Mettet - 05/03
The first race of the Belgian Xcar Championship was held last
weekend at the Jules Tacheny circuit in Mettet. Under varying
weather conditions, Kobe Pauwels came to the start with his Mygale
Xcar for the first time. The reigning champion had a difficult
day, but looks to the future with his head held high!
On a dry track the young pilot from Leopoldsburg managed to set
the fastest time during practice on Sunday morning, a nice
confidence boost heading into the 1st heat of the year. On the dry
track, with rain clouds hanging over the circuit, he took an
excellent start where he drove into the lead from the 1st meter
and did not relinquish it to finish 3.774 seconds ahead of his
nearest competitor.
For the 2nd and 3rd heats, the rain clouds had burst open and it was his first metres in the rain in the Mygale Xcar for the 18-year-old. Both heats he managed to take another very good start, to be allowed to take the jump down first each time. Still exploring the car in wet conditions, Kobe managed to finish the 2nd heat in a nice 2nd place overall. He also secured that place in the last heat of the day, finishing just 0.334 thousandth of a second off 1st place.
For the 2nd and 3rd heats, the rain clouds had burst open and it was his first metres in the rain in the Mygale Xcar for the 18-year-old. Both heats he managed to take another very good start, to be allowed to take the jump down first each time. Still exploring the car in wet conditions, Kobe managed to finish the 2nd heat in a nice 2nd place overall. He also secured that place in the last heat of the day, finishing just 0.334 thousandth of a second off 1st place.
These 1st and 2 2nd places resulted in pole position for the
semi-finals. Trying to get a good start, and then controlling the
pace to give everything in the final was the plan. Kobe shot out
of the starting blocks and came out of the 1st corner with a wide
lead. The gap between the pilots behind him widened and widened,
and everything seemed under control. Unfortunately, on braking the
1st corner a lap later, the right front suspension broke down.
With heavy disappointment, he had to watch the rest of the race
along the crash barrier.
" It's a heavy disappointment, there could have been a lot more. Unfortunately I was the unlucky one this time, but that's part of the sport. I am very happy with the Mygale! This car is very good on the track and I was able to convert that into fast lap times. Not the season start I had hoped for to defend my title. But I am sure that in Arendonk, for race 2 of the championship, me and the new XC04 will be in top form, fighting for victory!"
" It's a heavy disappointment, there could have been a lot more. Unfortunately I was the unlucky one this time, but that's part of the sport. I am very happy with the Mygale! This car is very good on the track and I was able to convert that into fast lap times. Not the season start I had hoped for to defend my title. But I am sure that in Arendonk, for race 2 of the championship, me and the new XC04 will be in top form, fighting for victory!"
2nd Quali Position
7 overtakes
15th Place
41.119
Contact
You can reach us on the phone-number: +32 470 04 56 17 or send an email to the following email address: kobe@kobepauwels.be