CKN Euro Report: A Pair of Canadian Podiums in Spain at Rotax Euro Challenge

Round three of the Rotax Euro Challenge was on track this past weekend in Zuera, Spain. The long and challenging track featured the four main Rotax categories, where six drivers flew the Canadian Maple Leaf on International soil.

Two of those Canadians put forth brilliant drives en route to podium position finishes.

Ben Cooper placed his KMS/Birel on the pole-position on Friday, pacing much of the weekends events. Ultimately finishing in second place in Sunday’s Final, Cooper maintained control of his championships points lead entering the final round in France.

Ben Cooper (l) earned his third straight Euro Challenge DD2 podium appearance (Photo courtesy: Rotax Euro Challenge)

In Rotax Senior, Zachary Claman DeMelo sought some retribution after his podium result last month in Italy was rescinded due to penalties. DeMelo’s Intrepid was a force to reckoned with as he drove to a third place finish in the Final. Proving he is one of the fastest Senior drivers on the planet right now, it’s only time before DeMelo will be on the top of the podium.

“The weekend was great! I’m very happy with how everything went and everyone helping me did a great job! Obviously we wanted to win but we missed a little bit of pace in the final and I’m sure we will be able to build on this podium for the upcoming races!” – Zachary Claman DeMelo

Also in attendance, Alessandro Bizzotto had a solid outing in his second trip across the pond. Improving on his previous performance, Bizzotto advanced to the Final on Sunday, finishing 23rd in Rotax DD2.

Zachary Claman DeMelo (r) was third in Rotax Senior (Photo courtesy: Rotax Euro Challenge)

Making his European debut on the weekend, Fred Woodley was very impressive, even if his results didn’t show it. Advancing all the way to ninth place in the DD2 prefinal, Woodley unfortunately came in just underweight at the scales forcing him to start the Final from the rear. But an issue getting his engine fired on the grid, forced Woodley to watch from the sidelines as his class went to battle.

In Rotax Junior, both of our Canadian drivers were forced to Last Chance Race following their heat races to make it to the Finals. Gianfranco Mazzaferro snuck in with the final transfer position, but Nataël Cantin was one position short. It was another tough weekend for out Junior drivers who will now bring their new experiences back to Canada.