“For me this year, 2012 had 2 faces. As far as the magazine I edit on a national level, I can say that, seeing what has happened in Italy, it certainly isn’t a year to remember. Looking at the international scene though, karting seems to have maintained credibility. Maybe because in other countries they have managed to understand, so to say, better and make the most of the international crises turning it in their favour, and making assertive solutions in such a difficult time. We have seen some activities going on in different countries that confirm the fact that simplifying some promotional activities does create interest in karting for motorsport enthusiasts. Simplify doesn’t always and only mean to look at things exclusively from an economic aspect. True that limiting expense is a positive note for anyone practising karting, but it is also true that a right format, which corresponds to the karters’ needs, those who practice racing, will get the right response.
Everyone knows that motorsport is more expensive than other sports, where no technical support is required, only psychophysical training. Hence more attention should be given to those who have to invest to practice karting. This way the user can only concentrate on racing – that is what has drawn him or her to practice karting – without having to experience problems that hardly ever depend on his behaviour, as often happens (well, it does in Italy), things that happen due to regulations open to different interpretation, which compromise the result of a race.
Having said this, I repeat in international karting, thanks to the fantasy of some promoters, more adventurous and brilliant federations, unlike Italy, have had a successful 2012 season. Although Italy is in continuous fermentation, it seems impossible to give life to some ideas, although some signs make one think differently. But, let’s go back to a wider vision of things, to what is happening throughout the world. What models should one look up to today? Besides Skusa that thanks to Tom Kutscher is a reference point in the States, for the rest Rotax is still the most popular. And rumours saying differently are not true. You see, numbers speak and in 2012 Rotax engine sales have been up to over 6,000… A number that makes your eyes goggle. And although a brilliant result, we can say that it is the result of hard work, promotion and investment finalised to satisfy the needs of those who practise karting. A thought comes to mind: international karting is running alongside the project promoted by BRP. Well, to this point nothing to say, on the contrary. This Rotax fever in continuous expansion is motivating lots of operators, inviting to invest in this format, thought to be the most credible and obviously the best investment. And, it isn’t just a coincidence that the next edition of the Rotax Grand Finals will be held in New Orleans in the USA, that is the country where most drivers registered this season in Portimao come from. And it isn’t hazardous to say that also the big chassis industries try not to miss out on this trend and present their candidancy for the Grand Finals. A decision where there are no doubts, on the contrary, a far-sighted planning recognizes that the Rotax project is the one that offers most guarantees at such times made uncertain by the federal policy (Cik/Fia) and the future of KF. The most obvious route to take is the one laid down by Rotax and other important innovations that confirm this tendency will soon be revealed.
Obviously, Vroom is following all this with interest, our aim is to point out these things and continue our mission to inform you about such interesting reality, and about the drivers whose response is more and more enthusiastic towards our editorial line and the return of image that this event is building up. A gratifying acknowledgement confirming the place that Vroom has earned with its dedication in publishing a magazine that is more and more centralised in informing readers on what is happening in the karting world, contributing in helping to amplify ideas that work and, at the same time, keep up any initiative that is finalised to draw as many people as possible to this extreme … sport.
I take the advantage of thanking all those who have made Vroom the reference point of international karting, thus giving us a chance to help in promoting important projects, like the Rotax format, in several countries. A special thank you to the operators who on these important trips to the USA, for the Skusa, and in Portugal, for the Rotax Grand Finals, have confirmed their belief in Vroom.
Merry Christmas and a Happy 2013. All the best to Vroom too, for its 25th anniversary.”
Giuliano Ciucci Giuliani
Info Vroom