The German Electric Kart Championship offered a spectacle in Belgium

Belgian Genk was the stage for the start of the German Electric Kart Championship (DEKM) second half of the season. At the only event held outside of Germany, drivers from eight countries battled it out on a tough day that ended with victories for Jens van der Heijden of the Netherlands, and Theo Kekati from the United Arab Emirates.

After the first races in Wackersdorf and Mülsen, Oscar Pellemele leads the Championship. The Frenchman proved to be consistent scoring points, but was unable to extend his lead in Belgium.

The BRP-Rotax Project E20 electric kart, competition’s official vehicle, was again very exciting on tracks. The high power allowed numerous overtaking maneuvers which enhanced the show.

Very Tight Fight

On the first day, van der Heijden showed his intention to win by taking the pole position, in a close fight with Oscar Pellemele. He was followed in third place by Luca Nieuwenhuizen, who finished far behind the first two.

From pole position, Pellemele tried his best to keep his rivals at bay. However, van der Heijden and Kekati kept stalking the leader.

The defining moment of the race was in the last corner, where the Dutchman had most energy and overtook the Frenchman on the final straight. After this maneuver, he took victory with a historic overtake of seven thousandths of a second.

“I knew I had to take a risk and I am very happy about my success. Genk is my home track and therefore this victory is even more wonderful,” said van der Heijden after the event. Pellemele came second, while Kekati missed the podium due to a penalty and his place went to Nieuwenhuizen.

Kekati’s Revenge Sunday

Sunday was a clean slate after Saturday’s interesting start. Nevertheless, van der Heijden once again secured pole position. The Pre-Final was also similar to the day before, Pellemele took the lead, moved away from his chasers this time and held another pre-final success.

During the race, the Frenchman wanted to crown his dominance, but Theo Kekati appeared and spoiled his party. The two of them shared the first position throughout the course and, in the end, the UAE-born rider won the race.

Pellemele finished second again this weekend, followed by van der Heijden, who closed the winning trio. “It was a really good race, I enjoyed it a lot. I would like to thank my supporters, it’s a great feeling to bring the victory to the UAE. The power density in the DEKM is very high and every success is hard fought,” said a proud Kekati after the competition.

Following the exciting day in Belgium, the DEKM will be back on September 10-12 weekend in Mülsen, Germany, with still a lot to be defined amid the tight standings.