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| July 10, 2010 News |
| EKN Trackside: World Karting Association Zoom Zoom Nationals - Saturday Report |
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The opening day of racing at the WKA Zoom Zoom Nationals at the famed Road America facility was completed under sunny skies for most of the day until rain came through the area at the end of the day. Fortunately for the Manufacturer’s Cup Series at the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex, all events were completed before the skies opened up. For the Road Racing Series, the final race of the day was called for rain. Today on the sprint track, 10 classes competed for the coveted WKA Eagle with the event labeled as the 2010 Grand Nationals. Competitors were under the scope today as the officials cracked down, both on the track and in the tech barn.
 | Ryan Stewart earned the first Eagle of the weekend in the Yamaha SuperCan Lite cateogry
(Photo: Go Racing Magazine) |
Yamaha SuperCan Lite
The first class on track for the day was the Yamaha SuperCan Lite category with Ohio’s Shinya Michimi (Merlin) taking top honors in qualifying with a 52.165 lap time. Route 66 Series regular Jimmy Clark (Arrow) made his first start of the season with the second fastest lap of the session, just 0.029-seconds back. South Bend winner Dakota Pesek (Arrow) was third with Tony Jump (Margay) and Ryan Stewart (Birel) completing the fast-five. Point leader Colton Ramsey (Merlin) was eighth in the session to start outside row four in the Prefinal.
Michimi came away with the lead as the field exited the first esses to begin the eight-lap prefinal. Stewart was able to slide by Clark for second with Pesek in tow. Jump and Jason Foley (Merlin) were unable to get through the esses without contact as they would retire before completing the first lap. Clark regained the second spot during the second lap and then challenged Michimi for the lead. Shinya held him off until lap five when Clark was able to work by, bringing Stewart with him. Stewart held his ground until the final lap when he pulled the trigger to take over the lead. Pesek, who put Michimi back to fourth, challenged Clark for second in the final few corners, allowing Stewart to take the win by four-tenths. Clark held off Pesek for third in front of Michimi and Derek Eustis (Arrow) up from 11th to fifth.
As the field shuffled through the opening corners to begin the 14-lap Final, Stewart came under attack by Clark and Pesek as they put themselves at the front of the field. Pesek and Clark exchanged the lead a few times before the halfway mark with a lead pack of five formed by the halfway point - including Michimi and Eustis. Pesek and Clark continued to swap the lead while eyes were on Michimi moving up to third. Michimi broke up the front two as he worked around Clark at the downhill turn four, and then turned to Pesek as his next target. Clark wasn’t finished however as he fought back, allowing Pesek to earn a little bit of room. After holding off Clark, Michimi focused on Pesek. With two to go, Michimi had earned the lead bringing Stewart with him, dropping Pesek to third and Clark to fourth. On the final lap, Stewart made his move into the first chicane. Behind Stewart, the three shuffled for position around the final corners. At the line, Stewart took the victory by 0.323-seconds to become the third different winner of the season. Clark crossed the line second with Pesek, Michimi and Eustis. After some issues in tech, the order was changed to keep Stewart at the top and earning the Eagle but Clark would be found to be too wide, moving everyone up one spot and Jason Foley (Merlin) onto the podium.
 | Austin Osborne (21) won the drag race to the line over Grant Quinlan (28) for the win in Cadet Sportsman
(Photo: Go Racing Magazine) |
Cadet Sportsman
Daytona winner Austin Osborne (Birel) and Kyle Tilley (Arrow) posted matching times in the Cadet Sportsman qualifying session. Their 54.541 lap times were best of the session with Osborne having a better second best lap time. Tyler Moneypenny (Arrow) was third in the order with Canadian Grant Quinlan (Birel) and Gresham Wagner (Birel) completing the fast-five. Point leader Ashley Rogero (Tony Kart) was seventh in the order with second place Zane Smith (Top Kart) back in 10th.
