New World Champion to be crowned in Texas as Ielasi drops out in Semi

A new World Champion will be crowned here at Gulf Coast Raceway after defending Champion Daniele Ielasi failed to make it through from his Semi, the Italian finishing the 30-minute encounter in only 6th position.  The Team Shepherd driver said he took a gamble on harder 47 shore tyres, having done so at the Pre-Worlds when he finished on the podium, but the gamble didn’t pay off and his reign is over. The race was won by young Japanese sensation Takumi Matsuda who bumps up into the Main having come through from yesterday’s 1:8 final.  The 14-year-old Serpent driver got past Mike Swauger’s Mugen as the American clashed with a backmarker as he was about to start his penultimate lap but progress to the Main event. Running at the back of after a number of incidents in the opening part of the race Matsuda put in a stunning recovery and by lap 72 was up to second having found a way passed Electric Touring Car World Champion Marc Rheinard who finished third and should go through to the Main based on his race time. The final two places on the grid will be determined by fastest race time of those not finishing in the top 2 of each Semi.  Starting from pole, Tadahiko Sahashi lead for the first 25 laps until his Picco powered Serpent flamed out ending his chances.  The race saw another of the finalists from Portugal drop out, Francesco Tironi finishing the race in last position after a flame out his Sirio powered Mugen having run as high as fourth.  Pre Worlds winner Paolo Morganti set the fastest lap of the race but a flame out ended the American Team Serpent drivers event.

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