Jules Bianchi's Final Kart Stolen, Father Appeals to Motorsport Community
Philippe Bianchi, father of the late Jules, has had several karts stolen—including his son's final kart. He's issued an emotional plea to the motorsport community to help find the irreplaceable items.
In a distressing blow to the legacy of the late Jules Bianchi, thieves have stolen several karts from his family's collection. Among the missing items is the final kart Jules raced before his move to single-seaters, a piece of motorsport history with immeasurable sentimental value. His father, Philippe, has issued an emotional appeal to the global karting community for help in their recovery.
Why it matters:
This is more than a simple theft; it's an attack on the cherished memory of a driver taken too soon. Jules Bianchi remains a beloved figure in F1, and his connection to karting is foundational to his story. The loss of his final kart strikes a deep emotional chord with fans and the entire motorsport family who have kept his spirit alive.
The details:
- Philippe Bianchi revealed on social media that burglars stole nine "JB17 Forever" chassis, the branding dedicated to his son's legacy.
- The most significant loss is Jules' last kart, a KZ 125 ART GP model, which he raced in his final karting outings before progressing to Formula 1.
- Also taken were the mini karts of Jules' nephews, adding another layer of personal loss for the family.
- Philippe's plea is direct: "If you see any JB17 karts in circulation, please let me know." The unique branding makes the stolen items highly recognizable within the tight-knit racing community.
Looking Ahead:
The hope now rests on the power of the community. The distinctive nature of the stolen karts makes them difficult to offload without attracting attention. For the Bianchi family and fans worldwide, the recovery of these irreplaceable machines would be a powerful testament to the enduring respect and love for Jules Bianchi within the sport he so passionately pursued.