Kay Karssemakers ends the season in 16th
During the finals of the EMX125 and EMX250 championships in Sweden, the KTM Diga Junior Racing riders remained hungry. On the hard circuit of Uddevalla only Kay Karssemakers scored points. He lived to be 24 in totalth.
After a year's absence, the Uddevalla circuit, about 100 kilometers north of Gothenburg, made another appearance on the World Cup and European Championship calendars. Kay Karssemakers had his sights set on a strong finish to his first European 125cc campaign.
Although Kay qualified easily with a 13de position in his group did not result in a very good starting position. During an overtake in the first moto he got a rock hard on his collarbone. Fortunately, the young Dutchman did not suffer a fracture from the impact, but he was unable to continue driving. From the backline, Karssemakers fought his way to a creditable 17 the next dayde place. In the final standings of the European Championship, the #33 KTM Diga Junior Racing rider leaves 16de place, making him the third Dutchman in the championship.
Jarni Kooij had to wait and see how he would digest the Swedish GP. Kooij had suffered bruised ribs during the GP in Lommel and therefore missed a lot of motorcycle training. Jarni also qualified but never found his niche in Uddevalla. His best result of the weekend was a 30th place in the second series.
After Lommel, VLM Inters 250 champion Greg Smets got another taste of EMX250 action. Smets narrowly missed out on qualifying on Saturday. Despite his status as second reserve driver, Greg was still allowed to show up on Sunday. Smets was now feeling better, but due to a fall in the eighth round he had to settle for a 37th place.
Kay Karssemakers: “The start here was super important in my opinion. From the 25th place it was always difficult. After a few laps my first race was over due to that hard stone chip on my collarbone. Fortunately, we were able to treat it well and I was not left with anything. In the second moto my starting system was out of order and I had a very bad start. Still, I was able to get to the front well, halfway through I was 16de. All in all, not bad, but it is a shame that I had to slow down at the end.”
Jarni Kooij: “It was a very difficult weekend. The combination of a new circuit that was very different from what I am used to, the lack of riding time and a less feeling with the bike meant that I was never actually in the flow. On the other hand, I just finished the motos every time and was able to gain more experience. That was a plus, but of course more is needed at this level to achieve results.”
Greg Smets: “Admittedly, it was sad for the riders who did not receive approval from the doctor to be allowed to drive. So the fact that I was allowed to start was a boost. Especially considering the circumstances, a long trip and in the middle of my re-exams! On Sunday the circuit was very nice and dry. Until my fall I was around 30th post what was correct given my speed here. After my crash I rode it safe but I am happy with the experience and I had fun.”
Photos: Eric Laurijssen
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