Tag: Local Hero

Local Heroes: Max Cuccarese

Posted on September 16, 2024 by - 5, Allgemein, General

Rising star Massimiliano Cuccarese (high school student from Pignola in South Italy) made a fantastic debut in BOSS GP last time at Assen. Before his home race in Mugello the MM International driver explained why the BOSS GP Racing Series has captivated him.

When did your adventure with motorsport begin? 

MAX CUCCARESE: “I became passionate about motorsport after watching MotoGP races on TV, but when I got older I rather preferred cars, especially single-seaters.”

Assen in August 2024: Max Cuccarese’s debut in a GP2 car

Tell us about your path from karting to BOSS GP

CUCCARESE: “I started in 2020 (when he was 13 years old, note) with karts in the IAME X30 junior category in the Campania regional championship. Due to the COVID pandemic participating in races was only possible one year later (i.e. in 2021). I finished the championship in 3rd place, unfortunately after missing a race for family reasons. In 2021 I took part in my first Italian Championship and WSK Euro Series in Sarno in the OK Senior category. The following year I switched to single seaters and did some tests with Formula 4 on Italian circuits. In 2023 I moved to Formula 3 and did a couple of tests with the Dallara F317. At the beginning of 2024 I did a test with the Dallara F320 before moving on to the fantastic GP2 of the MM International Motorsport team last June.”

Can you describe your emotions during your first race weekend in a super-fast single-seater last time with BOSS GP in Assen? 

CUCCARESE: “It’s been a while since my last race and without knowing the track, I didn’t know what to expect, also because it was my first race in this car. But as soon as I got on the track during Free Practice I immediately got an excellent feeling and I realized that with the hard work of the all team members we had the speed to get on the podium in both races.  As soon as I crossed the finish line of race 1 in place 2 I was really emotional and felt very happy for myself and the whole team.”

First race, first podium: Max (le.) finished second in Assen behind Simone Colombo (centre) and ahead of Marco Ghiotto (ri.)

How do you like the environment in BOSS GP? 

CUCCARESE: “It’s a really pleasant environment, there is great respect between all the drivers and teams on and off the track. The fans are amazing, with a unique passion and support. I would also like to thank my team MM International Motorsport for the trust they have placed in me and for the work they do with real passion.”

What goal do you have? What are you aiming for in motorsports? 

CUCCARESE: “My future goal is to race the fastest single seaters such as the F2 World Championship, Super Formula, IndyCar and maybe even F1.”

Photos: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP

Local heroes: Henry Clausnitzer

Posted on May 21, 2024 by - 5, Allgemein, General

Henry Clausnitzer (36) from Brandenburg in Germany won the championship title in the SUPER LIGHTS class in 2023. We take a look at his career path leading up to the BOSS GP Racing Series.

How did your motorsport career start?

HENRY CLAUSNITZER: “I actually had a typical motorsport career: I started out in karting and raced in the East German Karting Championship at the age of eight. I stayed in karting between 1996 and 2003 and eventually became the East German runner-up. In 2003, at the age of 15, I became the youngest participant in the Austrian Formula Ford. Between 2003 and 2007 I raced in the Formula Ford Zetec, became the Austrian champion in 2007 and drove at the Formula Ford Festival in Brands Hatch. In between, I also started in the Swiss Formula Lista in 2006.

A direct switch to Formula Renault 2000 or Formula 3 was not within the realms of possibility, although there were offers. I then endeavoured to get into the ADAC motorsport promotion, which was a lot easier via the touring car. So I enrolled in the Dacia Logan Cup in 2008 as preparation for the VW Polo Cup. In 2009, after a successful VW inspection, the opportunity arose to compete in the VW Polo Cup as part of the DTM. However, due to difficult economic times, my then main sponsor was affected. I was already 22 at the time, which meant that the sponsorship of young drivers came to an end. I was therefore forced to take a break from motorsport from 2009. In addition, my priority at that time was my studies.”

Clausnitzer drives a Formula Renault V6

What fascinates you about formula racing?

CLAUSNITZER: “After karting, formula racing was the goal, pure racing with a machine designed exclusively for motorsport. That fascinated me. When I was young, I used to watch the World Series by Renault and Nissan at the Lausitzring with my dad. The noises, the sound under the grandstand – that was an absolute dream, however it seemed unattainable back then.

I have always been particularly attached to Formula Ford. During a holiday in England, we also made a stop at Brands Hatch. There happened to be a Formula Ford racing there and I was immediately hooked again.

A short time later, we reactivated the Formula Ford and I’ve been back in a racing car since 2020. In 2022, I was runner-up in the German-Dutch Formula Ford series and won races again. I also took part in some races in the French championship and had a few podiums.”

How did the idea of eventually competing in the BOSS GP Racing Series come about?

CLAUSNITZER: ” I have always followed the BOSS GP and the idea to move to a higher formula class came to me again in 2022 . It was at a race in Brno that inspired me to find out whether and how I could turn this dream into reality. In the winter of 2022, I sat down with my team and we took the plunge. We said to ourselves: it’s now or never, let’s go on an adventure!”

What were your first impressions?

CLAUSNITZER: “The first weekend in Le Castellet was simply overwhelming. The size of the track alone, the long straights – I really got to know the car here. For me, driving with 260 hp more meant quite a difference in performance . Also, the difference in braking with the left-hand brake again and paddle shift – of course, this has all been around for a long time in today’s motorsport world, but when you come from the now historic motorsport sector, it’s quite a difference. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire WF Racing team. Without the tireless efforts of everyone involved, this would not have been possible. It was all new territory for me with this formula racing car. My team was fully engaged, gave their all and in the end we won the title in 2023.”

What has made the biggest impression on you in your races in the BOSS GP so far?

CLAUSNITZER: “The events with all the spectators, the grid walks and meeting motorsport legends like Jean Alesi or René Arnoux and shaking their hands – I had to pinch myself to see if it was real. I also had a great duel with Stefan Eisinger-Sewald at the Red Bull Ring 2023. We had a real game of cat and mouse for four laps. It was a close battle, wheel-to-wheel in almost every corner – that’s racing, that’s fun!”

Will you stay in the BOSS GP in the future?

CLAUSNITZER: “Of course we’ll be racing in the BOSS GP again in 2024, we’ll be competing in the SUPER LIGHTS category again and our aim is to build on last year’s successes. I’m also always looking at the other categories within the BOSS GP, which could also appeal to me, but I have to remain realistic for now. It’s also always a question of money, which determines what and how much you can race. That’s why I’m looking forward to my second season and any sponsor support I can get.”

Anyone who wants to experience Henry and seven other Germans live can do so from 24 to 26 June 2024 at the Nürburgring Classic at the Nürburgring.

Photos: Angelo Poletto/BOSS GP