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| October 19, 2011 News |
| eKartingNews.com Driver of the Month - Ashley Rogero - September 2011 |
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 | Ashley Rogero drove her Tony Kart to three Grand National victories at the WKA New Castle event
(Photo: Sean Buur - Go Racing Magazine) |
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.
The transition from the Cadet level in karting to Junior is sometimes a big leap. Depending on the experience gained at the young ages can make the jump difficult or smooth. For Ashley Rogero, the 2011 season has been fairly smooth and it showed at the WKA Manufacturer’s Cup Series MKP Grand Nationals at the New Castle Motorsports Park where she scored three of the four Junior main event wins. Her performance earned her the title of Driver of the Month for September 2011.
The Junior categories have developed a ton of talent over the last five years. Most recently, Sam Beasley and Nick Neri were the dominant figures and both have gone on to become among the top drivers in the country at the Senior level. Rogero now is at the first step of that development stage in her first full season competing in the Junior divisions. Last month in New Castle was her best showing of the season as she took home three WKA Grand National Eagles.
Her first victory came in Komet Jr. Heavy. Qualifying third, she ran to fourth in the Prefinal. From there, the battle raged on in the Final until Ashley secured the point and drove off to a 1.327-second victory over Raquel Martinez, making it a 1-2 female finish. The same day, Rogero scored win number two in the Yamaha Jr. Lite class. She had to work extra for this win as she qualified 10th but made it up in the Prefinal, driving to the race win. From there, she went wire-to-wire for the victory by three-tenths.
On day two, Rogero completed the sweep for the Komet classes with the victory in the Lite division. Qualifying on pole was erased in the first two laps of the Prefinal as she fell back to eighth. Gaining her composure, she drove back to finish second in the eight-lap run. Leading all but three laps in the middle of the main event, Rogero took her third victory of the weekend by 0.175-seconds at the stripe. Rogero looked to be on her way to a fourth victory. In Yamaha Jr. Heavy, she qualified 10th and was up to fifth at the end of the Prefinal. The field however kept her from advancing as she only finished sixth to complete the weekend.
For the season, Rogero finished fourth (Komet Jr. Lite), 10th (Yamaha Jr. Lite), third (Komet Jr. Heavy) and 12th (Yamaha Jr. Heavy) in the championship standings. Off the track, Ashley is a straight A student, maintained throughout her middle school years and busy racing schedule.
 | Ashley Rogero - EKN Driver of the Month - September 2011
(Photo: Sean Buur - Go Racing Magazine) |
September 2011 EKN Driver of the Month - Ashley Rogero
Bio
Born: 10/7/1997
Hometown: Naples, Florida
Parents: Jim and Tammy Rogero
Siblings: Abbey Rogero
Height/Weight: 5’6” / 120lbs.
Education: 8th grade - Cypress Palm Middle School
Job: N/A
Racing Resume
Chassis: Tony Kart
Engine/Engine Builder: Brandon Jenkins, Comet Racing Engines
Sponsors: Comet Kart Sales, Ocala Gran Prix, OTK USA, Grand Products, Advanced Automotive
Series You Compete In: WKA Manufacturer’s Cup Series, Florida Karting Championship Series, Florida Winter Tour
Years Karting: 9
How did you get started in karting? My dad has many years in this sport and a deep passion for it. He bought me my first kart at 4 and 10 years later I still love it
What has been the high point in your racing career? Being asked to join Team USA 2010 held in La Conca, Italy
What are your goals in racing? I set short term goals and right now in my racing career I focus on winning championships
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Patient, Smooth, Determined
Funniest moment at the race track? There are so many, but most of the funniest moments in my racing career thus far are with Jorge and the team of Ocala Gran Prix. One being all the people on the bus from Team USA had to get out and move a car for our big Team USA bus to pass by.
Likes
Favorite Track: New Castle/ BeaveRun / La Conca, Italy
Favorite form of professional motorsports: Indy Cars, NASCAR
Favorite karting driver: David Sera / Danny Formal
Favorite professional driver: Dan Wheldon
Favorite website: Facebook
Favorite movie: Driven
Favorite actor/actress: Jim Carrey
Favorite music/group: I love all music
Favorite vacation/activity spot: My favorite vacation was going all the way out to California with my Dad for a race in CKI and stopping along the way doing a lot of sight seeing.
Favorite food: Anything Chicken
The Real Deal
What do you do when not at the track? Study, Cross Country, Going to the beach with friends
What are your goals outside of karting? Education
What type of street car do you drive? N/A
What type of street car would you like to drive? Haven’t decided yet
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? People who don’t tell the truth
What do you think could be done to improve the sport of karting? Listen to the opinions on what the karters want
What are your favorite aspects about the sport of karting? The competition , the comradely, and the family atmosphere
September Driver of the Month - Honorable Mention:
- Sam Beasley: Rock Island Grand Prix - TaG Senior, Rotax Senior winner $5,500 in winnings
- Grant Quinlan: WKA Manufacturer’s Cup Series - 3 wins (Cadet Sportsman 1, Cadet Sportsman 2, Yamaha Sportsman Lite)
- Jesse Lazare: Rotax Pan American Challenge - Junior winner (15-second victory in rain)
- Courtney Atkinson: WKA Road Racing Series - 3 wins (PP Can Sprint 360 - twice, Yamaha Sportsman Medium)
- Aaron Snyder: WKA Road Racing Series - 3 wins (Spec 125 TaG - twice, TaG) |
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