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| October 29, 2004 News |
| EKN Trackside – SKUSA SuperNationals 8 - Friday Preview |
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 | 2002 Moto World Champion Phil Carlson
leads the way in practice
(Photo: Blaney - Super Kart Illustrated) |
When the new day dawns over Sam Boyd Stadium on Friday morning, the official green flag on the 8th annual SKUSA SuperNationals will be thrown and the first official track sessions will be underway. Thursday’s schedule saw just three on-track sessions for each category after a late start when it was deemed that the track required significant adjustment first thing this morning. The finalized layout is challenging and fast and as usual, the search for grip is on. This year’s parking lot course has only started to ‘season’ and the constant train of race karts is now beginning to lay down a visible line.
The final ICC session of the day was highlighted by a 0.6-second drop in the fast time, as a reported 51.7 was the quickest lap found on any trackside stopwatch, hit by CRG drivers Darren Elliott and Phil Carlson. Carlson has been quick all day, making an impressive return to SKUSA competition this year. Canadian Lorenzo Mandarino (GP) knocked off a 51.8 and impressed many onlookers in the paddock with his smooth attack on this rhythm-oriented circuit.
 | The back side of the track is quick - and bumpy
(Photo: Cole - EKN) |
Many front runners struggled in coming to grips with the fast and slippery circuit. Most other competitors were in the low 52s. Alan Sciuto, Ron White, Canadian National Champion Jake Thompson and Tad Funakoshi all ran 52.1-second laps.
The last session didn’t reveal much as the sun was already fading and most drivers were struggling with front grip. A few pilots, like Kyle Martin, reported quick early laps before understeer set in, slowing them badly.
 | Karting icon Darren Elliott prepares for battle with tuner Randy Johnson
(Photo: Howden - Super Kart Illustrated) |
The day was capped by the season-ending banquet for the ProMoto Tour. Alan Sciuto took to the stage to accept his SuperPro national championship awards while Formula S1 champion Justin Moon, Formula Junior titleist Cole Whitt and Formula G1 champ Howie Idelson were also honored. Formula Junior driver Race Johnson was awarded the Rookie of the Year trophy.
Today’s action will see a morning warm-up give the drivers and opportunity get back into focus before heading into afternoon qualifying sessions. The day concludes with the first round of heats for a limited number of the support classes.
SKUSA SuperNationals 8
Saturday Schedule
8:00 am - Warm-up
10:30 am – Drivers Meeting
11:15 am – Qualifying
4:15 pm – Heat Races (Comer, TaG Senior)
EKN will post news and the qualifying top tens throughout the day via the official EKN Trackside thread on the News/Discussion Forum. We’ll post the complete qualifying results as soon as possible. |
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