WSK finale despite bruised rib
Last weekend, young driver Niklas Krütten from Trier started at the second race of the WSK Super Masters Series in Castelletto (Spain). Due to a bruised rib, the youngster went into the race weakened, but was able to show a lot of will power and managed to enter the big finale.
The race in Castelletto had everything to offer for Niklas Krütten. 65 top-class drivers from 22 nations started on the 7 Laghi Circuit. It was the 12-year-old rookie’s first appearance on the 1.257m long track. Niklas couldn’t have had a worse starting position though: A bruised rib held the British Forza Racing team’s driver back. “We’ve only driven a few laps during the free trainings to go easy on the ribs and keep the pain level as low as possible”, Niklas explained afterwards.
During qualifying he just had to bear it then: despite the pain he drove his laps and ended up on 56th position. He received help on Friday evening: kart seat expert Steve Tillett custom-tailored Niklas a protector. The ribs were protected better and the pain was less. Due to his bad starting position it was hard for him during the heats though – on the overall list of rankings after the heats he stayed on 56th place.
On Sunday, the weather came as a help to the Tony kart driver. Heavy rain caused new conditions. The slippery track and difficult conditions were good for Niklas. He showed a great catching up race during the pre-finale and was able to fight his way forward from 28th starting position to 14th place. Nikals had achieved entering the big finale and could hardly believe his luck: “What a rollercoaster! I actually had already written off this weekend, now I’m in the finale. That’s just unbelievable! A big thank you to Steve Tillett – without his protector I would have had to forfeit yesterday.”
The finale’s 16 laps became quite the waterfight then. Torrential rain partially flooded the track and required the drivers’ full skills. Niklas proved his fighting ability and temporarily drove forward to 17th place. On the last few meters he experienced a slight setback then. After a collision Niklas got stuck with a competitor and only finished on 24th place. “Unfortunately I was turned shortly after the start and thereby lost a couple of places. The catching up race then went really well until the last lap. Thanks to the whole team for their unique support. We’re getting faster and faster race after race”, Niklas rejoiced on Sunday evening.
He is going to be back in his kart on Friday already. Then, the venerable Tropheo Andrea Margutti is going to take place in Lonato. “I can hardly wait for the start, because I already know the track in Lonato quite well and I’m optimistic,” said the young driver.