In the Lead of the World Cup for KZ1 Before Retiring

7 September 2011, Genk, Belgium — On her first participation in the Karting World Cup for KZ1, Beitske Visser impressed observers more than ever by taking the lead of the final in Genk. A victory? A podium? In any case, the Dutch karter was determined to achieve a brilliant result, before becoming the victim of an incident, a terrible stroke of bad luck that deprived the most competitive of today’s female karters of the good result she coveted. Fortunately Beitske could also take great satisfaction from this meeting, which remains the most important in the international calendar.

Beitske Visser had prepared for this World Cup meeting – held on 2, 3, and 4 September – under the best conditions. She felt physically, mentally, and technically ready to face this major challenge. Two weeks earlier, she had already been on the circuit of Genk to race in a round of the BNL Karting Series. She had perfectly managed the situation, so much so that she had conquered four victories in as many races. Of course, the competition level was expected to be much higher on the day of the world meeting. For this reason, Beitske appeared satisfied with her seventh time in the timed qualifying session. “I did not feel completely reassured after free practice, but I think I used my new tyres at best to set this time”.

She shifted to higher gear on the first heat, which she brilliantly won. “We changed a small adjustment for the second heat, but it caused tyre wear, so I preferred to secure my place with a view to the pre-final”. She was therefore fourth on the start grid of the pre-final, when mechanics had to fit wet tyres because it started to rain. This change in conditions did not prevent her from maintaining her place despite a very slippery track. This time too Beitske Visser made great progress in the rain and reached the same level of performance as the most experienced drivers.

Then came the great moment of the final. “I made an excellent start and I could reach second place on the first bend and then the lead of the race on the first lap”. A tense battle against the best world drivers began. All around her – and often behind her – there were several World and European Champions. At the start of the fourth lap, Beitske managed to regain the first place she had lost two laps earlier. But the trap closed in on her. The two drivers she battled with did not treat her with white gloves and one of the touches was fatal to her. Her steering column was warped and she quickly dropped down the order, before retiring at the start of the sixth lap. “It was a great disappointment. I know that I had the capacities to achieve something good. What cannot be forgotten, however, is the incredible competitiveness she showed throughout the weekend in all the conditions…

Praga: Higher and Higher

Beitske Visser continues to be the perfect ambassador of Praga, the brand new chassis make created in collaboration with Intrepid Kart. As at the final round of the WSK Euro Series at Zuera, the Dutch female karter was again the fastest among the “Intrepid Driver Program” drivers. At Genk, with her team, she followed again some excellent technical advice for her kart setup. Without forgetting the brilliant work done by engine tune-up specialist Tec-Sav on her TM engines. Beitske Visser taking the lead of the final race of this World Cup for KZ1 will definitely be one of the most exciting moments of the weekend.

Information and photo courtesy of Kartcom