24.06.08 Superfun with Superkarts

The Rock the Race event at Oschersleben featured showbiz greats like Herbert Grönemeyser in the evening, and the Mini Challenge in the daytime.

Rock the race 2008

Rock the race 2008

It was also an enjoyable event for Wolfgang Kaufmann who for the first time in his life got to drive a spectacular Superkart. “Team owner Helmut Dutz has asked me on several occasions if I wanted to try one of these Superkarts. I know him from his ambitious Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 project, and now I have finally given in”, says Wolfgang Kaufmann prior to his drive, a grin on his face.

“As I have made up my mind to compete in the AvD Superkart Challenge on short notice, the 2500cc race kart was only completed at the track” – Kaufmann had to miss the first practice session, he turned four laps in Helmut Dutz' race kart.

“For qualifying, the kart was ready but some technical issues meant I couldn't do any timed laps. So in race 1, I had to start right at the back. In the race itself, all went well. It was great!”, Wolfgang gave a very condensed race report afterwards. From the back of the grid, the stalwart Formula 3 and GT driver made his way to second place until loose gear linkage ended his race with four laps to go. In Sundays's race 2 Kaufmann again fought his way up the order and saw the chequered flag in a highly deserved second place.

“I only raced in 100cc karts in 1979 to '82. The Superkarts habe a six speed ‘box, and their data sheet reads thus:

engine size 250cc

weight incl. driver 215kg

power approx. 95bhp

acceleration 0 to 100km/h approx. 2.5sec.

Vmax up to 290+ km/h, depending on gear ratio

This is a hell of a ride, and the braking points are truly amazing. For instance at the end of the long start & finish straight, at about 50 meters. Braking down from 200k, change down from 6th to 2nd gear, and immediately on the attack again!”

With a smile, Wolfgang Kaufmann adds, „and this is the first time I've ever raced in leather overalls. So thanks for this amazing opportunity to Helmut Dutz, his team, and Peter Pickel for the cool leather outfit. My schedule in the FIA-GT and Le Mans Series permitting, I will be back in action in a Superkartrace soon. I'm already looking forward to that!”