Tilley earned the point early to begin the Prefinal with top six running together. As they shuffled in the short eight-lap race, three drivers were able to break away - Tilley, Moneypenny and Osborne. The Birel of Osborne positioned himself between the two Arrows until the final lap when Osborne took over the lead. He was able to break away just enough to not be challenged in the final few corners to score the win over Tilley and Moneypenny. Quinlan ended up fourth with Rogero up to fifth.
Moneypenny and Tilley partnered up once again as they paced the field early on in the Final. Wagner led a host of others in a second group, including Osborne and many others. An error by Moneypenny dropped him down the order, leaving Tilley alone out front. He would eventually be run down by four others to make a five kart lead pack. Coming to the white flag, Quinlan was leading the way and ran a defensive line down the front straight. Osborne, with a push from VanWeiringen, went to the outside line and around Quinlan through the chicane. Quinlan struck back in turn 10, diving inside to take over the lead. As he exited the final corner, he pushed wide and allowed Osborne some room to the inside. The drag race to the line saw Osborne edge out for the victory by 0.017-seconds over Quinlan. Rogero moved up to third with Tilley putting VanWeiringen back to fifth.
 | Kevin Nelson held off Bobby Cummings for the victory in Yamaha Masters
(Photo: Go Racing Magazine) |
Yamaha Masters
Making his second start of the season, Indiana’s Bobby Cummings (Birel) was best in the Yamaha Masters qualifying session. His 53.358 was best of the run with point leader Kevin Nelson (Arrow) just 0.015-seconds off his pace. Missy Nelson-Tate - sporting a newer Margay model - was third in the session over Mike Burrell (Tony Kart) and John Ferris III (Margay).
With the inside line, Cummings was able to hold the top spot as the Yamaha Masters field shuffled through the opening corners in the Prefinal. Nelson-Tate was able to slide by her brother Kevin for the second spot. It would not last long with Nelson charging by for second and hunting down Cummings out front. Once Nelson got around for the lead, Cummings sat back and waited for the final lap to make a move. Getting a great draft up to the first chicane, Cummings took over the lead briefly until Nelson struck back in turn 10. The two challenge for the same real-estate, but Nelson came away with the lead and took the victory. Nelson-Tate held on to third with Ferris holding off Burrell for fifth.
The feature was all Nelson and Cummings. Nelson shot out into the lead with Cummings losing ground early. The two continued to put distance on the rest of the field as Burrell moved to third and fought to hold off a host of others. After the halfway point, Cummings appeared to be cutting into Nelson’s advantage. On the final lap, Cummings was on the bumper of Nelson as the sped up the front straight. Cummings took a peak to the inside as they entered the chicane but back out of it. This gave Nelson enough clearance to navigate the remaining corners and score his second victory of the season. Burrell held on to cross the line third after the group exchanged the position a number of times in the closing stages. His result however would be taken away as he came in too wide at the rear tires. This put Nelson-Tate to third with Steve Schiewer (Birel) and Scot Carapellatti (Haase) completing the podium.
 | Sam Beasley led the only lap that counts, the final one to earn his first Eagle of the day in Komet Jr. Heavy
(Photo: Go Racing Magazine) |
Komet Jr. Heavy
Much like last year’s race here at Road America, the Junior divisions have started out with familiar faces at the front. Triple Crown Club winner Sam Beasely (Arrow) was best in the qualifying session with the only driver under the 50-second mark (49.973). Beasley’s lap was over two-tenths clear of Nick Neri’s (Tony Kart) lap. Canadian Dominique VanWieringen (Arrow) put in a great performance in qualifying to end up third with Shawn Sharkey (Merlin) and Dakota Bell (Margay) completing the fast-five. Austin Self (Birel) - the point leader heading into the weekend - was unable to complete a lap and will have to come from 25th on the grid in the Prefinal.
