Alex Powell’s Mini class Final of Round 2 of the WSK Super Master Series at South Garda Karting in Lonato, Italy was filled with drama from start to finish. So much so that it had to be started twice.
Shortly after the first start there was an off-camera incident involving at least four karts away from the front of the field. The race was immediately red flagged before the completion of the first lap as it became apparent that two drivers were in need of assistance. They were each taken away in an ambulance for further examination, resulting in the race having to wait for the return of the ambulances twenty minutes later.
The second start was single-file, and the race proceeded under full course yellow for three of the ten laps. When the green flag flew on the fourth lap Alex immediately started his move to the front from his fourth place position. On lap five he moved into second and comfortably shadowed the leader until the final tenth lap. Timing his overtaking maneuver going into the final corner, Alex was slowed by the leader weaving across his path. This allowed the third and fourth place karts to close the gap and all four karts raced in a bunch toward the finish line.
Boxed in by the third place kart while he made him move to overtake the leader, Alex’s front wheel made contact with the rear wheel of the leader, propelling the front of Alex’s kart into the air. The resulting loss of momentum from the contact and airborne front wheels slowed Alex just enough for the third and fourth placed karts to pass him before the finish line. Alex was credited with 4th place, just 0.185-second covering first to fourth place.
“I think it’s better for him to have taken a risk, fail, learn a lesson and come fourth rather than be second without trying something.” said John Powell. “He is always up front and you cannot ask for more than that.”
Alex is currently third in the WSK Super Master Series points standings with two events left in the series. His next event is Round 3 of the WSK Super Master Series in La Conca, Italy on March 10th.
Pictured: Top left- Alex leading the pack. Top middle – Alex before his race. Top right – Alex with Simone Sorio. Lower left – Alex with Simone Sorio. Lower middle – Alex on track. Lower right – Alex’s kart catching big air during the crowded sprint to the finish.
