The year of 2020 started with high hopes for the very popular Central Eastern European ‘CEE Rotax MAX Challenge’ series. On average, nearly 250 drivers from 30 countries participate in the CEE which generally takes place at five different venues each year. For 2020, the races were planned at several of the best Austrian, Czech, Italian and Hungarian circuits
Like everywhere in the world, this year’s karting season unfortunately started with strong restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so in the end, only three of the planned five rounds have taken place. Nevertheless, the seven tickets for the Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals 2020 were awarded to the champions of the categories from the three rounds, while the runnersup in two classes also received the opportunity to take part at the RMC Grand Finals at Portimão, Portugal. «After several months of forced breaks, we did everything we possibly could to run a full season, but unfortunately we failed to be able to fulfil our original plans to organize the last two races as well. The second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to cancel the last races and we had to close a truncated season», explained Sándor Hargitai, one of the organizers of Kartin CEE. «We are very proud, that under these premises with the Covid-19 restrictions, we were able to host races with the effective organization and the professional technical support that we are used to. The drivers – who have qualified for the RMC Grand Finals – are obviously proud to be able to compete with the best drivers of the world in Portimão, Portugal in January 2021. Good luck to them – go for the podium!».
The organizers of the CEE Rotax MAX Challenge are full of hope for the 2021 season to offer the drivers the event they desire, in being able to run the entire season on the various selected kart tracks in Europe. Especially, as the CEE is an international series where the winners of the national championships of each country can evolve and develop in a strong field, as they are competing with RMC Grand Finals winners and runners-up, which can be an important milestone in their careers.
Article created in collaboration with Vroom Karting Magazine.
Post time: Feb-01-2021