Goff inks new deal with Topkart

Max Goff is revved up to take on all comers in Europe in 2008, after jumping ship from Maranello to Top Kart – with his first competitive outing for the squad less than a week away.

The young Brigstock ace parted company with JRP last month, having joined the outfit in late 2007 – going on to enjoy international success in the Italian Open Masters, Bridgestone Cup and, most notably, the prestigious Monaco Kart Cup. Since splitting with JRP and Maranello, Max has received a flood of offers from leading teams, and if he admits he was flattered by all the interest, he insists he is sure of having made the right choice.

“Top Kart are really professional but easy to work with at the same time, and seemed to have the best package for us in KF3,” the 14-year-old explained. “It was a difficult decision to leave Maranello, especially after being one of the fastest at Garda, but Top Kart have been fantastic in the way they approached us and put on several test days for us.

“The Comer engine feels really strong, with a bit more power overall than the XTR and TM, but getting used to it all was quite straightforward. There are no major differences between the two; the overall Top Kart package just has the edge.”

The reigning BRDC Stars of Tomorrow JICA Vice-Champion will be competing in 2008 in the WSK International Series and European Championships, as well as returning to Monaco and also the Margutti Trophy at Parma in northern Italy, close to Top Kart’s base. Though he may not enjoy the luxury of much testing in the run-up to the traditional season-opening meeting, he is eagerly anticipating the challenge, and heading back with some scores to settle after last year’s event.

In 2007 Max qualified on pole position, but was subsequently sent to the back of the grid for every race due to a regulations transgression. After fighting his way gamely back up through the order into seventh place in the final, the exhaust bracket then came off and began rubbing on the brake, dropping him down to twelfth spot at the chequered flag.

“I’m looking forward to it loads,” he enthused. “It will be my first race with the Top Kart team, but I know the competition will be very strong.

“I’m feeling very confident. I want to win every race of the season that we enter, but it will obviously be very tough. There are always lots of new people coming into the class who are really quick, as well as those carrying on from last year who are really good too.”

As to his hopes and aims for the remainder of the campaign, Max admitted he considered ‘everyone in it’ as his principal rivals, and added that while he would miss competing on home soil for the first time in his fledgling motorsport career, the European scene was where he really wanted to be.

“I will miss the UK a bit,” he acknowledged, “but I prefer racing abroad. It’s a lot more professional, and the smooth heat races suit my driving style a lot better. I’m really looking forward to it all.”

Photo by Chris Walker

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