In the 2020 FIA Karting European Championship in Italy, in the OK and OK-Junior categories, the records of the
lap of the international circuit of Naples in Sarno were set, which allowed to demonstrate the great
competitiveness of LeCont tires, in both Prime and Option versions. The perfect progress of the competition
and the intensity of the races clearly demonstrated the excellence of the Italian tires and consistent quality
from one train to another, as confirmed by the comments of the teams and drivers.
The FIA Karting European Championship of the OK and OK-Junior categories took place in Sarno, Italy, just
three weeks after the Spanish meeting in Zuera. With a demanding track for vehicles and high temperatures, the
tires were put to the test. "Compared to the Zuera circuit, where the long rapid part allows the tires to cool
down slightly, in Sarno these are more stressed due to the fast corners alternating with heavy braking",
stated the Kosmic team. "The tire temperature always remains very high, even if we have not found any
overheating. We can consider ourselves fully satisfied with the tires".
A high quality confirmed by the pilots
Joakim Ward, the team manager of the Ward Racing team, who uses Tony Kart-Vortex karts, was also particularly
enthusiastic. "The tires of the new 2020 homologation are among the best I have had the opportunity to work
with. Year after year, LeCont takes great care of the quality of its products. For the OK category I would
even be inclined to use even softer tires, in in order to make the category even more selective than it
currently is".
The German Hannes Janker, European champion of the OK category in 2018, in Sarno was fully satisfied with his
KR-IAME, despite the fact that the final was abruptly interrupted for him due to a contact. "The tires are
effective from the first lap and remain constant throughout the heats". And the young Frenchman Arthur Rogeon
(Exprit-Vortex), entered in the OK-Junior category, fully agrees. "These tires have great grip, as well as
ensuring great stability during braking, they are really enjoyable to use".
Thanks to LeCont, all records have been broken in Sarno
In 55"506, at more than 100 km/h on average, the British Taylor Barnard took pole position in OK, while his
compatriot Maxwell Dodds set the best time on Friday with 57" 459. The managers of the Sarno circuit confirm
that lap records have just been broken in both categories. In the OK category this means an improvement of
more than a full second, considering that the previous record was already held by LeCont with 56"520. In
addition, in an OK-Junior heat on Saturday, Arvid Lindblad further improved his time by 57"459 turning in
57"443. Another record achieved!
"The times recorded did not surprise me at all", said Cash Van Belle, IPK team manager. "LeCont did an
exceptional job. I have always enjoyed working with their tires, both in KZ and in the direct drive
categories. When a driver finishes a practice session or a heat, just look at the tires to see how the frame:
if the rider managed it well, if he swerved excessively or if the grip was too important, it is necessary to
know how to "read" a tire.
"At this level of racing we really need tires of equivalent quality and performance from train to train, in
order to work in optimal conditions during the different sessions. With LeCont we have achieved this goal.
Furthermore, degradation is slow. and regular. Just look at the signs of wear, which show an important
thickness of the rubber on the carcass", said Simone Sorio, well-known technician of the Energy Corse team.
After the victory in Italy, the British Taylor Barnard leads the European Championship, at the expense of the
Italian Kimi Antonelli. The title between the two drivers should be played from 11 to 13 September at the
final in Wackersdorf, Germany. Ugo Ugochukwu has brilliantly imposed himself in the OK-Junior category. The
American is the new leader ahead of the Finnish Tuukka Taponen and the British Arvid Lindblad.