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| January 26, 2010 News |
| eKartingNews.com Driver of the Month - Nick Neri - December 2009 |
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 | Nick Neri scored two wins in addition to two podiums at the WKA Daytona KartWeek event
(Photo: EKN) |
In a continued effort to highlight the many outstanding performances by drivers around the country, eKartingNews.com is proud to introduce the ‘Driver of the Month’ program. Each month, the staff at EKN will determine the one driver who stood out above the rest and give the viewers a chance to know exactly what they accomplished and who they are.
Completing the 2009 calendar for racing, thus starting the 2010 season, was the World Karting Association Daytona KartWeek. The past 12 months were certainly successful for Nick Neri, and his consistency at the front in the Junior categories have him on the radar for any event he attends. Helping to start of the new season, Neri went on to score two wins and four podiums in the full Junior categories at the 2010 WKA Manufacturer’s Cup Series opener, earning him the honor of eKartingNews.com December Driver of the Month.
Neri’s weekend started out cold, along with the temperatures felt on the first day of racing at the Margay Sprint Championships. First in the Komet Piston Port Jr. Heavy category, Neri came into the event as the defending class champion however, only managed to sit eighth after qualifying. Working up to third in the Prefinal with the fast lap of the race, Neri would lose spots at the start of the Final due to unavoidable contact. Charging forward, Neri came up just one-tenth short of the victory after 14 laps.
Caught out in the first of three sessions in the Yamaha Jr. Lite qualifying, Neri held the provisional pole until the final group hit the track, dropping him to fifth in the order. Contact however at the start of the Prefinal sent Neri and others into the bails in turn three, dropping him to the tail of the field where he eventually finished 18th. In the Final, Neri was into the top-10 the first time by the stripe. Moving forward, he was up to fourth at the checkered flag for a solid save in the start of the championship chase.
Day two of racing went well for Neri as he swept the day’s action. The day began by scoring the pole position in both Komet Piston Port Jr. Lite and Yamaha Jr. Heavy. Neri then went unchallenged for flag-to-flag victories in Prefinal and Final in KPP Jr. Lite. In the Yamaha category, Neri duplicated the same feat as he lead all the laps of the Prefinal and Final for the victory, making it look easy in both performances.
Prior to Daytona, Neri represented Team USA at the Rotax Grand Finals in Egypt. Neri recorded the top finish of the North American contingent, placing 16th in the Junior category feature race, helping Team USA place second in the Nations Cup standings. Neri’s plans for 2010 are similar to last year, competing at the Florida Winter Tour, the Rotax Max Challenge, and the WKA Manufacturer’s Cup Series where he will try to earn the Triple Crown status.
 | Nick Neri - EKN Driver of the Month - December 2009
(Photo: rotaxmaxchallenge.com) |
December 2009 EKN Driver of the Month - Nick Neri
Bio
Date of Birth: 12/5/1995
Hometown: Palmetto, Florida
Parents: Marty & JoAnn Neri
Siblings: Julie
Height/Weight: 5' 5" - 135 lbs.
Education: 8th Grade - Buffalo Creek Middle School
Job: N/A
Racing Resume
Chassis: Tony Kart
Engine/Engine Builder: Josh Roberts, High-Rev, Ocala Gran Prix
Sponsors: Ocala Gran Prix, SKF Bearings, High-Rev, Josh Roberts, Grand Products, Alpinestars
Series You Compete In: World Karting Association Manufacturer’s Cup, Florida Winter Tour, Florida Karting Championship Series, North Florida Rotax Max Challenge
Years Karting: 10
How did you get started in karting? Dad bought a kart for me
What has been the high point in your racing career? Being the fastest in practice at the Rotax World Finals in Egypt
What are your goals in racing? To become a professional driver
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Cool, calm and collected!
Funniest moment at the race track? Swimming in the flooded infield at Jacksonville
Likes
Favorite Track: Ocala Gran Prix
Favorite form of professional motor sports: Formula One
Favorite karting driver: Philip Varner
Favorite professional driver: Michael Schumacher
Favorite web site: eKartingNews
Favorite movie: Water Boy
Favorite actor/actress: Adam Sandler
Favorite music/group: Classic Rock
Favorite vacation/activity spot: Snowmobiling in Montana
Favorite food: Steak
The Real Deal
What do you do when not at the track? Go to school
What are your goals outside of karting? Graduate college with a degree
What type of street car do you drive? Can’t drive yet
What type of street car would you like to drive? Lamborghini
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? People who think they are better than everyone else at everything…You're Not!
What do you think could be done to improve the sport of karting? Have better tracks and more of them
What are your favorite aspects about the sport of karting? Competitiveness
December Driver of the Month - Honorable Mention:
- Cody Hodgson: Granja Viana 500 & Rotax Grand Finals - Podium at both events, Group B with Florida Winter Tour team & 3rd in DD2 in Egypt (second American to do so)
- TJ Koyen: WKA Manufacturer’s Cup Series - 2 wins, 3 podiums (KPP Heavy, Yamaha SuperCan Lite, KPP Lite)
- Brian Wilhelm: WKA Road Racing Series - 3 wins (Formula 125, Unlimited 1, Unlimited 2), fastest lap time of event (2:00.100 - 106.711mph)
- Nate ‘88’ Grindell: WKA Road Racing Series - 2 wins (100cc Controlled Spec 1, 100cc Controlled) |
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