Jamaican representative Alex Powell’s return to Italy wasn’t quite the success that was hoped for but some valuable lessons were learned.
Fresh from winning the 2018 PanAmerican Championship in Columbia three weeks ago, Alex returned to competition at the ROK Cup Adria. If there was any doubt that Alex’s success in Columbia was noticed it was erased when approaching the Adria karting facility; the Jamaican flag adorned a street light post on the road to the track.
Practice went well, with Alex posting the third quickest time in the final session. Qualifying however was very different. Normally a clear track is ideal, but the facility in Adria favored drafting and Alex found himself alone, eventually posting a time good enough for 18th, out of 54 drivers in his class.
Staring 10th in his first heat, Alex worked his way up to 6th. Fortune changed in the second heat when an engine tuning issue resulted in a 12th place finish. From that position in the third heat he worked his way up to 3rd, eventually being credited with 2nd placed after a disqualification of a competitor in front of him.
From his father John Powell; “He started the Final in 13th and got boxed in at the start. I think Alex made a couple poor decisions and he got frustrated”. Alex was also hit during the race, dropping to 24th at the end of the second lap.
Settling down after the hit, Alex methodically began to move up in position, eventually finishing 18th. The silver lining is that on his way through the pack Alex set Fastest Lap of The Race, twice! It was obvious that Alex had excellent race pace. The 18th place wouldn’t stand however, as a 5-second bumper penalty as a result of damage during the accident meant that he finished lower in the final order.
Team Energy Course commented “It’s a learning experience for Alex, that he has to remain focused at all times and cannot get emotional in the race.”
“At this level it’s almost impossible for him to stay out of a kart for three weeks and jump straight into a race with these professional drivers” said John. “This weekend (September 14 to 16) is the last round of the Italian Championship in Ugento. Alex is focused for a better result.”
The JMMC wish Alex a safe and successful event this coming weekend.
In pictures: Alex and Miguel Costa standing on a ladder, by a fence and posing together. Miguel is the nephew of CIK-FIA President Felipe Massa.
