JOURNAL Issue 3/2013
Praga R1 in Action The new race car is making waves in its first season
EDITORIAL
Editorial
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ummer is almost over and the racing season is nearing an end, but there’s still many things Praga is looking forward to in the final months of the year. Our feature this issue is the Praga R1, which is now officially in production and has shown outstanding performance in competition this summer, taking over the podium at Gamma Racing Days. As we’ve tracked the progress of the R1 from its development, we’re now seeing it for the first time in action, and the results are impressive. In North America, young talented driver Matthew Di Leo has become one of Praga’s newest partners and sponsored drivers, a debut made at the Toronto Honda Indy this July. Praga is an official chassis partner for the ROTAX Max Challenge Grand Finals, held at NOLA Motorsports Park this year, and we preview the new upgrades made to the special RGF version of the Praga Dragon. We also recap our week at the extraordinary 24H Le Mans race with our Lotus Praga team, present our new Praga Teamwear clothing line, and as always there’s tips and advice for novice drivers. Stay tuned for the next and last issue of the year, where we preview our driver lineup for SKUSA Supernationals and give you a wrap-up of our year.
Krystle Carrara Director of Media Relations
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éto je téměř za námi a závodní sezona se blíží konci, ale Praga má přesto několik věcí, na které se těší v posledních měsících tohoto roku. V tomto čísle se zaměříme především na Praga R1, která je nyní oficiálně v produkci a ukázala vynikající výsledky v závodech v průběhu tohoto léta, když vyhrála Gamma Závodní Dny. Sledovali jsme R1 od jejího vývoje, a nyní jí vidíme v akce, a výsledky jsou úctyhodné. V Severní Americe, se mladý talentovaný jezdec Matthew Di Leo stal jedním z nejnovějších partnerů a sponzorovaných jezdců Pragy, a debutoval v Torontu na Hondě Indy v červenci. Praga Je oficiálním partnerem pro ROTAX Max Challende Grand Finals, které letos probíhá v NOLA Motorsports Parka a my vám přinášíme náhled na zlepšení, které proběhlo na speciální RGF verzi Praga Dragon. Dále zrekapitulujeme náš týden na 24H Le Mans závodu s naším Lotus Praga týmem, představíme novou kolekci Praga oblečení, a nebude chybět ani stálá rubrika rad a typů pro začínající závodníky. Další a poslední vydání tohoto časopisu přináší přehled jezdců na SKUSA Supernationals a shrneme si celý rok.
JOURNAL Issue 3/2013
Praga R1 in Action The new race car is making waves in its first season
Praga Journal quarterly magazine, 3/2013 | Praga Journal, čtvrtletník 3/2013 Issued on: 10 September 2013 | Vychází: 10.září 2013 This issue was printed in a volume of 19.000 copies Praga-Export s.r.o. U Císařské cesty 219, Praha 10, 103 00, IČ: 275 77 171 | MK ČR E 20631 Editors: Krystle Carrara, Sandra Šándorová Graphic Design: Petr Končal Photographer/Media: Tadeáš Marek Cover photo: Tadeáš Marek
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CONTENT
Content
10-11
News and Events
ROTAX Grand Finals 2013 Preview
13-15
North America
Praga and MDL Racing Partner Up
16-21 Feature
Praga R1 at Gamma Racing Days
22-27
Endurance Race Series
24H of Le Mans
29-31 Lifestyle
New Praga Teamwear Collection
32-33
Tips and Advice
by Petr Ulbert
Watch the live shows and highlights from FIA World Endurance Championship 2013 on TV SPORT 5!
22/06/2013 • 24 hours of LeMans 01/09/2013 • 6 hours of Sao Paulo 22/09/2013 • 6 hours of Circuit of the Americas 20/10/2013 • 6 hours of Fuji 10/11/2013 • 6 hours of Shanghai 30/11/2013 • 6 hours of Bahrain
SPORT 5 also covers other prestigious motorsport series • Superstars Series and Superstars GT Sprint • ADAC GT Masters • Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters • FIA World Rally Championship • FIA GT Series and Blancpain Endurance Series • Porsche Super Cup • and many others...
FIRST CZECH AND SLOVAK MOTORSPORT TV MORE INFO AT WWW.SPORT5.CZ
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CAPTURING THE ACTION
Photo: Tadeáš Marek
CAPTURING THE ACTION
The new Praga R1 and Czech Playmate Eva Perkausova. We're not sure which one is more beautiful, the girl or the car!
