Super Final saw 373 karters from 49 countries take part in seven categories and qualify for the annual event organized by Italian engine manufacturer Vortex in Lonato, between Venice and Milan. With a prize pool of over NZ$87,000, the event is fiercely competitive.
Led by SP Tools KartSport New Zealand Academy Director Tiffany Chittenden, the Kiwi line-up battled tough conditions and fierce competition throughout the week.
Team captain Clay Osborne of Morrinsville, who has previously tasted success on the international stage, unfortunately entered the main event after finishing 29th out of 36 starts in the Senior Rock Superfinal.
He put in an impressive effort in the final, moving up 11 places to finish 18th overall.
“We thought the weather was going to help when Clay started getting a little rain,” Tiffany said. “His final position did not reflect the number of overtakes throughout the race, starting with being a role model driver for the younger members of the team and finishing 44th.”
Auckland’s Sebastian Manson and Canterbury’s Dylan Jessop-Collins missed out on the Junior Superfinal, but both qualified for the Levanto Trophy (B Final) at Junior Rock. Manson finished on the podium in his class, moving up 12 places to finish third in the closing stages, fighting off multiple rivals. Jessop-Collins finished eighth in her first international competition.
Top junior karters Zach Tucker and Marco Manson put in some great drives in the 12-lap Mini Rock Superfinal after both started from the back of the grid.
Tucker finished 13th with 14 positions, while Marco finished 15th with seven laps. Tucker finished 68th out of 89 competitors and made it to the super finals, which was especially impressive considering the tire issues that started all of his bouts from behind the bars.
Hawkes Bay karter James van den Berk was equally impressive in the Super Rok class, jumping up 10 places to 14th, followed by Canterbury’s William McDonald in 17th.
The team returned to New Zealand proud of their performance and more experienced against the world’s best.
Team New Zealand is further supported by Academy Sponsor SP Tools NZ, as well as KartSport NZ Travel Sponsor Sixt, Giltrap Group, Racer Products, Supreme Kart Supplies, Lascom Motorsport and Motul NZ.
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