Tamás Gender Junior successfully completed his first senior kart race at the legendary Trofeo delle Industrie, held annually at the renowned South Garda Karting track in Lonato, Italy. The VictoryLane Karting driver delivered an impressive performance in the highly competitive OK-N category.
Tamás Gender Junior completed his first race in the OK class kart on a familiar track but under new conditions. The 14-year-old driver took to the track with his new team, VictoryLane Karting, driving a Kart Republic kart. Although he’s well-acquainted with the venue, the increased power presented a fresh challenge.
Just a month prior, he was competing in an OK Junior kart, but this time he raced with the much stronger and faster OK class kart. The Kart Republic model he drove is extremely lightweight, around 75 kilograms, powered by a 125 cc single-cylinder IAME engine. The chassis is equipped with advanced components, including a specialized racing brake system and aerodynamic parts.
His first competitive experience with this new kart was at the Trofeo delle Industrie, one of the oldest and most prestigious karting competitions worldwide, held since 1971. Renowned drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, who later became world-famous in Formula 1, have won here. The event provides an excellent platform for young talents to test themselves against an international field and showcase their skills.
Gender Junior's debut went well: he started strong in the OK-N category during free practice, topping the even-numbered group, and although he was just outside the top 10 in the timed sessions, he steadily improved his position throughout the races.
As a result, in his first OK race, during the B-C Heat, he improved by 8 positions and finished in 11th place. Then, during the A-C Heat, he continued to move forward and on a wet track, he overtook 11 competitors to finish in 9th place. The success continued on Sunday, where he left 8 rivals behind in the Pre-final and finished in 9th place, securing a spot in the final of the Trofeo delle Industrie.
Another challenge awaited Tamás Gender Junior among the category's best, but the 14-year-old competitor rose to the occasion. Starting from 9th place, he improved by 4 positions, so in his first OK-N category Final, he crossed the finish line in 5th place, exceeding the modest expectations due to the category change.
“In the Final, I achieved 5th place in one of the most prestigious karting races, the Trofeo delle Industrie. I had a great weekend with my new team, VictoryLane, and the Kart Republic chassis. Thanks to the team, Giulio, my engine tuner, Zele Bau, and my parents for their efforts!” – said Tamás Gender Junior at the end of the race weekend.
The young driver has more competitions lined up: he will race next at the WSK Final Cup, starting on November 6, 2024, in Lonato. The Pre-final and Final will take place on Sunday, November 10, 2024.