The top three were able to break away from the field early on to begin the Prefinal. Beasley led with VanWieringen and Neri in tow. Neri worked hard for the second spot on lap two however VanWieringen held him off. On lap three, Neri tried again at the top of the hill and made it work. Neri would than use the same move on Beasley with two laps to go, taking over the top spot. Beasley would return the favor as they received the white flag, getting a great run to slide by into the chicane for the lead. Neri struck back in turn three in a similar move from earlier. Beasley held his ground on Neri’s bumper as they crossed the line 1-2. VanWieringen was third with Sharkey and Bell alone in fourth and fifth.
The 14-lap Final appeared to be uneventful in the beginning of the race as Neri was able to get away with Beasley, VanWieringen and Sharkey there. The front four were spaced out early on with Sharkey the only driver to make a move, sliding into third by lap two. Self continued to charge forward, up to fifth until engine issues put him on the sidelines on lap six. The front four remained unchanged until the final lap when Beasley had caught Neri. Making his move into turn three, Beasley took over the lead for the first time in the race. Beasley went into defensive mode and Neri played along, sizing up where he would make his move. Neri went for it in the final corner, and the two came out side by side. Beasley carried the momentum to hold on and score the victory with Neri settling for second. Sharkey and VanWieringen with Bell placing fifth.
 | Victor Pedrosa (4) won the TaG feature on-track but a two-second penalty handed Tommy Andersen (8) the victory
(Photo: Go Racing Magazine) |
TaG
TaG South Bend winner Robert Bujdoso (PCR/Vortex) put himself as the driver to beat once again by claiming the top spot in the qualifying session. The Ohio driver put up a 48.441 lap in the second group. Just 13-thousandths off his time was Merlin/Leopard driver Tommy Andersen. Victor Pedrosa (Arrow/Leopard), Kyle Wiegand (Top Kart/Leopard) and Scott Ferris (Margay/Sonik) were all within a tenth of Bujdoso’s time, setting up for a great day of racing. Point leader Jacob Sekey made the switch to a PCR machine, still powered by a Sonik, and was only ninth in the order. Driving through the field in South Bend, Sekey would look to do the same today.
Andersen was able to come away with the win in the Prefinal. Bujdoso led early and was pressured by Pedrosa. The two shuffled up allowing Andersen to slide by for the lead. Andersen continued on to lead the remaining laps for the win with Bujdoso holding off to Pedrosa for second. TJ Koyen (Merlin) advanced from eighth to end up fourth, beating out a large group that included Andrew Hobbs (Merlin), Michael Politis (Merlin), Kyle Wiegand (Top Kart) and others. Ferris was running fourth until he suffered a mechanical issue on lap seven. Sekey also had issues, making only three laps and classified 21st.
From inside row two, Pedrosa was able to knife his way to the point through the opening chicane to lead the start of the Final. Andersen and Bujdoso fell in line as the top three already had some distance between they and the rest of the field after the opening circuit. The top three remain unchanged while Andersen cut into Pedrosa’s lead lap after lap. Taking the white flag, Andersen grabbed the lead but it would be short-lived as Pedrosa slid back by through the chicane. Pedrosa would hold on to cross the line first over Andersen and Bujdoso. The victory however was taken away from Pedrosa as he was assessed a two-second penalty for tire scrubbing during the warm-up lap. This gave Andersen the win and the WKA Eagle with Pedrosa dropping to third behind Bujdoso. Politis was able to win the hard-fought battle for fourth with Wiegand getting around Koyen in the end for fifth.
 | Grant Quinlan went untouched in Yamaha Sportsman Heavy to earn the Eagle
(Photo: Go Racing Magazine) |
Yamaha Sportsman Heavy
Coming off a great run in South Bend, Grant Quinlan (Birel) carried the momentum into Wisconsin as he was the quickest in the Yamaha Sportsman Heavy qualifying session. The Canadian’s time of 54.514 was best in the session with Courtney Innis (Tony Kart) with the only time close to Quinlan’s, just 98-thousandths off. Gresham Wagner (Birel) was third with Ashley Rogero (Tony Kart) and point leader Brandon Jarsocrak (Haase) filling out the fast-five.
