Race 1 drama sees Masili triumph and Van Crugten crowned
The historic Nürburgring set the stage for an intense Race 1 in Round 7 of the Northern Talent Cup, where foggy conditions on Friday limited track time and heightened tension among the riders. However, Saturday’s sunshine brightened the atmosphere and Matteo Masili’s (Mass Sports Racing by JRP Motorsport) spirits, as the Italian claimed his first NTC victory after securing pole position.
Race 1 began with drama as Ferre Fleerackers (Junior Black Knights), who had started from second on the grid, crashed out on the opening lap. Thias Wenzel (Kiefer Racing), who started third, high-sided as if startled by Fleerackers fall. Both riders OK. The Belgian’s early exit, especially disappointing as it was his birthday, broke up the lead group, leaving Masili with a clear path to victory. Riding with newfound confidence and a refined bike setup, Masili led from start to finish, showcasing the skill that has been building over his three years in the category.
Richard Irmscher (Racingteam Irmscher) put in a strong effort to chase down Masili but couldn’t match the Italian’s pace, ultimately settling for second place. In a twist of fate, Julius Frellsen (Mass Sports Racing by JRP Motorsport), Masili’s teammate, charged through the field from 10th on the grid to complete the podium, mirroring the double podium success that Mass Sports Racing by JRP Motorsport achieved in Assen—albeit with the riders’ positions reversed.
For Cup leader Jurrien Van Crugten (BB64 Academy), Race 1 was far from ideal. Starting fourth, Van Crugten struggled to find his rhythm, dropping as low as 11th before finishing in 9th place. Despite his tougher race, the seven points he secured were enough to clinch the 2024 Northern Talent Cup title with one race to spare. Van Crugten now joins the prestigious list of NTC champions, alongside past rivals like Rocco Sessler and Rossi Moor.
Antoine Nativi (Racing Nativi Team) and Tobias Kitzbichler (Racingteam Kitzbichler) both entered the race with title hopes still alive but fell short of the necessary points. Nativi, needing a podium to keep his Cup ambitions alive, managed to reach third for a few laps before slipping to sixth, effectively ending his title challenge. Kitzbichler, starting from 15th, fought his way to seventh, but his nine points were also insufficient to keep his hopes alive.
As the dust settled on Race 1, Masili celebrated his long-awaited debut victory, while Van Crugten’s consistent performances throughout the season earned him the ultimate prize: the 2024 Northern Talent Cup.
