Sodi drivers returned to the temporary circuit of the Las Vegas Supernationals, the largest karting event on the American continent, with the support of the G-Phactory structure, the US racing team of the French brand.
Anthony Abbasse was the driver with the highest result potential in KZ2. But right at the start, the team had to face some logistical problems that blocked the new «TTT» chassis at the Customs in Los Angeles. So Sodi had to quickly assemble last year’s equipment to be able to attend the event, not the ideal solution given the level of entered drivers. Despite all this, Abbasse proved to be in excellent form already in timed qualifying, with his 5th best lap time, and even improved in the heats, with a victory. Second at the start of the final race, he quickly conquered the lead, with the encouragement of a delegation of French supporters. Unfortunately his set-up proved to be less suitable for the evolution of track conditions during the 25 laps and he lost some ground in the second half of the race. The chequered flag marked the conclusion of his very good performance, with a third place synonym for podium and reward.
Andrick Zeen, the US driver of the Sodi team, had a difficult meeting in KF2, though this time he raced in his homeland. His European experience has taught him a lot and he could make up for part of the handicap caused by his two retirements in the heats during the main race. 22nd at the start, Andrick whipped his kart to reach the top 10, crowded with drivers of international renown all very close in terms of performances.
Finally, Sodi lined up a new young talent in TaG Junior, Florian Latorre. Florian made himself immediately noticed by setting the best time in his group. However he finished 15th due to the higher speed of Group 2, which took advantage of rubber left on track by KZ2 drivers in the meantime. Starting behind in the heats is a sure disadvantage in Vegas, given the frequency of collisions in the pack. Florian suffered the consequences of this situation on several occasions. He caught up with the pack in the final with an impressive recovery from 27th to 7th, and was often the fastest, before he was brutally pushed off the track during the last lap.
Mission accomplished for Sodi drivers, who succeed in proving the qualities of the French chassis on the other corner of the world, against a group of excellent participants and despite a series of unfavourable circumstances.
Info Kartcom / © Photo KSP