Since its inception in 2009, the Rotax Winter Cup has become the popular curtain raiser to the Euro Max series - and this year, Dan Holland Racing is fielding an exciting line-up.
Making their European debuts at this week’s (10-14 February) event are the team’s two Junior drivers, Jack Barlow and George Williams. In the Senior ranks, DHR has five very talented drivers in Ross Wylie, Ryan Denton, Jack Dex, Aaron Head and Formula BARC Renault returnee, David Sutton.
Speaking from the trackside in Spain, team owner Dan Holland says: “All the lads are capable of challenging for trophies. Jack Dex is fast, as is Ryan who has been very quick in testing. Ryan is making his international debut but has had a lot of success at home, the experience of which I’m sure he’ll draw upon this week. Ross has competed in several European meetings before and came third at Salbris (in France) last year. He should be really strong here (at Campillos)”.
He adds, “David won at this level when he was in Juniors and has done a lot of testing in readiness for his return to karting. I wouldn’t be surprised if he caused an upset. Aaron will be fired-up after finishing second at PFi last weekend, against very strong competition. He won’t hang about either – he’ll be quick”.
Although his two youngest drivers will make their international bows at Campillos, Dan is confident that they won’t be overawed: “Jack (Barlow) faces a big challenge. He’s still settling in to the team and last week’s club race was very tough for him. But, he didn’t lose his head and we all put 100% into it. He ended up with a top ten finish, and in the middle part of the race he was one of the fastest men on the track. He’ll be good, no doubt.
“George is a very smooth driver and I think the European style of racing will suit him. I think he could do very well and should fit into the top ten – precisely where, is up to him.” There is a certain irony that a sleepy little town of just 8,000 inhabitants should boast one of Europe’s largest and most exciting kart tracks. However, Campillos - described by former Grand Prix ace Martin Brundle as the karting equivalent of a Grand Prix circuit - has firmly established itself as the spiritual home of the Rotax Winter Cup.
The event gets underway on Wednesday (10/2/2010) with free practice. Timed qualifying will take place on Friday before the heats on Saturday and Sunday’s all important finals.
