Kuypers racing for the tricolore

By Henk de Winter

Italy has, since January 5th, a top Rallycross driver who will compete in Division One of the European Rallycross Championship. "My wife Thea and are now official Italian citizens," said 'former' Dutchman Jos Kuypers, "Italians calls us 'Mezzo-Italians' now. From now on I'm racing for the Italian Sports Club Maggiore," said Kuypers who has two passports.

The 'move' to Italy had two reasons Kuypers told ERC24. "I am very disappointed in the organisation of the Dutch ASN (KNAF) and in particular the handling of my trial," said Kuypers in reference to the conflict that he had with a member of the Sporting Commission in June last year, "I still have a very bad taste in my mouth about the whole thing."
Kuypers was fined 1500 Euro (see item 950) after the stewards of the event said that they received a claim that Kuypers had verbally abused two officials on the grid. "I did say something, with my helmet on and inside a running car," said Kuypers.

The multiple Belgian and Dutch Rallycross champion says that he has no problem with a penalty or fine being applied when you misbehave on a racetrack or if there is abuse of officials. "It's the settlement of the whole thing with the Dutch ASN and the untruths being told during the trial. It feels very unfair," said Kuypers.
According to Kuypers, the original sanction was 1500 Euro which was later reduced to 500 Euro. After his appeal was declared inadmissible, the total cost are estimated around 6000 Euro for Kuypers. "I have not and will not pay the fine," he said. The second reason is that Kuypers has already lived part-time in Italy for several years and to become Italian citizens was a small step for the couple.

In addition to his membership of the Sports Club Maggiore, the 'Italian' remains a member of the Dutch Rallycross Association (NRV) and will continue to support the Eurocircuit and Rallycross events in Holland and Belgium.
"I will drive almost the entire European championship but Montalegre is not not on my list; like many other drivers I think the track in Montalegre is not worthy of Rallycross because it has so little gravel," said Kuypers.
In addition to the European championship Kuypers will do as many rounds of the Dutch and Belgian championships as possible. "That will not be easy with a programme, including the ERC, that shows 21 races in total. Not only is that going to be financially difficult, it's the lack of time to keep the car in top condition."

Kuypers is putting the finishing touches to his new 2009 Ford Focus ST. The bodyshell is build by Michael Jernberg Motorsport and the car will use Sellholm transmission, Proflex suspension and an engine from Mike Callaghan. During the ERC season British engineer Julian Godfrey will support Kuypers who is already laying plans for the 2010 season. A brand new lightweight sport bodyshell for a new Fiesta has been delivered from Ford Germany. "The Fiesta will be completely built in Holland by VA Motorsport engineering. For Italy we have a special project going on, I'm going back to my roots!" said Kuypers who has commissioned a four-wheel drive Autocross car from Henk Prinsen, it will use a 2.3-litre Callaghan-built Cosworth. "I started racing in autocross in the late '70s. I will drive this Autocross Sprinter in some National Italian events and maybe the European Autocross Championship race in Maggiore."

Source: ERC24.com