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NEWS & EVENTS
Official Opening of the Praga Arena Czech Republic | 3.7.2013 Oficiální otevření Praga Arény Horní Počernice | 3.7.2013 Photos: Tadeáš Marek
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n the beginning of July, the official opening of the new Praga Arena was held inside the newly built complex, located just outside of Prague, Czech Republic. The event was attended by 60 guests, including Praga mechanics, drivers, employees as well as special guests and national journalists. Praga owner Petr Ptacek gave an opening speech to welcome guests. Then he, along with some other adventurous guests, jumped into a kart for a test drive on the indoor karting track. For those guests wanting to relax and mingle, there was a rich banquet of food and drink provided by Praga Arena. On display was the Praga R4, flanked by lovely, hostesses in sexy Praga uniforms. The event captured spirit of racing: a friendly meeting of motorsport fans. •
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ačátkem Července proběhlo oficiální otevření Praga Arény nedaleko Černého mostu. Akce se zúčastnilo na 60 hostů, včetně několika Praga mechaniků, jezdců, zaměstnanců a novinářů. Nechyběl ani majitel společnosti Praga-Export Petr Ptáček, který mimo jiné pronesl úvodní řeč. Poté neváhal, a společně s hosty, jako správný Praga závodník, zasedl za motokáru, a všichni zúčastnění se jeli prohánět po dráze. Pro hosty, kterým se již z krkolomných zatáček motala hlava, byl připraven bohatý raut, o který se postarala Praga Aréna. Celá akce se nesla v duchu závodění, a přátelského setkání příznivců motorsportu, a k vidění byl i okruhový speciál Praga R4, u kterého pózovali milé hostesky v Praga sexy uniformách. •
NEWS & EVENTS
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Praga Arena in numbers and details -- Total Area: 17.000m2 -- The facility has 26 Praga karts: 14 classic, 6 racing, and 6 children’s -- Praga Restaurant has a capacity of 160 seats, and an outdoor garden with seating for 80 -- Modern facilities are equipped with LCD screens and projectors -- The hall is equipped with heating and cooling systems -- Organization of corporate events is our ultimate entertainment -- 4 track configurations with an average length of 650 meters, track width 7m, variable constraints, maximum security, electronic timing, racing asphalt track surface -- Large parking capacity -- From 2013 outdoor racing will also be available For more information or to discover the great atmosphere of Praga Arena, visit www.pragaarena.cz
Praga Aréna v číslech a údajích -- Rozloha Praga Arény je celkem 17000m2 -- K dispozici je 26 motokár značky Praga, z toho je 14 klasických, 6 závodních a 6 dětských -- Restaurace Praga má kapacitu 160 míst, venkovní zahrádka má kapacitu 80 míst -- Moderní zázemí je vybaveno LCD obrazovkami a projektory -- Hala je vytápěná s možností temperované teploty -- Pořádání firemních akcí je u nás maximální zábavou -- 4 dráhy s průměrnou délkou 650m, šířka tratě 7m, variabilní mantinely, maximální bezpečnost, elektronická časomíra, povrch tratě je závodní asfalt -- Parkoviště s velkou kapacitou parkovacích míst -- Od roku 2013 pro Vás připravujeme venkovní ježdění Pro více informací navštivte webové stránky Praga Arény, a přesvědčte se sami o její skvělé atmosféře www.pragaarena.cz
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NEWS AND EVENTS
ROTAX Grand Finals Preview As the countdown to the ROTAX Grand Finals continues, Praga is readying itself for what is considered the biggest ROTAX event of the year.
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he brand, which is the official chassis partner in the DD2 Masters class, has already released the RGF2013 DD2 PRAGA Dragon, available now for drivers who want to get some testing in before the race. In addition to this year’s overhaul on the DD2 chassis, it also has had some minor upgrades to the mounts, in order to make setup and usage as seamless as possible for the drivers. Not only is Praga an official partner for the event, but IPK sister brand OK1 is also the official chassis of the MicroMax class,
a position that Praga itself held last year. The factory believes this is a very important event for its two brands, one that could heavily influence its position both in ROTAX and the North American market. Says CEO Daniel Sliva. "IPKarting is proud to provide 77 Praga DD2 chassis and 38 OK1 MicroMax chassis for the Grand Finals. Praga and OK1 are still quite new brands in the karting world, so it’s very important for us to show the quality and the high performance of our products to all the best drivers."
NEWS AND EVENTS
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DD2 driver Marco Di Leo
The PRAGA Dragon RGF2013 DD2 edition is completely different from the 2012 versions; the result of nine months of IPK's technical improvements made with the assistance of the Praga’s teams: Praga Sumako Team, IPK North America, and Josh Hart Racing."At the Florida Winter Tour, we tested the first prototype chassis, and we were surprised by the results obtained with the improvements" said
IPK engineers. "Lap times have been excellent from the start, with a gap of 4-5 tenths of a second faster compared to the previous year. These excellent results allowed us to get the second place in the Florida Winter Tour 2013 with driver Marco Di Leo (Rotax DD2 category) and eligibility to win the Rotax Max Euro Challenge 2013 championship with Alessandro Manetti (DD2 masters category)".
