Young rising star on the karting horizon, Niklas Krütten, closely missed his very-first podium finish in an international Top-Event at the second round of the WSK Super Masters Series in Sarno (Italy). The 13-year-old was running in a promising third place until the final corner, but an accident none of his fault spoilt his run to the podium. A 17th position in the end for the young gun meant he was once again the best German driver in a high-level entry list with 53 starters from 24 nations in the OK Junior category, collecting important championship points.
A total of 201 drivers from 33 nations competed in four categories at the second round of the WSK Super Masters Series at the Circuito Internazionale di Napoli. The start to Niklas weekend in the OK Junior class did not go as planned though. Changing weather and track conditions made the tyre choice a gamble. Niklas took to the track on slicks slightly too early and only managed P44 in the end.
Despite the disappointment, the young driver showed a great charge from the back with a lot of fighting spirit and his driving skills. Niklas started into the four Heats from P18 on the grid, finishing in 11, ninth, 13 and eighth. Those results meant that the driver from Trier had already climbed up the ladder by 25 positions into P19 on Saturday. Only a problem with the carburetor hindered him from improving his positions.
Underneath the beaming Italian sunshine, Niklas started into the pre-final full of high-class drivers from 10th on the grid on Sunday. Niklas continued his impressive charge to the front and finished in fourth place after 12 laps. He had secured his place in the final with this great qualification and would start from P8. Despite having used his new set of tyres in the pre-run, Niklas managed to fight his way up into third place until the final lap on old rubbers. Just right before the finish of the race, another driver drove over Niklas´ kart causing significant damage and Niklas rolled over the finishing line in disappointing 17th position.
“It is more than frustrating to see how close I was to get my first podium in such a high-class event, and only to be put back seconds before the end of the race due to an accident that I was not responsible for”, said Niklas after the race. “But I think my charge from the back and my performance after the qualifying speak for themselves. I have been able to compete with the top drivers and I am once again the best driver from Germany. Big thank you to my team Ricky Flynn Motorsports, who did a fantastic job the whole weekend.”
Niklas' racing season continues in two weeks at the WSK Super Masters on the International Circuit La Conca.
