Chapter 63 - 27: WSK Master Series

Chapter 63: Chapter 27: WSK Master Series

In 2012①, Wu Shi was scheduled to compete in various events, including the WSK-SUPER MASTER SERIES (WSK Master Series) KZ2 series, the Europe KF2 series, and the World KF2 Championship. His schedule was packed to the brim.

This was because once a driver reached the KF2 and KZ2 levels, they would attract the attention of professional talent scouts, lower-tier formula racing teams, and even high-tier formula racing teams. Failing to increase his exposure and showcase his abilities meant he could miss out on crucial opportunities.

"Is it really okay to let him compete directly in KZ2?" Sid was slightly worried, even though he knew Wu Shi’s skills in driving shifter karts were quite impressive. However, his opponents were all at least a year and a half older than him, with some being three or four years his senior. In a highly skill-dependent sport like racing, this age gap translated to a significant disparity in practice time. It was obvious that Wu Shi was at a severe disadvantage.

"If he doesn’t participate in the KZ2 category of the WSK Master Series in March, there’s a high probability that the subsequent Europe KZ2 Championship and World KZ2 Championship won’t let him compete," Jos said.

Due to his age, Wu Shi was technically unqualified to compete in KZ2 events. Most of the event staff didn’t believe a child under the age of fourteen could handle a KZ2-class kart either. The WSK allowed Wu Shi to participate for three reasons: First, CRG, Jos, Martina, and others had pulled some strings to relax the age verification process. Second, the WSK’s management was relatively lenient. Third, Wu Shi had a history of outstanding achievements in various WSK series, which earned him enough trust from the organizers. Therefore, if he didn’t showcase his ability to drive a shifter kart in the WSK, it would be questionable whether subsequent intercontinental and world-class competitions would accept his entry for KZ2.

"Phew, alright then. I just hope he can withstand the pressure." Sid took a deep breath. As Wu Shi’s manager, he needed to maintain a clear head regarding many matters. If Wu Shi failed to produce satisfactory results in this year’s competitions, he would have him spend another year or two gaining more experience in the karting scene.

As usual, the first stop for all WSK events was once again the Lakonka International Circuit in Italy. This track was incredibly familiar to Wu Shi. Two years ago, it was right here where he first donned the CRG uniform to participate in a world-class competition. Afterward, he went on a championship winning streak, monopolizing every victory.

"Wu Shi!" Verstappen ran over. Now fifteen years old, his face had broadened and the flush on his cheeks had faded, though his lips still looked as thick as ever.

"I heard from Jos that you’ve chosen to participate in the KF2 series first?" Wu Shi asked.

"Yes, my main focus this year is on KF2. I won’t start seriously challenging KZ2 events until the end of the year," Verstappen revealed the plan Jos had made for him, adding with a hint of admiration, "It’s truly unbelievable that you can enter KZ2 directly. You’re a year and a half younger than me. I really don’t know how you learned to drive a shifter kart so quickly."

"I originally planned to participate in the KF2 series first as well. Entering KZ2 ahead of schedule is just to let the other organizers know that I’m capable of racing in it, so I won’t be barred from entering KZ2 for the rest of the year," Wu Shi replied. Inwardly, he was both excited and nervous about competing in KZ2. At this level, the competition had grown increasingly fierce.

"I believe in you. With your abilities, you can definitely achieve a good placement. Besides, I’m actually quite happy that we aren’t competing in the same events, haha!" Verstappen said honestly.

"Should I congratulate you on winning the championship in advance then?" Wu Shi laughed. Originally, Verstappen would have swept the competition in the karting world. But now, having been suppressed by Wu Shi for three whole years, who knew how many championship titles he had lost out on.

"I feel pretty confident about the series, but when it comes to the championships and cup races, I don’t have absolute certainty against the other guys," Verstappen shrugged.

"Hey! The moment I arrive, I hear people talking about me." Leclerc walked over, looking at Verstappen with a displeased expression.

"Max was just praising you," Wu Shi said, looking at Lock.

Over the years in the series, Verstappen and Lock had gotten into quite a few scuffles. Several crashes had resulted in Verstappen getting a lot of flak.

"I don’t need his praise. As long as he doesn’t crash into me, we’re good." Lock turned to Wu Shi, his eyes shining just like they did beneath the podium four years ago. "I heard you signed up for the KZ2 events? That’s amazing. You’re even younger than us."

"I had no other choice," Wu Shi replied.

While they were chatting, a few other drivers came over to join the conversation. It wasn’t until the qualifying rounds were about to begin that they dispersed to get ready. The KF2 races were scheduled earlier, so Verstappen and Leclerc headed to the track first.

Wu Shi put on his racing suit and stared at the track.

"Nervous?" Sid asked.

"Of course."

"I’ve never seen you this nervous in your previous races," Sid noted.

Wu Shi glanced at his manager. Why did it feel like everyone was overtly or covertly implying that he wasn’t as good as before? He turned back to face the track and said, "Naturally, I wouldn’t be nervous if it were a sure thing. The nerves come from not being a hundred percent certain. But don’t worry, I’ll bring home the victory."

"No, just stay safe." Sid shook his head. He only hoped for Wu Shi to grow up safely. He gazed out at the track with a hint of melancholy.

Out on the track, Verstappen sped along, successfully clocking the fastest lap at 45.803 seconds. The runner-up, Nicklas Nielsen, trailed him by a mere 0.019 seconds.

"My turn." Wu Shi headed to the pit lane, met up with Rosa, and settled into his kart.

There weren’t many participants in the KZ2 category—only thirty-three drivers in total, with thirty to be selected from the qualifying rounds to advance. Right beside Wu Shi was Lennox Lamb Jordan, who belonged to the same CRG S.P.A. team as him. During daily practice, Lunloks’s speed was quite impressive. Originally, he was meant to be the CRG Factory team’s main promoted driver this year. However, Wu Shi’s rapid promotion had encroached upon the resources that were supposed to be allocated to him.

As a result, the guy glared at Wu Shi with ill intent. He even flipped up his visor and shouted, "You East Asian monkey! Today I’m going to show you that your so-called talent is nothing but a joke. After the race, take your ass back to whatever backwater you came from!"

"Lennox! Shut up! If you don’t know the meaning of respect, I’ll tell the team principal and have him teach you a lesson!" Wu Shi’s mechanic barked.

"Tch." Lennox snapped his visor shut.

"Don’t take it to heart. You’re just as fast as him," the mechanic said to Wu Shi. These guys had been following him ever since the KF3 races, so they naturally looked out for him.

"Yeah. I’m here to race, not to entertain discriminatory remarks." After responding, Wu Shi also closed his visor. Discrimination based on his background was always inevitable in Europe. If his sheer skill hadn’t intimidated the karting world, he figured many people around him would have maintained a facade of friendliness while secretly harboring hostility. He recalled his conversations with Guanyu in his previous life, having heard him mention this very situation.

The event broadcast blared over the speakers. Vehicles in the KZ2 category headed to the exit to line up, preparing to launch into the qualifying rounds. Wu Shi started his engine and followed the pack out of the pit lane.