DD2 Masters driver Alessandro Manetti
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NEWS AND EVENTS
The PRAGA Dragon RGF 2013 DD2 Chassis The PRAGA Dragon RGF2013 DD2 chassis is characterized by our standard production by the different materials used in its realization: three types of alloy steel of Ø30 and Ø32mm, with a different longitudinal side beam with new geometry and new set supports. Moreover other improvements have been implemented to make the assembly faster and easier: the adoption of new front bumper tubular supports, a new fuel pump support welded on the frame, a new Rotax DD2 air filter support, and a fuel pipe fixing system. Considerable improvements have also been made to the kart's components. The DD2 exhaust silencer supports have been redesigned to have more resistance, but with faster assembly time. The upper supports of the front number holder are designed to better adapt to the dimensions required by the paddle of the gearbox, while the lower one has been fitted with height adjustment to allow a comfortable driving position for taller drivers. Small improvements have been made on the steering wheel hub and the steering lock rings, with revised dimensional tolerances to give the best feeling while steering. The event will take place at the NOLA Motorsports Park, just outside of New Orleans, USA, from 14-18 November. The Praga and IPK team will be on hand to assist drivers in the DD2 Masters and MicroMax classes with over a dozen mechanics, employees, and their own media team to capture the action during the week’s event.
Podium results from ROTAX 2013 Florida Winter Tour 3rd - Marco Di Leo, DD2, Race 1 3rd - Marco Di Leo, DD2, Race 2 2nd - Alessandro Manetti, DD2 Masters, Race 3 2nd - Alessandro Manetti, DD2 Masters, Race 4 2nd - Marco Di Leo, DD2, Race 4 1st - Alessandro Manetti, DD2 Masters, Race 5 2nd - Marco Di Leo, DD2, Florida Winter Tour Race 5 3nd - Marco Di Leo, DD2, Florida Winter Tour Race 6
Rotax Max Euro Challenge 1st - Alessandro Manetti, DD2 Masters, Race 3 1st - Alessandro Manetti, DD2 Masters, Race 4
ECKC 3rd - Marco Di Leo, DD2, ECKC Race 1
ASN Canadian Karting 2nd - Elvis Stojko, DD2 Masters 3rd - John Cariati, DD2 Masters
Updates and improvements to the chassis New Longitudinal Beam design
New Fuel Pipe Fixing Kit
New DD2 Seat Support
New front bumper supports
New Fuel Pump Supports
New DD2 AIR Filter Support
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OPEN
DOOR TO SUCCESS
MDL RACING AND PRAGA DEBUT PARTNERSHIP AT HONDA INDYCAR SERIES
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NORTH AMERICA
Indy Lights owner/driver Di Leo and Praga Motorsport join forces to promote their joint projects.
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raga has formed a new partnership with MDL Racing owner/driver Matthew Di Leo, to promote both the up-andcoming Firestone Indy Lights rookie and Praga’s motorsport endeavours in North America. The partnership was officially introduced to the public at the IZOD IndyCar Series Honda Indy in Toronto on 12-14 July, where Di Leo contested Round Eight of the Indy Lights series. The new MDL Racing and Praga partnership was on full display during Honda Indy in Toronto event, inside the fan village. It featured MDL Racing’s USF2000 Championship car and Praga’s top line of kart chassis on display. The stand proved to be a successful venture, as it garnered interest in the several projects the two are collaborating on. One of these projects includes the MDL Evolution kart race team, which runs exclusively on Praga chassis, with Di
Leo at the helm of driver coaching and data acquisition alongside Technical Manager Adam Kretschmer. Di Leo also uses this team as a launching pad for drivers who wish to move up through the ranks of motorsports, the path which the driver himself is following. Di Leo will also be testing the new Praga R1 car ahead of its introduction into the North American market. Like many talented young racers, Di Leo's first foray in motorsports came via karting, and it is here that the Canadian began his association with the Praga brand. One of the inaugural pilots of a Praga chassis in North America, Di Leo's MDL Racing
squad is reuniting with Praga via this new partnership. "Matthew was one of the first drivers to race on Praga in North America, and he supported and promoted the brand from its inception, so we are happy to return the favor in this collaboration with MDL
Racing," said Praga Director of Media Relations Krystle Carrara. "Di Leo is certainly a talented driver who is going places both on and off the track. We at Praga are happy to be a part of his successful rise, and believe this partnership will help us gain potential clientele in North America." For MDL Racing and Di Leo, the race proved to be a successful affair overall. In only his second-ever series start, the MDL Racing owner/driver made steady progress, earning valuable experience and exposure ahead of a full championship campaign in 2014. After qualifying Di Leo secured a row three starting position via the sixth best time. In the final race he got a good launch, holding his P6 position throughout the opening 20 laps of the 50-lap affair. Unfortunately, just prior to the halfway mark, a rare battery issue not only greatly reduced Di Leo's pace, but ultimately ended his
NORTH AMERICA
race prematurely. Di Leo, despite the less than desired conclusion to his hometown race, exited the event pleased with what he and the MDL Racing squad had achieved. "The weekend went very well I think," stated Di Leo. "We kept improving as a team, making progress every time I was on track. The final result was unfortunate, as we had a battery failure which led to an early retirement. That being said, it was a really great experience to be racing in my hometown. The support was just incredible! I'd like to thank my sponsors RES Precast and Praga for an awesome weekend. I also want to thank my team for their hard work, and my driver coach Cor Euser for coming to my race from the Netherlands." To keep updated on Matthew Di Leo’s racing career and involvement with Praga, visit his site www.matthewdileo.com, or find him on Facebook and Twitter @matthewdileo56. •
Di Leo (right) will be collaborating with Praga on several racing projects, including his participation in the 2013 SKUSA Supernationals race.
