Brands Hatch step into the unknown for PK Carsport

Almost two months after the very successful season opener in Valencia, the PK Carsport team travels to Brands Hatch next weekend, for the second round of the Nascar Whelen Euro Series. Despite the fact that the Belgian team is leading all the championships, both Bert Longin and Anthony Kumpen do not really know what to expect at the short Indy-circuit in Kent.

Bert Longin and Anthony Kumpen are sharing the lead in the Elite 1-championship, Neal Van Vaerenbergh leads in Elite 2 and PK Carsport occupy the top two positions in the team championship. No need to say that the members of the PK Carsport team were pretty happy when they left Valencia after the opening round of the 2014 Nascar Whelen Euro Series.
“A better start would be hard to imagine, indeed", Bert Longin smiles. “But this does not mean that will take the upcoming rounds for granted. I am sure that the other teams have worked hard since Valencia and have developed their cars. I expect the competition to be very tough in Brands Hatch, especially with drivers like Christophe Bouchut or Bas Leinders. They are not the kind of drivers that accept defeat easily."
The races of the American Speedfest II are held on the two kilometre long Indy-circuit of Brands Hatch. “That means that the qualifying sessions are very important", states Longin, whose car will be driven by Jerry De Weerdt in the Elite 2-races. “If you qualify outside the top-5, it will be almost impossible to get a good result. Especially since there is only one real overtaking opportunity, going into Paddock Hill Bend. Of course, I will do my utmost best to conquer pole again, but that is easier said than done. You cannot forget that this championship is still very new to us, and that is why I don’t really know what to expect in Brands Hatch. It still is a step into the unknown. But after our results of Valencia, we owe it to ourselves to aim high."
Preparations for the second round of the championship have not been ideal for PK Carsport. Chief Engineer Frederick Vrancken is absent due to personal reasons and his absence will not make the team’s task easier.
“In Valencia we had a difficult start of the weekend", Anthony Kumpen recalls. “But through hard work during the practice sessions, we managed to get to the front. But in Spain the weather remained constant. Next weekend we might have to deal with changing conditions in Brands Hatch and considering our lack of experience in the matter, it will not make our task any easier. But I am convinced that we are in better shape than two months ago."
“It’s up to us to score as many points possible, in all championship", Kumpen concludes. “Neal Van Vaerenbergh being absent in Brands Hatch, it is a good opportunity for Maxime Dumarey (third in the standings, ed.) to gain some places. Jerry De Weerdt could perform well as well, since he has some experience in the Nascar Whelen Euro Series."
Although it is only the second edition of the American Speedfest, the event has become immensely popular in a short amount of time. Monster Trucks, live concerts, car shows and of course the Nascar races produce a unique event. Easily accessible for continental racefans as well, since Brands Hatch is only an hour’s drive away from the Folkestone Eurotunnel terminal. More information on www.speedfest.co.uk