"ROTAX Word Finals 2001" JANUARY 27, 2002 - Two Americans made the finals grid for the 2001 ROTAX Max World Finals, just finished in Langkawi, Malaysia. It is particularly hot and humid today, again, an element to which most of the competitors at this international event are not accustomed. Tim Lobaugh, who started the pre-final in eighth place, but then blew up an engine, entered the main in 31st position. He finished the 25 lap main in 23rd place with a best lap time of 1:02:673; he'd felt the competition strong throughout. Tim ran a solid and consistent race, but it proved not enough to beat the bulk of the pack. Jason Bowles, whose race ended five laps early, spent his best lap, #7, at 1:02:064. Jason started the pre-final in 6th place and had moved up to fourth during the pre-final, but was punted, only able then to secure a grid position of 27, spun off the track on lap 20. Undaunted by neither the weather nor the competition, the first place podium position was earned by Claudio Piazza-Muzzo, of South Africa, with a best lap-time of 1:01:778. Second was taken by Scott Auld, of Australia, with the quickest lap-time of 1:01:765, and third by Martin Pierce, of the UK, with 1:01:785. The entire global ROTAX karting community congratulates these true World Champions. The race, at this 1230 meter track, named MIKC (for MORAC International Karting Circuit), was attended by nearly one thousand spectators. The nation's Prime Minister and the Minister of Youth and Sports attended and were part of the pre-race ceremony. After the race conclusion, interviews were given to the local media and internation press, and a concert got underway, given by national Malaysian talent. Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad, had written in his welcome address: "Presently, Malaysia is already well-known in the world, for hosting one leg of the Formula One championship. However, we need more grass-roots [motorsports] participation and karting is the vest avenue for most people to start in motorsports. It gives participants an understanding of the technology behind speed and motion, and it can become an important catalyst in spurring more research and development. As the go-kart team is commonly made up of family members, it can instill good family values while bonding them together." An opportunity was given after the race to speak to executives from all the major event sponsors, Denso Spark Plugs, Bridgestone Tires, MOFAZ, MORAC, and more. At a post-race press conference, ROTAX introduced their brand-new direct drive engine and race kart (chassis) technology. Bombardier is not only in the kart engine business, but as of this press conference, they are officially in the chassis business, as well. Their new chassis, specifically designed only for the direct-drive engine, is absolutely revolutionary. It boasts new technology that will revolutionize chassis manufacture and tuning. ROTAX Kart Center Manager, Mr. Helmut Voglsam, commented: "This is the culmination of a great deal of research and effort. We are very excited to introduce this product to the world". Details of the new chassis and engine will be available through your international importers. In the U.S., this is SSC Racing. Please visit www.rmaxchallenge.com for a complete photo journal from this event and get updates to the 2002 U.S. Rmax Challenge program details. Click here to check out the ROTAX Max Challenge Series!