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RACE REPORT
Gamma Racing Days Assen, Holland | 3–4 August 2013 The Praga R1 boasts another successful weekend in the Supercar Challenge Series. Photos: Tadeáš Marek
RACE REPORT
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RACE REPORT
t Gamma Racing Days, part of the SuperCar Challenge Series, the Praga Racing team brought out another fantastic performance with its new Praga R1. Spectator turnout was incredible, with over 180,000 people coming out to watch the race, which took place on the TT Circuit Assen in Holland. The Praga R1 competed in the Superlights category, with pilots Danny von Dongen, Jan Charouz, Gabriela Jilkova, and Priscilla Speelman behind the wheel of the new Praga racing car. In only its first season, the R1 has been consistently proving its performance
abilities. On Saturday pilot Jan Charouz won the race for the Superlights category, while on Sunday pilot Danny von Dongen did the same, leading the Praga R1 to have the best overall results in Superlights for the weekend. With an excellent chassis and aerodynamic structure, the R1 proved it could also compete with more powerful cars, as on Saturday Jan Charouz also defended for third place overall in the competition, and on Sunday von Dongen took 4th overall. About the race and the car's performance, he says, "It was our first race weekend in Assen, and the car performed extremely well, just as we expected it would. We were constantly faster and faster throughout the weekend, and also faster
than the Radical, our primary competitor. I was very happy with my lap times, they were consistent, and the car performed very well technically. We also received a lot of positive attention from spectators who passed through our tent to see the car." Even though the Praga R1 has proven itself to be highly competitive against other cars that boast much more horsepower, the Praga team is still looking to make technical modifications which would bring the R1 even further ahead of these competitors. The next race for the R1 and the Praga Racing team will be at Circuit Park Zandvoort in Holland from 6-8 September. •
RACE REPORT
Drivers Jan Charouz and Danny von Dongen both finished 1st in their class and 3rd and 4th respectively at the two races during the Gamma Racing Days weekend.
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RACE REPORT
a Gamma Závodních Dnesch, součást SuperCar Challenge Series, Praga Racing Team předvedla další fantastický výkon s novou Praga R1. Účast diváků byla neskutečná, na 180 000 lidí se přišlo podívat na závod, který se konal na TT okruhu v Holandském Assenu. Praga R1 závodila v categorii Superlightů a za volant se posadil Jan Charouz, Danny von Dongen, Gabriela Jílková a Priscilla Speelman. Pro Pragu R1 je to pouze první sezona, přesto neustále dokazuje své výkonné
dovednosti. V sobotním závodě vyhrál Jan Charouz ve své kategorii a v neděli jej následoval Danny von Dongen. Praga R1 měla tak nejlepší celkové výsledky víkendu v kategorii Superlights. Se svým skvělým podvozkem a aerodynamickou strukturou, Praga R1 dokázala, že je schopná závodit i se silnějšími auty, když v sobotu Jan Charouz obhájil celkovou třetí pozici, a v neděli von Dongen skončil na čtvrté celkové pozici. O závodě a autu říká: „Byl to náš první závodní víkend v Assenu, s Praga R1 si vedla opravdu báječně. Byli jsme rychlejší a rychlejší v průběhu víkendu, dokonce i rychlejší než Radical, náš
hlavní soupeř. Byl jsem nadmíru spokojen s časy, které byly konsistentní, a po technické stránce si auto vedlo velmi dobře. Auto přitáhlo velkou pozornost diváků, kteří se na něj chodili dívat i do našeho stanu.„ Přesto, že Praga R1 dokázala, že umí bojovat i s auty, které mají více koní, celý tým vyvíjí a zlepšuje její technické dovednosti, aby měla R1 ještě větší náskok před konkurencí. Další závod pro R1 a Praga Racing Team se odehraje 6.-8. září, na okruhu Park Zandvoort v Holandsku. •
RACE REPORT
Závodníci Jan Charouz a Danny von Dongen ve své kategorii obsadili první pozici a v Gamma Závodni dny získali během víkendu třetí a čtvrtou pozici.
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RACE SERIES
Praga and 24H of
RACE SERIES
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Lotus at the Le Mans
Photos: Tadeáš Marek
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RACE SERIES
The legendary 24H of Le Mans, which took place at Sarthe, celebrated its 90th anniversary this year. As the highlight of the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship calendar, the Praga Lotus team marked its first participation in the event with their new collaboration on the Lotus Praga T128 LMP2 car.
