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September 20, 2006 News
EKN Trackside: Champ Car Rotax Kart Challenge Grand Nationals
Article by: Ken Johnson
 


This weekend the Champ Car-Rotax Kart Challenge Grand Nationals presented by HardRadio.com will be held at Road America's Briggs & Stratton Motorplex. The event will take place during the Champ Car weekend at Road America, making it one of the highest profile karting events ever held.

"We're so excited about this event and what it means for Rotax karting in America," said Rotax Program Director Joe Ramos, Jr. "This is just the beginning. There's a lot more to come that will benefit the loyal Rotaxian."

Events from the past year seem to confirm Joe's optimism. In the past year, not only has the on-track action in the Rotax Challenge been very strong, but off-track the series has been building strength.

The first major coup came during the winter when SSC Racing (U.S. Rotax importer) announced an alliance with the Champ Car Series to help promote the Rotax Kart Challenge and give it a higher profile. In recent months, the series has signed on Texas-based HardRadio.com and CBO Energy as presenting sponsors for the West Regional at Willow Springs and for the Nationals at Road America. In recent weeks we've seen the addition of Impact Racing Products to a sponsorship portfolio that just keeps getting better and better.

This race is expected to be a showcase event for the Champ Car Rotax Kart Challenge not just because of the thousands of spectators in the area, but because of the tremendous action expected to take place. From its single-class beginnings with one national event, the Rotax series has grown into five highly competitive classes of drivers that must qualify through a Grand Regional system just to make it to the Nationals. And, unlike some qualifying series that just rubber stamp the drivers into the final, both Rotax Grand Regionals were highly competitive events. In fact, a quick scan of the finishing orders from the West Regional at Willow Springs and the East Regional at Ocala, Florida shows drivers who had qualified to represent the U.S. in previous Rotax Max World Finals not even finishing high enough to automatically qualify for this weekend's race.

At stake is more than the coveted U.S. Rotax National Championships. Winners and top-finishers in four of the five Champ Car-Rotax Kart Challenge classes will earn a spot on the U.S. Rotax team and will get to represent America at the Rotax World Championships this November in Viana, Portugal.

Headlining the weekend will be the Rotax Senior class. Looking to repeat his triumph from a year ago is Canyon, California's Wes Phillips (Intrepid). Among those who will challenge Wes for top honors in the Senior class will be West Regional winner and reigning U.S. Junior Max Champion James Kennedy (Sodi) and East Regional winner Eric Jones (Arrow).

In the highly-competitive Junior Max class, Arrow-mounted Michael Self from Park City, Utah and Miami, Florida's Jose Zanella (CRG) signaled their championship aspirations by winning the West and East Regionals, respectively. Also gunning for return-trips to the Rotax World Finals will be Midland, Texas' David Holland (Birel) and Timmy Megenbier (Birel) from Melrose Park, IL, who recorded the highest finishing position ever at the World Finals for a United States driver in 2004 with a fifth place finish.

For 2006, the Rotax RM1 class has become the Rotax DD2 class and now allows for open chassis development from different manufacturers. Of the 19 entries in the DD2 class, the majority of the chassis are CRG, but, Arrow, Birel, PCR and the original RM1 will also be in competition. Two-time defending RM1 champion Justin Melton (Birel) from Flower Mound, Texas returns to make an attempt at four straight U.S. Rotax championships (Justin was also 2003 champion in Junior Max). Challenging Melton will be Coppell, Texas' Jordon Musser. Jordon is also a three-time U.S. champion in the Rotax Senior class, making him and Melton the only three-time U.S. Rotax champions. Winter Haven, Florida's Austin McCoy (PCR) won the East Regional at the Ocala Grand Prix circuit and will also be gunning for the U.S. title.

