South America Trophy Review
The South America Trophy race event in Chile delivered five days of non-stop karting action, drawing in 175 skilled drivers from eight different countries to the Las Perdices kart track in Melipilla.
The competition was fierce, with racers pushing their limits on the challenging 1,700-meter circuit, which is fully FIA-approved and designed for high-speed excitement. Local Chilean drivers delivered a stunning performance, clinching five championship titles and securing their spots in the prestigious Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals, taking place on October 19, 2024, in Sarno, Italy.
Chile's karting prowess made a strong statement to the international community, impressing both the competitors and officials with the quality of the track and the organization of the event. The country’s rising stars left a lasting impact on the over 100 foreign drivers, showcasing their talent and determination to succeed at the highest level. Representing South America at the global showdown in Italy will be standout drivers Pedro Campos (Brazil), Martín Bertolaccini (Argentina), and Mundy Loyer (Peru), alongside Chile’s own Nicolás Ambiado, Vicente García, Agustín Sepúlveda, Rafael Ovando, and Eduardo Ávila. This impressive lineup of racers has their sights set on making a mark on the international stage and bringing glory back to South America.
SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONS
Finally, the podiums in the South American were conformed as follows:
Micro Max (8-11 years):
1° Pedro Campos (Brazil), 2° Bruno Miranda (Chile) and 3° Tomás García (Chile).
Mini Max (10-13):
1° Martín Bertolaccini (Argentina), 2° Ramiro Carreira (Argentina) and 3° Facundo Hernández (Chile).
Junior Max (12-15):
1° Vicente García (Chile), 2° Lucas Hernández (Chile) and 3° Máximo Castro (Uruguay).
Senior Max (14 and over):
1° Agustín Sepúlveda (Chile), 2° Simón Bulbarella (Argentina) and 3° Nicolás Fuca (Argentina)
Master Max (32 and +):
1° Rafael Ovando (Chile), 2° Andrés Gaete (Chile) and 3° Javier Fernández (Argentina).
DD2 Senior Max (15 and +):
1° Nicolás Ambiado (Chile), 2° Stefano Parodi (Argentina) and 3° Tito Reuter (Brazil).
DD2 Max Master (32 and +):
1° Eduardo Ávila (Chile), 2° Gustavo Michelsen (Peru) and 3° Christian Cornejo (Chile).
DD2 Super Master (45 and over):
1° Fernando Guzzi, 2° Mundy Loyer (Peru) and 3° Héctor Ramírez (Chile).
VOICES OF THE PROTAGONISTS
DD2 SENIOR, Nicolás Ambiado, Chile: “It was a great victory. We worked hard during the year to become national champion and then South American champion. I got used to DD2 very quickly. Before each race together with the team we have a lot of training and study of the tracks. I am very happy, because these were the initial goals and now I will represent Chile in the world championship in Italy, where my expectations are to win the championship”.
SENIOR MAX: Agustín Sepúlveda, Chile: “I started seventh and then I was second almost the whole race. In the final turn I saw the space, I took advantage of it and took the first place when I reached the last corners. It was a great victory that made me very happy, because it is also thanks to my family, to the whole mechanical team and to all of us who worked to get this result. Now, let's work to go to the World Championship”.
DD2 MASTER, Eduardo Ávila Gac, Chile: “A dream has just come true. I had fought all my karting career for this moment. It is the work of many people, my family, mechanics, technical team. The race was very difficult, I was with a driver always on top, but I was sure I would win the race and the title. I never thought about a second place”.
DD2 SUPER MASTER, Fernando Gucci, Brazil: “It was a very difficult race. Any mistake lost the first place. It was a race where it was very necessary to be concentrated in order not to lose the first place. In the end, I had a mechanical problem, but it was not decisive. I have participated in 11 world championships. And this is my fifth South American title”.
Héctor Ramírez, Chile: “I thank all my family, even my young granddaughter. Also, I am very proud of this third place in the South American. Even the test director of the technical director recognized my driving. I am 69 years old and I am competing with 45 year old drivers and the people from the FIA also recognized it, which made me very happy. I am very happy.
MASTER MAX, Luis Felipe Capamdjian, Peru: “It was a very interesting day and very happy with the South American title, because during the week we had problems with the engine. On the last lap I almost lost the title, but I had to take a risk and it worked out in my favor and that of the whole team”.
MICRO MAX, Pedro Campos, Brazil. “This is very nice. Thanks to God. To everyone who was with me to win this race. This is fantastic. I am South American champion. It's very, very nice all this that happened to me in Chile.”
JUNIOR MAX, Vicente García, Chile: “It was a very entertaining race, complicated because the rivals were very good. In the end we won, we were South American champions along with all the members of the team. The most complicated part was at the end, because the Argentinians were turning very fast, but we made it, and we are very happy with the title”.
MINI MAX, Martín Bertolaccini, Argentina: “It was a very hard fought race.I started well, the kart was at a high level and I was able to manage the whole competition without major problems. It was a very nice day. What comes next is to work for the World Championship in Italy”.