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he Czech team fielded two of the new cars at the endurance classic, with drivers Kevin Weeda, James Rossiter and Christophe Bouchut at the wheel of car #31, and Thomas Holzer, Dominik Kraihamer and Jan Charouz in sister car #32. The team participated in various events in the week leading up to the race. On Sunday they went through scrutineering checks at Place de la Republique in the centre of Le Mans, where thousands of fans gathered to see the drivers and crew walk through the procession. Tuesday, the official driver signing took place inside the pit lane of the Sarthe circuit. Again on Thursday, the drivers met with fans and signed cards at an autograph session held inside the Lotus stand at the village. At the highly anticipated driver's parade on Friday evening, the team was driven through the parade in old Lotus cars. After all the qualifying sessions, the Lotus-Praga #32 and #31 cars were classified 15th and 16th, respectively in the LMP2 class. At the start of the race, Christophe Bouchut was the driver for car #31 and made up some position in the first laps. Thomas Holzer was at the wheel of #32 for the start and was on a good pace. After
about two hours into the race, Kevin Weeda in car #31 spun and had to stop the car in the track. Said driver Bouchut, “It’s a shame that we had to retire. I would have preferred to finish my 20th race at Le Mans, but that’s racing. We had a good pace during the week and the car has got a lot of potential. I would like to thank the team for their great job.” During the night, Dominik Kraihamer (#32) made very good laps and set constant lap times after an Audi made contact with him, but a failure on the bellhousing consequently caused damages on the fitted auxiliaries and forced the team to retire. Holzer, of the team’s results: “We had to retire this morning. Nevertheless, we had a good car and we were on a good pace. It’s a shame we didn’t cross the finish line. But we will keep on working hard and fight back at the next races.” The team worked hard and showed their efforts throughout the week, and although the results were not as expected, the team is constantly making improvements, and looking forward to their next race, the 6H of Sao Paulo. •
RACE SERIES
cc The drivers at the official autograph signing in the Lotus stand.
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RACE SERIES
Legendární 24H Le Mans, které se konalo v Sarthe oslavilo 90. výročí tohoto závodu. Jako zlatý hřeb kalendáře 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship, Praga Lotus tým se poprvé zúčastnil této události, a na dráhu postavil ve spolupráci s Lotus Praga, automobil T128 LMP2.
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eský tým obsadil celkově dvě auta v Endurance klasik, a za volant usedli následující jezdci: Kevin Weeda, James Rossiter a Christophe Bouchut pod závodním číslem #31, a Thomas Holzer, Dominik Kraihamer a Jan Charouz v sesterském voze číslo #32. V průběhu týdne se tým zúčastnil hned několika akcí, který zakončil již zmíněným závodem. V neděli prošli technickou přejímkou testy v Place de la Republique v centru Le Mans, kde se shromáždilo tisíce fanoušků, aby mohli pozorovat závodníky a jejich posádky v průběhu procesu. V úterý proběhla oficiální autogramiáda přímo na okruhu Sarthe, a ve čtvrtek následovala další, tentokrát v zázemí Lotus ve vesnici. V očekávané páteční přehlídce, se tým ukázal ve starých Lotus autech. Po skončení všech kvalifikacích se závodní auta Lotus-Praga #32 a #31 klasifikovali na 15té a 16té pozici v LMP2 třídě. V začátku závodu se Christophe Bouchut, který závodil pod číslem 31, v prvních několika kolech umístil na slušné pozici. Thomas Holzer pod číslem 32 též odstartoval slibně hned v začátku. Po několika
hodinách závodění musel Kevin Weeda, v aute #31 zastavit auto na dráze. Závodník Bouchut řekl: „ Je to smůla, že jsme museli odstoupit, raději bych dojel svůj dvacátý závod v Le Mans, ale o tom závodění bohužel je. Měli jsme dobré tempo v průběhu závodu, a to auto má veliký potenciál. Chtěl bych poděkovat celému týmu, za jejich skvělou práci.“ V průběhu noci měl Dominik Kraihamer (#32) velmi dobrá kola, a udržoval konstantní časy, poté co navázal kontakt s Audi, nicméně škody, které byly na bellhousing zapříčinili poškození i na fitted auxiliaries a tým tak musel také ze závodu odstoupit. Holzer k výsledkům: „Ráno jsme museli odstoupit. Nicméně jsme měli dobré auto a udržovali dobré tempo. Je škoda, že jsme neprojeli cílovou rovinkou, ale přesto budeme tvrdě pracovat a bojovat v příštích závodech.“ Celý tým tvrdě pracoval a ukázal svou snahu v průběhu celého týdne, a přesto, že výsledky nebyly takové, jaké se očekávaly, tým neustále pracuje na zlepšování a těší se na další závod - 6H v Sao Paolo. •
RACE SERIES
The week was highlighted with events, from autograph sessions to street parades, leading up to the race weekend.
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THE POWER OF MOTORSPORT
RACE CALE NDAR facebook.com/pragakarting
PRAGA KART RACING INTERNATIONAL Date
20.09. - 22.09. 04.10. - 06.10. 18.10. - 20.10. 01.11. - 03.11. 21.11. - 23.11. 21.11. - 24.11.