In what has been described as "the group that Rotax Max was created for", the Rotax Masters class (35 years-of-age and older) returns with a strong 33-kart field led by defending U.S. Rotax Masters champion David Odenthal. The Dalton Gardens, Idaho driver brings his CRG to Road America after putting on a most impressive showing in the West Regional to come from the back of the grid to finish third. West Regional winner Michael Mautner (CRG) of Fullerton, California and East Regional winner Taylor O'Shaughnessey (GP) of Fall River, Massachusetts will also have a say in who's the best in Masters. Expect a tight fight at the front in this class.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Mini Max class. In the last couple years, Mini Max has grown from a relatively small number of competitors to the largest class in some regions. Leading the way is East Regional winner Gabriel Chaves of Weston. Florida on his Kart Mini chassis. Gabriel is a member of Florida's Club Mini Max region which boasts a super-impressive 18 out of 32 drivers to qualify for the Nationals. Not to be outdone, West Regional winner Dakota Dickerson (Birel) of San Diego, California also has intentions of becoming the 2006 Rotax Mini Max Grand National Champion. Keep an eye on these kids as this promises to be one of the best races of the weekend.

EKN correspondent Ken Johnson will have updates throughout the weekend as well as a Discussion Thread in the forums section so you can follow your favorite drivers' progress should you not be able to attend the event along with daily reports at the end of each day.

DD2 Entry List
No.DriverChassisHometownRegional Series
1Justin MeltonCRGFlower Mound, TXTexas
3Mike TaggartRM1 Fort Meyers, FLFlorida
6Brett SmrzCRGCoeur d' Alene, IDJim Russel
11Nick WeilCRGOrlando, FLFlorida
14Tom MasieroCRGSeabrook, NHNortheast
16Nathan MauelCRGBroken Arrow, OKTexas
21Chris DebruineCRGSanta Clara, CAGatorz Cup
22January GroveCRGSan Jose, CAThe Works
24Phillip GordonCRGEvanston, ILMRP
26Austin McCoyPCRWinter Haven, FLFlorida
41Curtis CookseyCRGLas Vegas, NVXplex
50Greg ThekCRGMiami , FLFlorida
56Allie VaughanCRGIndian Rocks, FLFlorida
69David SimonarCRGLuxemburg, WIMidwest Sprint Series
77Lineth ValerioRM1 San Jose, CRCosta Rica
93MacKenzie JohnsonArrowSan Luis Opispo, CAGatorz Cup
95Jeff FutchRM1 Orange Park, FLFlorida
97Guillermo Sr. FreileCRGAventura, FLFlorida
106Jordon MusserBirelCoppell, TXTexas


Senior Entry List
No.DriverChassisHometownRegional Series
1Wes PhillipsIntrepidAmerican Canyon, CAGatorz Cup
2Spencer RaineMargayNewberg, ORGold Cup
3Nicholas HedinGillardMiami , FLFlorida
4Thiago ParazinhoCRGPalm Beach , FLFlorida
6Troy McCallArrowValencia, CAGatorz Cup
8Andres GutierrezSwiss HutlessWest LaFayette, INMRP
9Kyle DemeterArrowStockton, IL
12Mike HerdaBirelLas Vegas, NVXPlex
13Gary GibsonBirelRiverwoods, ILMRP
18Eric ShoverCRGKent, WAGold Cup
19Gregory LiefoogheIntrepidSan Francisco, CAJim Russell
20Sean OwensCRGArlington, TXTexas
24Dion von MoltkeCRGCoral Gables, FLFlorida
25Mike RolisonMargayWilsonville, ORGold Cup
33Andre SolanoCRGSan Jose, CRCosta Rica
34Jesse FischbachMach 1Westlake , WIBeaverRun
36Zach WoodsfordBirelLas Vegas, NVXPlex
37Joey CollinsBirelBakersfield, CAGatorz
53Mike HillCRGGilroy, CAJim Russell
66Guillermo FreileCRGAventura, FLFlorida
79Ariel CastroPCRHialeah, FLFlorida
83Eric JonesArrowMarion, IL
84Brandon JonesArrowBillings, MO
88Russell HamelCRGLowell, MANortheast
89Chuck JensenBirelCopper Canyon, TXTexas
91Ryan FowlerCRGMiami , FlFlorida
118Sam LeeBirelGobles, MIMidwest Sprint Series
130Ryan AllumsKosmicSt. Petersburg, FLFlorida
180Garrett MaxfieldBirelMurray, UTMiller Motorsports Park
210James KennedySodiEscondido, CAGatorz Cup
237Ben SearcyArrowTuscaloosa, ALBeakers Creek
288Christopher LivengoodMach 1New Bethlehem, PABeaverRun
424Chelsie JackmanSodiTechahapi, CAGatorz Cup
Kyle LeahyCRGSnohomish, WAGold Cup
Sean McDonaghCRGRolling Hills, CAGatorz Cup
Victor PedrosaKart MiniDavie, FLFlorida