Quinlan would break away form the pack and go wire-to-wire for the Prefinal win. Innis and Wagner held close early but Quinlan stretched out to a half-second lead after eight laps. Jarsocrak won the battle for fourth over Zane Smith (Top Kart), Rogero and Emerson Reed (Merlin). Rogero however was credited with the fast lap.
The Final for Yamaha Sportsman Heavy was all Quinlan as he would lead all 14 laps for the feature victory, his first in the class. Wagner and Smith were within range early on but Quinlan’s fast and consistent pace would help him score the victory by over two-seconds. Innis joined the fight for the second spot and crossed the line in the position. During tech, Innis would be removed from the results however officials reinstated Innis to put her back on the podium. Wagner would end up third, Smith in fourth and Leo Stoia (PCR) up from eighth on the starting grid to fifth over Mike McAndrews (Margay).
Yamaha Pipe
Cody Robinson (Arrow) began the day in the Yamaha Pipe looking to become the third different winner in as many races. He started as the driver to beat as the only driver to dip below the 51-second mark (50.895). Championship leader Kevin Nelson (Arrow) was second in the order with former winner Tony Jump (Margay) in third as the top two challengers for Robinson. Chuck Tate (Margay) was fourth in the order with Adam Crepin, moving to a Merlin, completing the fast-five.
 | Tony Jump outran and outlasted the competition in Yamaha Pipe for the victory
(Photo: Go Racing Magazine) |
The first half of the Prefinal for Yamaha Pipe was an exciting few laps. Robinson led early while Nelson, Jump and Tate shuffled around behind him. Once Jump was up to second, he challenged Robinson in the top half of the track. Coming away with the lead, Jump stretched out his lead by a few kart lengths. Robinson then fell under attack by Nelson and Tate, as they both were able to work around him. Nelson then made a late charge on Jump but was not able to close the gap enough. Tate ended up third with Robinson back to fourth with Justin Penix (Margay) to fifth.
The feature race was sizing up to be as exiting as the Prefinal within the first few laps. The lead group was five with Crepin able to run with the top four until he would retire on lap four. The same four continued on to battle for the win until things went bad for Tate and Nelson. The two made contact while running first and second. The result damaged both their machines and they would have to watch from the sideline. Jump took advantage and inherited the lead, going on to score the victory by seven-tenths over Robinson with Penix finishing third.
Yamaha Jr. Lite
In qualifying for Yamaha Jr. Lite, Nick Neri (Tony Kart) scored the top spot on the time sheet with a lap of 51.178. Austin Self (Birel) broke up the Neri-Beasley show, clocking in second best with Sam Beasley (Arrow) third. Merlin drivers Joel Jens and Shawn Sharkey completed the fast-five.
Neri held the point through the Prefinal to score the win in the eight lap race. He and Self ran 1-2 the entire run as they pulled away from the field. Jens was third early before Beasley moved by for the spot. Sharkey was able to get by Jens as well, moving to fourth and dropping Jens to fifth, where they would cross the line.
 | Patrick Olsen sailed to victory in Komet Heavy
(Photo: Go Racing Magazine) |
The 14-lap Final for the Yamaha Jr. Lite field was an exiting run from start to finish. Neri held his ground through the opening corners as Self, Sharkey and Beasley fell in behind for the first lap. Self was anxious and quick to challenge, taking over the lead on lap two with Beasley moving up to third as well. Neri returned to the point a few circuits later and then Beasley into second soon after, moving Self back to third. Beasley put down the fast laps of the race, running down Neri who put a gap between he and the others in the hunt. On lap 12, Beasley made his move and overtook the lead and helped bring Self closer in on the fight. Neri looked for a way by Beasley however he came under fire from Self. Coming to the line, Beasley took the victory and his second Eagle by 0.481-seconds over Self with Neri back to third. Sharkey ran to fourth with Kyle Kalish (Merlin) into fifth.