Race
CIK-FIA World Championship (KZ) CIK-FIA World Championship (KF3) Rd. 1 IAME International Final WSK Final Cup CIK-FIA World Championship (KF) Rd. 2 SKUSA Supernationals
SUPERCAR CHALLENGE Date 08.09. 29.09. 20.10.
youtube.com/pragaexport
Race
Trophy of the Dunes Racing Festival Francorchamps Finale Races
flickr.com/pragakarting
www.pragaglobal.com
LIFESTYLE
Ready to
Wear
The new Praga official teamwear collection is out and its style and design is unparalleled. Custom-made pieces designed with the driver and crew in mind, every detail is oriented to best suit the needs of a life on the racetrack. Our model, Czech race driver Jan Charouz, would know. And with a sleek and sporty style to match its structural design, these pieces will not only get you through the race season, they will get you noticed as well. Take a look at a few of the pieces, and you can view the full collection online at www.pragastore.eu. Photos: TadeĂĄĹĄ Marek
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LIFESTYLE
Praga Softshell Jacket Looking for great year-round protection from the elements with a light-weight, breathable fabric? Then Max-Protect 8000 is the right choice! The softshell jacket has a water resistance of 8.000 H2O, breathability of 5.000 g/m2/24h and a DWR finish provides protection against the weather. Contrasting silver detailing on the shoulders provides a sporty "fresh" look. The main zipper is protected by an inner flap to prevent entry of water or wind inside. Detailing on elbows and cuffs is textured, and the jacket has a slim cut that falls slightly longer in the back. It’s the perfect combination of functionality with authentic Praga branding.
Praga Mechanic Trousers and Belt Practical and functional, these trousers feature pockets on the front and the back, including mobile phone pocket and tool pocket. The legs are shaped in the knees for improved comfort and movement and rigid outer material is used in pocket lining for improved durability, just what every mechanic needs. The waistband is equipped with belt loops, to combine with Praga belt from the collection, with a metal snap closure, blue stitch contrasting, and Praga logos.
LIFESTYLE
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Praga Softshell Vest For warmer days where you still need some protection from the elements, look no further than the softshell vest. Insulation and waterproofing properties (8.000 mm H2O, DWR treatment), wind protection, breathability (5.000 g/m2/24 h) and light-weight material for maximum comfort. It’s the perfect item to layer with your favorite combination of other products in the Praga collection. Designed with functional elements (protective silver panels on shoulders, elastic armholes, protective placket on zippers, protective collar), and completed with authentic Praga branding.
Praga Team Track Jacket The Praga Track Jacket is the perfect second layer. Extremely comfortable with very easy maintenance, its Therm-Tex material is a reinforced 100% polyester, brushed on the reverse side with anti-lump design. It provides excellent thermal insulation and adequate ventilation. The jacket is equipped with a long zipper, two spacious pockets and features original Praga branding.
STORE
The new official Praga Team Wear collection is now availiable at www.pragastore.eu
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TIPS & ADVICE
Tips & Advice by Petr Ulbert Tipy a rady Petra Ulberta Photos: Tadeáš Marek
In our Tips and Advice section, we address the important steps to start or develop a successful motorsport career. In the last issue we described how important it is for the driver to develop their technical education, and in this issue we will continue further on this topic.
V naší rubrice „Rady a nápady“, se věnujeme důležitým krokům, jak začít nebo rozvíjet úspěšnou motoristickou kariéru. V minulém čísle jsme si popsali jak důležité pro jezdce je technické vzdělávaní a popsali jsme jeho základní oblasti. V tomto vydání se budeme tomuto tématu věnovat i nadále.
Technical skills and their direct application
Technické znalosti a jejich přímé uplatnění
A driver who wants to achieve the best results should understand the technique that is used to evaluate racing. Every driver should have a direct comprehension of their telemetry data, which are a summary of all the chassis and engine function and the driver’s driving style. Using their telemetry data, an experienced engineer or driver can recognize mistakes in braking, cornering, and acceleration, work to correct them, and thereby achieve better results. Telemetry data are then transferred to individual performance of the engine, chassis, and tires. This is a situation where a driver with strong technical knowledge can accurately describe the situation on the track to their mechanic and then set up the chassis in the optimum mode.
Jezdec, který chce dosáhnout co nejlepších výsledků, by měl rozumět technice, kterou používá pro závody. Každý jezdec musí také bezvadně ovládat telemetrická data, která jsou shrnutím všech funkcí podvozku, motoru a způsobu jízdy jezdce. V telemetrických datech zkušený inženýr a jezdec rozpozná každou chybu v průjezdech zatáček v brzdění a akceleraci. A tím tak odhalí rezervy pro dosažení lepších výsledků. Telemetrická data jsou pak převáděná na jednotlivé funkčnosti, motoru, podvozku a pneumatik. A to je situace kdy jezdec s technickými znalostmi, umí přesně popsat situaci na dráze a následně pak s mechanikem nastavit techniku do optimálního režimu.
