Rotax Max Challenge Releases Chassis Selections for 2009 Grand Finals

The Rotax Max Challenge has selected the chassis manufacturers that will support the 2009 Grand Finals, set to take place December 9-12 at the Ghibli Raceway International in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The 10th running of the Grand Finals will be the second trip to the country of Egypt with the previous visit coming in the 2003 event. The chassis selections for the 2009 event will be CRG, CRG, and Maranello for the DD2, Senior and Junior categories.

“The chassis partners play a very important role at the RMCGF. Their top quality products, their professionalism in doing business as well as the experience and knowledge of their employees will support the spirit of the Grand Finals fair racing on an even playing field,” commented BRP-Rotax in a recent release.

In the first years of the RMCGF, drivers would ship their own karts and equipment to the annual event. This created logistical challenge for the organizers and competitors. During the first trip to Egypt, the Junior class was provided a complete kart (CRG) where as the Senior division were on their own equipment. The experiment proved a success and all classes moved to a spec model for 2004.

The headline DD2 category will utilize the CRG Dark Rider 32mm DD2 chassis. The model is the same used last year in La Conca for the 2008 Grand Finals. The CRG Black Star 30/32mm frame will be the choice for the Senior drivers. CRG returns as the Senior chassis provider for the first time since 2005 in Malaysia. Maranello, who provided the Senior chassis in 2008, will now be the Junior category chassis supporter with the RS9 30mm model. A total of 72 karts are supplied for each class with as many as ten spare karts in reserve per class. The karts are already assembled when arriving to the circuit, thus all drivers need to do is install the seat, ballast, and personal data systems along with mounting the tires.

“I was happy to read the announcement of the chassis selections from BRP-Rotax,” stated Rotax Max Challenge USA National Race Director Marshall Martin. “CRG has again stepped up to provide chassis for one of the most high-profile international races on the karting calendar. Since the beginning, CRG has been the most consistent supporter and supplier for the Rotax Max Challenge. As one of the world's premier chassis manufacturers, this dedication and effort proves that the Rotax program is an important market for them and every other chassis manufacturer. The drivers in all three categories will be aboard the best chassis available for the biggest event of the year.”

The Rotax Max Challenge USA Grand Nationals is set for September 14-19, 2009 at the Oklahoma Motorsports Complex, which will determine the national champions in six categories along with the selections of the official Mazda Team America’s to represent the United States at the Grand Finals in Egypt. eKartingNews.com will have complete coverage of each event along with updates throughout the year leading up to both races.