Komet Heavy
The driver to beat through qualifying in Komet Heavy was Patrick Olsen (Birel). The Wisconsin driver was clear of the field by four-tenths with his 50.027-second lap. Shinya Michimi (Merlin) was second in the order ahead of point leader Ryan Stewart (Birel). Bill McLaughlin Jr. (Birel) was fourth with Colton Ramsey (Merlin) fifth. Jason Foley (Merlin) and Corey Reeves (Arrow) were unable to complete a lap, putting them to 15th and 16th on the grid.
Olsen was happy to see the Prefinal was uneventful as he cruised to the win in the eight lap race. The front four fell in line after getting through the opening lap chicane and settled in for the remainder of the race. Olsen won by eight-tenths over Michimi with Stewart - earning the fast lap - was third over McLaughlin. Ramsey retired on lap five with a broken chain, allowing Jackson Mears (Birel) to finish fifth.
Continuing to show strong, Olsen helped his cause for the Komet Heavy championship with the Final victory. From the pole position, Olsen escaped any early challenge from Stewart and Michimi as they engaged in a battle of their own. With his two closest rivals fighting for position, Olsen had a 3.5-second lead at the halfway mark and eventually took the Eagle victory by six-seconds. Michimi fought off Stewart for second however the fight on track was for the fourth spot. In the end, McLaughlin crossed the line ahead of Scott Kopp (Merlin).
 | Jacob Zellner earned the Komet Sportsman victory on track but a penalty has Ashely Rogero (17) as the unofficial winner
(Photo: Go Racing Magazine) |
Komet Sportsman
Canadians continued to show strong through qualifying with the last class of the day on track - Komet Sportsman. Tristan VanWieringen (KRT) earned the top spot in the timed session with a 53.208 lap time, just one-thousandths ahead of Mike McAndrews (Margay). Matt Solarczyk (Birel) was third in the order with Gresham Wagner and Grant Quinlan, both also on Birels, were fourth and fifth. Championship leader Ashley Rogero was unable to post a competitive time in qualifying, ending up 12th at the end of the session.
McAndrews came away with the lead over VanWieringen as the field came around for the first lap of the Prefinal. VanWieringen continued to get shuffled back as McAndrews continued to lead. On the charge was Zane Smith (Top Kart) as he came up from eighth into the lead group. Getting up to second with two laps to go, Smith challenge for the lead into the chicane. Smith came away with the lead as McAndrews fell back to third by the time they got to the white flag with Quinlan moving to second. At the checkered, Smith took the win over Quinlan with Wagner, Solarczyk and Rogero up to fifth.
The field made it through the opening corners clean to begin the Final as the entire field snaked around the circuit inline. Smith led early with Wagner and Rogero putting on the pressure. By lap four, a four-kart lead group was formed as Solarczyk joined the other three. As the lead group grew with a few more additions, the drivers began to jostle for position. On lap 10, contact was made in the chicane with Quinlan receiving the worst of it. Coming out with the lead was Jacob Zellner (Arrow) as he benefitted from the contact. Wagner and others locked up and were able to reel in the leader. On the final lap, Wagner was holding the point however he ran the defensive line. This opened the door for Rogero and Zellner to draft by on the outside. Rogero held the lead going into the final corner when Zellner made a great criss-cross move to move inside of Rogero on the exit. At the line, Zellner earned the checkered flag by 0.050-seconds over Rogero. Officials however ruled Zellner as the cause for the earlier incident, moving him back to 18th in the final tally, giving Rogero the provisional victory as the results have not been ruled official. Wagner is classified unofficially in second with Collin Campbell (Birel), Ryan Raffa (Haase) and Osborne in the top-five.
Sunday will complete this year’s Zoom Zoom Nationals with 10 more classes set to do battle with 10 more WKA Eagles to be awarded. Readers can watch updates throughout the weekend in the Official Discussion Thread, which will include the popular Top-10 from each on-track session Sunday for the Manufacturer’s Cup Series. For the Road Racing action, a separate thread in the Road Racing section of the forums will have updates as the results are posted for the racers. |
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