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| December 22, 2011 |
| Driver News: Grant Quinlan - 2011 Year-in Review |
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 | Grant Quinlan celebrates, a common occurrence in that past two seasons
(Photo: On Track Promotions) |
The 2011 season was a good one for up and coming driver Grant Quinlan as the Birel America driver proved to be one of the best junior drivers that North America has to offer. Competing in high profile series throughout the United States, Quinlan capped the year off with multiple race wins and championships along with countless pole positions and fast lap awards throughout the country.
Focusing on the World Karting Association (WKA) Manufacturer's Cup series and looking to become a multi-time champion, Quinlan was one of the best drivers in recent years to compete in the Sportsman classes. Taking home three titles in the series in 2011, Quinlan claimed the prestigious WKA Triple Crown award. Taking home more than twenty national race wins in the past two seasons, the now 13-year-old champion is looking forward to the 2012 racing season.
"I had a great season in 2011 and can't wait to get started in January at the Florida Winter Tour," expressed Quinlan. "I managed to learn a lot this past year and I feel that I am prepared for my move to the junior ranks."
After claiming three WKA championships, Quinlan competed in the Vortex Mini Rok TaG Cadet class at the 15th annual SuperKarts! USA (SKUSA) SuperNationals. After progressing through the heat races and qualifying directly for the main event, Quinlan would finish in the third position in what looked to be his first podium result in SKUSA competition. Post race penalties for avoidable contact on a three-lap shootout to the checkered flag relegated the talented youngster down the running order to the 30th position.
Quinlan continued, "Both my team and I did not agree with the penalty. There was a lot of contact on the restart after the red flag incident and I feel that my third place finish should stand. Looking to protest the penalty, we decided not to and will look to stand atop the podium next year in Las Vegas."
Quinlan not only competed in karts in 2011 as he was in Las Vegas a few weeks before the SuperNationals to race in a Legends car. Competing in his first national event in the 'Young Lions' class at the US Nationals, Quinlan qualified just inside the top-twenty and managed to make it in to the A main. With more than sixty drivers seeing action at the event, Quinlan would start deep in the field for his feature event and manage to come home with a solid sixth place result.
Grant Quinlan would like to thank a host of people for the 2011 season. First and foremost, Quinlan would like to thank sponsors Birel America and MRP Motorsport as well as Team Engineers Tim and Chris Lobaugh. A special thank you also goes out to fellow Birel America team members Rick Goodwin, Jim Mastandrea and Dustin Richards as well as engine builders Adkins Engines, Fleming Engines and J-Power Engines. All of this would not be possible without the great staff and all the events that WKA puts together.
For more information on Grant Quinlan and Birel America, please contact Birel America at 269.756.9133 |
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