Rinus van Kalmthout second in Dutch Championship at Hahn
In preparation for the first round of the Rotax US Open in New Orleans Rinus van Kalmthout took part in the second round of the Dutch Championship on the circuit of Hahn in Germany. Along with Kay van Berlo, Van Kalmthout dominated all three heats. With two second places and a victory the 15-year-old karter finished second overall. A useful exercise that indicates Van Kalmthout is ready for the tough competition in America.
From 21 to 24 April the circuit of New Orleans is hosting the season-opener of the Rotax Max US Open championship. Last season, Rinus van Kalmthout proved to be a revelation with second position in the overall standings. In his three-week race break Van Kalmthout decided to take part in the Dutch Championship Rotax Max Seniors on the Hunsruckring at Hahn, in order to keep up his race pace.
In 2013, Van Kalmthout ended his season on a high on this technical and fast track by taking the Dutch junior title. The word has been out that this kart circuit will soon close down, so this was a great opportunity for a final event on this great track. Setting a second-best time during qualifying, just 0.025 off pole position, confirmed Van Kalmthout's good feeling about this track.
In race one, Van Berlo and Van Kalmthout smoothly took off from the rest of the field. Van Kalmthout was on the heels of the race leader the whole race long, but his opponent defended strongly and never gave away the lead. The 15-year-old youngster had to allow Van Berlo a 0.075 second lead at the finish, but improved the track record at Hahn with a fastest lap of 58.695 s.
The second race became almost a copy of the first race. Again, Van Berlo and Van Kalmthout created a gap to the pursuers, but the young KNAF talent couldn’t find a way to pass his rival. At the finish, Van Kalmthout was literally on the back of his adversary, losing out by a mere 0.069 sec.
In the initial phase of the third and final race the same scenario seemed to apply. This time, however, Van Kalmthout managed to take the lead after a few laps. He didn't make any mistakes and won the race. With two second places and a victory Van Kalmthout took second at the event. His goal of a good rehearsal for the US Open was consummately achieved.
Because of this excellent preparation, Rinus van Kalmthout confidently heads to the first round of the Rotax US Open from 21 to 24 April. Van Kalmthout is eager for a good result at NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans, as a first step to at least emulate his 2015 success.
