Unlucky Run Masks Axel Gore’s True Pace at WSK Final Cup Opener
- Dylan Young
- Oct 27
- 2 min read
Swedish-Australian karting driver Axel “Axeman” Gore showed impressive speed and determination throughout the opening round of the 2025 WSK Final Cup at the Franciacorta Karting Track from October 21–26, but a series of unfortunate incidents masked what was again a weekend filled with raw pace.
Racing in the Mini GR3 category for Team Driver, Gore faced difficult early conditions as persistent rain soaked the circuit across the opening two test days. Once the sunshine returned for official practice on Thursday, Axel immediately came to life, consistently showing top-five pace on theoretical lap times and positioning himself as one to watch.
However, qualifying brought frustration when a team timing miscalculation meant Gore was the first driver to receive the chequered flag, allowing him only one flying lap before time expired. Unable to complete his full push lap, he was left P16 in his group, a result that didn’t reflect his true speed.
Determined to make amends, Gore delivered a stunning opening heat. Launching from P16, he made a brilliant start and surged through the field to P9 in just a few laps. A small mid-race mistake saw him slip back slightly, but he fought back hard with a typically aggressive display to finish P11 at the flag.
The next two heats, however, proved cruel for the young Swede. In Heat 2, he was taken out at the first corner through no fault of his own, and in Heat 3, another driver launched over the back of his kart, ending his chances once again. He was classified P20 and P16 in those respective races.
Despite the setbacks, Gore’s standout drive came in the Pre-Final. Starting from P16, he was one of the quickest karts on track in the opening laps, storming through the field and breaking into the top ten with impressive pace. As he looked to continue his charge, a close call with a teammate at Turn 1 forced him off the circuit, costing several positions. Undeterred, Gore fought back yet again to finish P16, displaying the same grit and race craft that have become his trademarks.
In the Final, where only the top 36 drivers from the 44-strong field qualified, Gore battled hard to move up to P26 by the chequered flag. Unfortunately, a post-race time penalty for what many in the paddock viewed as a questionable incident dropped him to P32 in the final classification — a result that failed to capture his speed, race craft, or the sheer tenacity shown throughout the week.
Reflecting on the WSK Final Cup Opener, Gore said:
“It was one of those weekends where everything that could go wrong seemed to, but the pace was really strong. The qualifying mistake hurt us, but every session I knew we had the speed to be up front. I just need a clean run and the results will come.”
With Franciacorta now in the books, Axeman turns his attention to the second round of the WSK Final Cup at Cremona Circuit from November 4–9, determined to turn his blistering pace into the results he deserves.
