Kart360 Press Department

Contact ruins Alex Irlando's championship

BirelART's Alex Irlando was flying to his first KZ title when, on second lap, a contact forced him to retire.

Photo: KSP Photo Agency

Bitter Sunday in Sarno for Alex Irlando: after an amazing weekend he had to give up the fight for the European crown.

The Apulian started the weekend greatly missing the pole position by only 0.041". Starting on first row, Alex took home a 3rd, a 2nd and a win in the heats, earning the second spot on the starting grid.

At the start of the final, Alex grabbed the holeshot and defended his leadership from Simo Puhakka at the first hairpin, while his title contenders, Anthony Abbasse and Matteo Viganò, collided and were out of the race since the first corner. During the second lap, at the hairpin in front of the paddock, Alex defended his position cornering close to the kerb, but, despite that, Puhakka tried to overtake him and they crashed.

The Tony Kart rejoined the race while the BirelART #9 was too damaged.

"I don't really know what to say. Being pushed out during the second lap while leading the race and the championship it's so frustrating. We were so close to bring a title back to Lissone. The whole team and all our partners deserved this. Thanks everyone for the support, we'll come back stronger than ever next time!"

Here are the results of the weekend.

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Kart360 Press Department
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Kart360 Press Department
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Kart360 Press Department
Alex Irlando returns to Wackersdorf

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Kart360 Press Department
Sixth place in Salbris for Alex Irlando

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Upward weekend in OK for Alex Irlando

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Kart360 Press Department
Alex Irlando is the 2018 WSK Super Master Series Vice-Champion!

Second only to Marco Ardigò, the Apulian driver Alex Irlando defeats Paolo De Conto and grabs the second position in the series.

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Kart360 Press Department
A dramatic comeback concludes an unlucky weekend for Alex Irlando

A fast Alex Irlando was pushed out at the first corner in the final race, forcing him to recover from the back.

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Kart360 Press Department
An injury slows Alex Irlando down at La Conca

During the third WSK Super Master Series event in Muro Leccese, the local idol Alex Irlando struggled with a bad backache.