As Vemme Kart continues to make strides as a relatively new chassis brand, the Italian-made kart line had a breakout weekend at the 2012 Formula Kart Productions Florida Winter Tour series finale at the Ocala Gran Prix in Ocala, Florida. Taking to the podium blocks three times during the double-header event, Vemme Kart factory pilot Lorenzo Mandarino earned a podium finish on Saturday before topping the podium on Sunday with his win in the ultra-competitive DD2 category. Returning once again for the class championship presentations, Mandarino has established the Vemme brand as a race winning chassis and championship contender.
Taking to the 6/10-mile facility in central Florida Friday for two official qualifying sessions, Mandarino would slightly miss the mark during the first session, which set the grid for Sunday’s event. Clocking eighth quick in the DD2 field, the former SKUSA SuperPro winner turned it up later in the day, posting the third fastest time for Saturday’s grid.
Starting on the inside of row two for Saturday’s prefinal race, Mandarino moved up to score the win and premier starting position for the final. At the drop of the green, Mandarino protected his first place position, until succumbing on lap eight. Falling back two positions, Mandarino would keep his third place position for the remaining laps, earning his second podium finish of 2012.
Back on track Sunday, Mandarino powered through the prefinal, going from eighth to second and securing a front row starting position for the last final race of the tour. Taking the lead on the second lap of the 22-lap feature, Mandarino was unstoppable. With his Vemme Kart chassis dialed in, the BC native cruised to the victory, scoring fast lap in the process. Mandarino’s win and Saturday podium finish established him as the third place finisher in the overall Rotax DD2 Florida Winter Tour championship standings. Mandarino was then honoured twice during Sunday’s podium presentations, representing the Vemme Kart line for his win and solid points finish.
Also taking on the DD2 class at the pristine Ocala facility, Derek Wang would be back behind the wheel of his Vemme Kart. Starting tenth for Saturday’s pre-main race, Wang moved up to eighth before an unfortunate DNF in the final ended his progress. Posting a solid sixth place in qualifying for Sunday, Wang fell to the eighth place in the prefinal and then recovered to end his Florida Winter Tour campaign with a seventh place result in the day’s final. Despite missing the season opener in Palm Beach, Wang finished 11th overall in the DD2 championship standings.
Created in 2006, Vemme Kart is based on the principles of high technology and quality. The careful choice of materials guarantees the highest standards of construction and constant quality that results in high levels of performance and safety. With a clear vision, modern design and a streamlined organization, Vemme Kart is dedicated to the development of their chassis line to assure their customers can obtain the highest levels of achievement.