TIPS & ADVICE
33
Tires
A driver who understands the causes of tire wear can adjust the chassis accordingly and ultimately achieve more longevity of their tires, which is critical during races..
Pneumatiky
Jezdec, který rozumí příčinám opotřebení pneumatik je také schopen upravit podvozek podle způsobu jejich opotřebení. Dosažení, co nejdelší životnosti pneumatik je při závodech rozhodující.
Motor and Carburettor
Despite the fact that the telemetry data records the overall engine performance, a driver should still be able to describe its functionality and accurately identify places where there are gaps. Engine performance is not important for only one or two rounds, but must be constant throughout the race.
Motor a karburátor
Přesto, že telemetrická data zaznamenají celou výkonnost motoru, tak musí být jezdec schopen popsat jeho funkčnost a přesně identifikovat místa kde jsou nedostatky. Výkonnost motoru není důležitá na jedno či dvě kola, ale musí být konstantní po celou dobu závodu.
Chassis
Drivers need to understand concepts such understeering, oversteering, and excessive handling of the chassis in order to achieve peak performance. Often times drivers use these terms interchangeably and this leads to incorrect suspension settings, deterioration in driveability, and incorrect tire wear.
Podvozek
Jezdec, který nerozumí pojmům, jako jsou: nedotáčivost, přetáčivost, nadměrná ovladatelnost podvozku, není nikdy schopen dosáhnout špičkových výkonů. Jezdci uvedené pojmy poměrně často zaměňují a tím také dochází k nesprávnému nastavení podvozku a to znamená zhoršení jízdních vlastností a nesprávné opotřebení pneumatik.
We will continue to discuss technical knowledge in the next issue of our Praga Journal. Technickým znalostem se budeme věnovat i v dalším vydání našeho Praga Journalu.
It is essential to ensure drivers are properly trained in technical areas. This results not only in achieving high performance, but also significant financial savings. A driver’s comprehension will lead to their success. Je tedy zcela nezbytné zajistit pro jezdce vzdělávání v technické oblasti. Výsledkem je nejen dosažení špičkových výkonů, ale také výrazná úspora finančních prostředků. Komplexnost jezdce se rovná dosažení úspěchu.
PRAGA DEALERS Europe Europe
Italy - LA NUOVA D.B. MOTORSPORT ASD Piazza San Paolo, 2, 13900 Biella (BI), Contact: Augusto Di Braccio, Email: info@dbkart.com, http://www.dbkart.com, Phone: + 39 328 300 7858 Italy - EVOLUTION KART Via P. Gentile, 61, 97019 Vittoria (RG), Contact: Nunzio Carbone, Email: evolutionkart@virgilio.it, http://www.evolutionkart.it, Phone: +39 392 901 9451 Italy - RACING KART S.N.C. DI MUOLO & LOTITO C.da Coccaro 2, 72015 Fasano (BR), Contact: Orazio Muolo, Email: racingkartmuolo@libero.it, Phone: +39 080 482 9302 Italy - DI FLUMERI KART RACING Corso Italia, 28, 83030 Melito Irpino (AV), Contact: Dino Di Flumeri, Email: diflumeridino@libero.it, Phone : + 39 339 726 1316 Italy - FG RACING SRL S.S. 13 - Pontebbana, 74, 33017 - Tarcento (UD), Contact: Lorenzo e Michele Foschiani, Email: fgracingmajano@virgilio.it, http://www.fgracing.eu, Phone: +390432987781 Italy - ROPE MOTORSPORT DI ZANONI ALESSANDRO VIA I° Maggio, 8, 37010 Cavaion Veronese - Affi (VR), Contact: Zanoni Alessandro, Email: info@rtcomponents.it, http://www.rtcomponents.it, Phone: +39 045 773 2698 Italy - KART RACING STORE Via Settimo Torinese, 18/20, 87040 Momtalto Uffugo (CS), Contact: Pierfrancesco Paletta, Email: info@kartracingstore.it, http://www.kartracingstore.it, Phone: +39 25391843 Italy - VBK PROMOTION Via Giovanni Zaniol, 80/1, 31053 Pieve di Soligo (TV), Contact: Alessandro Berno, Email: vbkpromotion@gmail.com, Phone: +39 333 634 4936 Italy - CAVRIGLIA GARAGE S.R.L. Piazza Addis Abeba n. 1/D, 00199 ROMA, Contact: Mauro Mazzalupi, Email: mauro.mazzalupi@gmail.com, Phone: +39 06 8600761 - +39 328 7038535 Czech, Slovakia - SUMAKO TEAM Lidická 1010, 273 51 Unhošť, Czech