First of all, I apologise for not updating the blog for months. After a long holidays and much discussion, Alvis decided to take on one of the most competitive categories in France, the Rotax Junior(National) category(aged 13 and above) this year. Alvis will be racing with the bigger boys with a lot more experience than him.
Alvis has selected CRK Centre as his regional race for 2015 and the first race was held at the 1500m long Sologne Karting International Circuit located at Salbris, France.
Alvis has selected CRK Centre as his regional race for 2015 and the first race was held at the 1500m long Sologne Karting International Circuit located at Salbris, France.
Alvis getting his kart set up 3 weeks before the first race
Testing his new machine at Caudecoste
Alvis started his practice on cold and rainy Friday afternoon. The temperature was about 4-8°C. Note that the Rotax Junior category in France aren't allowed to drive with rain tyres, making it a really slippery ride.
Alvis struggling in the wet
Saturday morning's official practice's weather was slightly better, 6-10°C with clouds covering the sun. Indeed, Alvis only had 3 days of practice before coming to this race, but he was progressing at an incredible level, shaving off tenths every session. His goal for this race was to get as much experience as possible to be better off for the next. At the end of the day, he improved 2 seconds from Friday practice, and he was happy with his improvement.
Alvis going through turn 7
On Sunday morning, Alvis was all hyped up for the time trial. Due to the number of entries, the organisers had to remove warm ups in the morning, making it more difficult for drivers as you had to get the perfect lap on your 1st session within 8 minutes with no data on the track state or setup.
Alvis head out to the track with fresh new tyres, on a non-adherent track. At the end of the time trial, Alvis shaved off another 3 tenths, setting a timing of 1:03.687 in 10th position. It could have been another 2 tenths faster but was blocked in the last lap. Anyhow, still being 5 tenths away from the pole sitter, Antoine Perceval. Alvis was disappointed after looking at the results, realising if he improved by another 2 tenths he would have moved up by another 5 places to 5th. On the positive note, it gave him a confidence boost for the upcoming races that follow up.
Time trial results
Alvis heading out for the heat
Green! Green! Green! Alvis has an amazing start from the chaotic 1st corner, slotting in the interior, and by the end of the back straight, he was 6th. Unfortunately, a red flag had been presented, due to a big crash in the 1st corner involving 3 karts, and Alvis had to restart 10th again.
Everyone stopped at the start/finish line due to the incident
Alvis looking at his watch planning his restart
Back to racing!
Alvis ended up 8th, just behind the front runners
Alvis was pretty happy for his first junior start, and he wanted to do the same for the pre-final, we believed he could gain another 3 places if everything went to plan. Fingers crossed.
Bunching up once again
Alvis did the exact same strategy as the heat. Unfortunately for him, he was hit from the back and got pushed out into the gravel and was unable to recover.
Marshals pulling the kart to safety
Alvis watching the race
Alvis will start last for the final
Alvis was determined to get a strong comeback, his objective was to overtake as many racers before crossing the chequered flag.
Getting ready to head out for the final race
Final results, gaining a total of 10 places
We would like to thank CRK Centre, Sologne karting, race officials, marshals, Team Malevaut Sport and finally, coach and mechanic, Aurélien.
Till the next race!
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