Kiwi kartsport driver Daniel Bray has finished within a whisker of winning the KZ2 Masters world title, finishing second at the FIA Karting Championship KZ2 Masters World Championship in Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portimão, Portugal.
Bray crossed the line just 0.489 seconds behind winner Anthony Abbasse in the 20-lap International Masters Super Cup with Davide Fore in third.
In a rain soaked lead up to the final, Bray qualified fourth and then went on to win, in the dry, his heats, including his Super Heat giving him second grid position for the 20-lap final.
“I am super happy with the result,” commented Bray. “The Parolin team and I worked really hard to get the set up right with the changing conditions over the weekend.
“To be 2x Vice world champion is something I can be proud of, even if it’s not the win I was after. I have to say a massive thanks to my mechanic Giacomo and Modena kart for working so hard to make everything perfect for me. “
Autumn rain also affected fellow Kiwi kartsport drivers competing in the Rok Cup at South Garda Karting Circuit in Italy. Inclement conditions made track time difficult in both practice and competition.
Braxton Kraayvanger finished 21st after getting caught up in a first lap incident and then suffered an unfortunate mechanical failure in his pre-final race. George Tucker was unable to finish his heat and was ranked 45th with Carson Daly also suffering a mechanical failure in his heat, placing 43rd overall. Matt Hamilton made it through to the final finishing ninth overall.
“It has been a fantastic year for New Zealand karting overseas,” commented Tiff Chittenden. “In 2024 we have seen the most Kiwis competing at international events than we have in many years and certainly in my time as KartSport Academy Director and Head of KartSport Team NZ.
“Dan’s (Bray) achievement of putting New Zealand on the podium at a FIA World Championship event cements that although the country is small in numbers in the sport, they have the talent to succeed at the top level.
“It has also been fantastic to see younger members of our sport race their first time overseas at the ROK Cup SuperFinal 2024.
“All of our team did us proud and most importantly learnt a great deal both on and off the track that I believe will make them better drivers in the long run. We hope to see more New Zealand drivers follow in Team NZ 2024 footsteps next year”
