31 October 2001

...and beats him!
FIA World Formula Super A Karting Championship - Kerpen

Mike Spencer's graduation to the Formula Super A class for the final round of the CIK-FIA World Championship provided him with mixed fortunes. Mike secured a deal with Top Kart Comer to replace Aussue Troy Hunt in the event at Kerpen in Germany.

The three day meeting kicked off with practice where he was an impressive second in his first session. The drying conditions suited his unfamiliarity with the kart. The second session was held in the dry and would provide a better indicator of his pace against the regulars in Super A. As it turned out he again impressed finishing the session in 10th place.

The first heat of the weeked pitched him against four times World Formula One Champion Michael Schumacher. Mike started 7th on the grid with 'Schumi' down towards the rear of the pack. The German ace treated everyone to an amazing drive through the field although a few observers felt that he was given too much respect (and space) on the circuit! Schumacher got as far as passing Mike Spencer for 7th place when the Brask Management ace was caught off guard on a bend but our man regained the place a few laps from home!

The second heat was run in the wet and Mike was in 8th place when he inadvertantly touched a white marker line and spun out. In the first final he produced another spectacular drive starting 20th and climbing into 8th place when the drive chain snapped and forced him to retire. There was more frustration in the second final when Mike must have thought he was back in regular Formula A when another driver punted him off the circuit.

Mike's next outing on track is his second test in Formula Renault with the GM Motorsport team at Hockenheim early in December.