Republic, Contact: Petr Ulbert, Email: ulbert@raccheta.cz, http://www.pragakart.cz Germany, Austria - M-TEC KART Siegdamm, 30, 53721 Siegburg, Germany, Contact: Manfred Haufe, Email: manfredhaufe@mteckart.de, http://www.praga-kart.de, Phone: +49 1 722 500 626 Poland - UNIQ RACING Samsonow - Ciagle 48A, 26-050 Zagnansk, Poland, Contact: Karol Dabski, Email: info@pragakart.pl, http://www.pragakart.pl, Phone: +48 603 611 684 Russia/Ukraine/Belarus - EURONAL EXPORT (Importer) Bezručova 32, 301 37 Plzeň, Czech Republic, Contact: Vera Lamborova, Email: info@pragakart.ru, http://www.pragakart.ru, Phone: +420 603 518 890 Portugal / Spain - KORRIDAS E KOMPANHIA Rua Dr. Melo Leote, 263/275, 4100-343 Porto, Portugal, Contact: Arnaldo Frias – Rui Vieira, Email: info@korridas.com, http://www.korridas.com, Phone: +351 226177821 France - ACTI’KART Quartier des Chaux, 26300 Chateauneuf sur Isère, France, Contact: Eric Verrier, Email: contact@praga-kart.fr, http://www.pragafrance.fr, Phone: +33 (0) 6 19 68 02 99 Belgium, Luxemburg, Netherlands - PRAGA KART BENELUX Koning Albertlaan, 38, 3920 Lommel, Belgium, Contact: Roy Van Der Weijden, Email: info@pragakart.be, http://www.pragakart.be, Phone: +32 (0) 497574619 Sweden - TEGNELIUS SVENSKA AB Valutavägen, 4, 17567 Järfalla, Sweden, Contact: Gustavo Tegnelius, Email: g_tegnelius@hotmail.com, http://www.tegnelius-motor.se, Phone: +46 707783287 Denmark - KARTRACER V. / COMPROFLEX APS. Abildgardsvej 1-3, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark, Contact: Michael V. Larsen, Email: info@kartracer.dk, http://www.kartracer.dk, Phone: +45 40251171 Estonia / Latvia / Lithuania - NETRELLA OU Kullerkupu, 1, 76611 Keilia, Estonia, Contact: Priit Pööbel, Email: priit@stage.ee, http://www.talvar-racing.com, Phone: +37 25066281 Norway - B & V KARTSERVICE A/S Gamlevegen, 38, 4315 Sandnes, Norway, Contact: Ingvard Kirkhus, Email: post@kartservice.no, http://www.kartservice.no, Phone: +49 91530137 Switzerland - THE KART COMPANY AG Alte Lyss-Strasse 12, 3270 Aarberg, Switzerland, Contact: Jürg Vokinger, Email: juerg@kartcompany.ch, http://www.kartcompany.net, Phone: +41 323895510 Belarus - VALERIY SHURPAKOV Dzerdzhinskogo 135, Grodno, Email: ura-letchik@rambler.ru, Email: abc.kart@tut.by, Phone: +375-297 813 681 Ukraine - VASYL PETRENKO Odessa, Email: vasyl@kartsport4you.com, Phone: +380-637 077 772 Russia - ASK ENGINES LLC Moskovskaia obl., 142100 Podolsk, pr-kt Lenina, d. 107/49, Contact: Sergey Kononov, Email: demiton@mail.ru, Email: askengines@mail.ru, +7 926 836 96 49 Russia Contact: Parshin A. S., Phone: +7 918 430 44 06 Russia Bataysk, ul. Gaidash, 110, Contact: Smolyanichenko O. N., Email: smolkart.s@yandex.ru, Phone: +7 918 528 93 02 Cyprus - FORCE KARTING LTD. Villa Sunrise – Ayiou Chrysanthou Street, 8560 Petia Paphos, Cyprus, Contact: Brian Clifford, Savvas Chryschou, Phone: +357 99279200, +357 99515859
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Asia/Oceania
For information on how to become a dealer in your region, please contact the IPK factory. www.ipkarting.com
Asia/Oceania
China - RKR KARTING LIMITED SIC Kartworld, Shanghai International Circuit, 2000 Yining Road, Jiading 201814, Shanghai, China, Contact: Raymond Ho, http://www.rkr-karting.com, Phone: (86) 1370 177 5180 Australia / New Zealand - EPICS SPORTS DISTRIBUTION 129 The Panorama Tallai QLD 4213, Australia, Contact: Ken Bensley, Email: ken@epicsports.com.au - ken@ipkarting.com.au, http://www.ipkarting.com.au, Phone: +61 75559 2086 - +61 0414 760965 Indonesia / Malaysia / Singapore - KRS MOTORSPORTS SDN BHD No. 48 Jalan Industri Usj 1/1 - Taman, Perindustrian Usj – 1 47600 Subang, Jaya, Malaysia, Contact: James Leong, Email: james@kartmoreracing.com, http: www.kartmoreracing.com, Phone: +6019 3520559
Asia
IAME S.p.A. - Via Lisbona, 15 24040 Zingonia (BG) - Italy - Tel. +39 035 883022 - Web: iame.it - E-mail: info@iame.it
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