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| September 09, 2009 News |
| IKF and Northern Nevada Kart Club Recognizes Botelho for Lake Speed Achievement of Excellence Award |
| Article by: Brian Rivera |
 | Mike Botelho Jr. - 2009 Lake Speed Achievement of Excellence Award winner
(Photo: NNKC) |
The Northern Nevada Kart Club is proud to show recognition to one of their own racers who showed true grit, determination and consistency at the 2009 IKF 2 Cycle Sprint Grand Nationals. So much that IKF and its officials named him as the fourt recipient to be awarded the prestigious holder of the Lake Speed Achievement of Excellence in Karting Award.
If the karting dictionary was to have the word relentless and professional in it, it would be followed by the name Mike Botelho Jr. Classy, a true gentleman, never one to gloat, great sportsmanship and a mentor for many who try to emulate his driving style, Botelho Jr. knows when to turn up the notch and position himself for the final laps. NNKC sat down with Mike Jr. to get some inside scoop on his personal life, karting career and thoughts of what the Lake Speed Achievement of Excellence in Karting Award means to him, both personally and professionally.
NNKC - Can you tell the karting community when you first began karting and where at?
MB Jr. - I started karting in the spring of 1997 at Desert Park Raceway in Reno, NV.
NNKC - What Region did you start racing IKF Regional races?
MB Jr. - Region 11
NNKC - Who is your favorite professional race car driver?
MB Jr. - Tony Stewart and Ron "Sleepy" Tripp
NNKC - How many Duffy’s, Screaming Eagles, IKF championships and Club Championships do you own?
MB Jr. - I have 2 Duffy’s (‘06 and ‘09), 2 Screaming Eagles (‘05 and ‘09), and multiple podiums at the Nationals. I’m a 4x IKF Region 11 Champion (‘99, ‘02, and 2 in ‘06) and 5x NNKC Champion in Yamaha, TaG and Shifter classes as well as now a recipient of the Lake Speed Achievement Award that I’m very proud and honored to receive.
NNKC - If you had to go back and change one thing in your karting career, what would that be?
MB Jr. - I wish I started at a younger age. My dad brought me to our track when I was a smaller kid, but he thought I wasn’t interested in karting. What he didn’t realize was that is was a typical March day at our track which means it was extremely cold and windy. I just wanted to leave. I’m giving my nephew, Qualik, that opportunity next year as he will be starting at 8 yrs old in Jr 1.
NNKC - Do you plan on being in a kart 10 years from now racing at any level?
MB Jr. - Yes, even if my nephew really loves racing and I’m mostly working with him, I will have to squeeze out a few races for me as well. I love karts and have no intentions on stopping anytime soon.
NNKC - What has been the biggest race you have attended in your karting career?
MB Jr. – It’s a 3 way tie between the IKF 2 Cycle Sprint Grand Nationals in Reno, the 2007 SuperNationals in Las Vegas and the 2001 Pro Moto Race at Cal Expo in Sacramento, Ca.
NNKC - If you had any recommendations to give to a young karter looking to make it to the level you have made it to, what advice would you give him/her?
MB Jr. - Race hard, but be smart and patient, especially in Yamaha and Comer Racing. You can’t win if you don’t finish. I see a lot of kids who don’t win races and championships because they want to get to the front in one turn or one lap. Don’t put yourself in a bad situation. Also, try to count your laps so you’re where you want to be in the end of the race to make your move.
 | Botelho became an IKF Expert following the 2009 IKF 2-Cycle Sprint Grand Nationals
(Photo: NNKC) |
NNKC - Who do you thank for getting you to where you’re at in your karting career?
MB Jr. - I wouldn’t be racing if it wasn’t for growing up watching my father Mike Botelho Sr. racing midgets and sprint cars. It’s all I ever wanted to do. I have to thank him and my grandfather Bill Botelho for introducing me to karting and supporting me. My family has supported me also and tolerated me being away from them to go racing. I’d also like to thank my karting friends, whom I could not have done half of what I’ve done without their help. They are Glenn McKinnon, Doug Sharp, Dave and David Brant, the Dericco’s, Ed Diederich, Jeff Wamre, Mitch Kennedy, and Bill DeMent. I thank each and every one of them as they have all helped with my program. Last but not least, MMS Racing Engines, RLV and Horstman.
NNKC - What are your 2 favorite tracks to run?
MB Jr. - I love Desert Park Raceway in Reno, with Buttonwillow a close second.
NNKC - Where and when were you born?
MB Jr. – Reno, NV February 20, 1980
NNKC - What has been the best moment in your karting career?
MB Jr. - For me personally, this most recent Duffy win in Reno, starting from dead last (18th) and winning by .066 at the line. It’s still unreal to me.
NNKC - What is your favorite food?
MB Jr. - Spaghetti! I could live on it!
NNKC - What is your favorite hobby besides karting?
MB Jr. - I haven’t had the time for anything but work and karting for the past few years. I would have to say kayaking, which has recently sparked my interest.
NNKC - What does winning the Lake Speed Achievement Award mean to you personally and professionally?
MB Jr. – It’s incredible! Lake Speed is such a legend in not just karting, but in motorsports. It’s a true honor to be recognized alongside the likes of Matt Johnson, Nick Johnston and Taylor Miinch. I don’t know that I deserve it, but I am proud to receive it. I have always tried to be a good sportsman, a clean driver and to never give up. I think that at these recent 2 Cycle Nationals, those qualities must have shown a little brighter. I had a chance at another Duffy at the Reno Nationals but I would have had to crash a guy to get it. Had I done that, I don’t think I would have qualified to receive the Award. That’s just not my driving style. I’m honored to receive the Lake Speed Achievement of Excellence in Karting Award and I want to thank everyone who saw that I was fit to be the recipient of it at the Nationals. |
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