Promoting talent and more sustainable Motorsport with Porsche Scandinavia
Thomas Johansson is the Series Manager / Sporting Director, Porsche Carrera Cup & Sprint Challenge Scandinavia. He’s also the promoter of Prince Carl Philip’s Racing Trophy and Swedish E-Kart Championship with the Rotax E20. A man truly passionate about racing since he was competing himself, Thomas has teamed up with Prince Carl Philip and Porsche racing in Scandinavia to build a successful future for the new generation in karting.
There’s much more to this story though. Thomas shared some interesting insight with us at the recent Kanonloppet (Cannon Race) near Karlskoga in Sweden where the Rotax E-Kart made a truly historic appearance on the program of the long-running motorsport event.
What are your thoughts about the very unique Swedish Championship event at Gelleråsen?
My thoughts are that it was a great event with a new format together with racing [cars and bikes], a big crowd and run really professionally, as I had planned it to be. I give it 10/10!
How did this idea come about to include the Rotax E-karting event within the program of the famous Kanonloppet?
The idea came up last year at the same event when we did the demo runs with the E20. After talking to track owner Richard Göransson we decided to do the Swedish Championship for the Rotax E20 at Kanonloppet. We knew this would be something extremely exciting too.
Was there any special change to the circuit to facilitate the running of the E-Kart event - or is the Arena set up to accommodate the new gen classes today?
No changes really, only adjusting the plastic barriers to define the kart circuit parameters, which takes five minutes between races. We even have the power supply for all 20 E-karts in the pit garages so there is no need for the power battery container normally required for charging. It was ideal.
How does the Scandinavian Porsche championship run in Sweden?
This is the 21st
season of Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia and the 4th of the Porsche Sprint Challenge. These series are both run under the Porsche Sweden umbrella and supported by Porsche Motorsport and partners. There are six rounds on the 2024 calendar that take place at selected race circuits in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
How do you see the connection between Rotax karting and Porsche being significant for the future success of Motorsport now in your region?
The partnership between Porsche Carrera Cup, the Rotax MAX Challenge and the Prince Carl Philip’s Racing Trophy is really starting to take off. The grids for this year’s RMC have increased by 100%. It’s looking good for the future, brings extra status for RMC and hopefully we will find the next generation of drivers making the step to Porsche Racing.
Where does Sweden's direction for a more sustainable environment approach fit into the bigger picture for Porsche racing?
Regarding sustainability, Porsche Sweden / Carrera Cup are pushing hard to lead these topics. For instance, this year we have introduced Bio fuel from Aspen, the R33 (33% bio fuel), where the goal is to be 100% before 2030. We also have an environment officer, Josephine Lind Olsson, who looks after the teams, tracks and our organisation to ensure we follow all the necessary guidelines from Porsche Motorsport AG. The level increases every year, also for health and safety. The tyre supplier, Michelin, has also done their homework by introducing wheel-washing machines at the Kanonloppet event to recycle toxic water. They take the responsibility from the teams by cleaning the wheels and the health impact.
Can you share any insight into what might be in store now for next season’s calendar?
For sure we will race karts at Kanonloppet 2025, we have some preliminary plans, though can’t say more at the moment, but Rotax/Radne Sweden and Prince Carl Philip Bernadotte will be involved.