Masters Entry List
No.DriverChassisHometownRegional Series
1Bill MaddoxGPMattawa, WAGold Cup
2Waqar MeyerBirelLas Vegas, NVXPlex
2Brad SmithCRGClemmons, NC
3John BrownBirelLake Worth, FLFlorida
4Ian ThomasBirelAnaheim, CAGatorz Cup
5Chris DavenportCRGLas Vegas, NVXPlex
7Gunter DesantiArrowColorado Springs, CO
8Keith KarrBirelMotevallo, ALBakers Creek
9Charles GordonBirelErie, CO
11Rene MartinelliCRGTampa, FLFlorida
12Mike MautnerCRGFullerton, CAGatorz Cup
14Mike DanielIntrepidNewberg, ORGold Cup
15Doug BernardMonzaMiami, FLFlorida
16Jeff SiewertBirelStillwater, MNMKA
24David OdenthalCRGDalton Gardens, IDGold Cup
26Peter RaeCRGKingston, JMJamaica
27Robert DaigleIntrepidSachse, TXTexas
33Tim HannenCRGSouth Kent, CTNortheast
43Mark KrivanekArrowSalida, CO
44Mark MinottHaaseKingston, JMJamaica
51Andy SeesemannBirelOrange, CAGatorz Cup
52Jay BrosiusSwiss HutlessDublin, CAJim Russell
53Taylor O'ShaughnesseyGPFall River, MANortheast
62Kenneth MaxfieldBirelMurray, UTMiller Motorsports Park
65Brad TheysCRGKewaunee, WIMidwest Sprint Series
77Eric VaughanArrowIndian Rocks, FLFlorida
95Phil BerryhillArrowWilsonville, ALBakers Creek
117DJ OrtizBirelPlano, TXTexas
183Noel FarrellyCRGCanton, MANortheast
313Jay SimmonsCRGFairhaven, MANortheast
480Gary PesnerCRGAnaheim, CAGatorz Cup
777Maverick BartlettArrowJackson, WY
Sammy ValafarBirelLas Vegas, NVXPlex


Junior Entry List
No.DriverChassisHometownRegional Series
0Gabriel BargasMargayHurst, TXTexas
1David HollandBirelMidland, TXWest Texas
2Jarvis GennariTony KartBoca Raton, FLFlorida
3David ChapelItalkartDenver, Grand Junction
4Timothy StewartMerlinFort Lauderdale, FLFlorida
5Morgan Le BaronBirelCedar Creek, TXTexas
6Connor DiMondCRGRiverside, CAGatorz Cup
9Nick BillingsleyCRGCenterville, MNMKA
10Bryan WongBirelBrentwood, NYNortheast
11Nick AndriesBiessePinellas Park, FLClub Mini Max
12Jemery MoralesEmmickGlen Head, NYNortheast
13Cameron KingsleyCRGCamano Island, WAGold Cup
15Clint KorteBirelGrapevine, TXTexas
17Timmy MegenbierBirelMelrose Park, ILMRP
19Danny BueckerCRGRedmond, WAGold Cup
20Derek KozakBirelOconto Falls, WIMidwest Sprint Series
25Kenny MalerMargayActon, TXGatorz Cup
28Michael SelfArrowPark City, UTMiller Motorsports Park
33Matthew MairCRGMiami , FLFlorida
35Esteban MartinCRGSan Jose, CRCosta Rica
39Michael LeibCRGPalmdale, CAGatorz Cup
43Mario SolaresCRGMiami , FLFlorida
44Carlos CastroPCROpa Locka, FLFlorida
46Zac ClarkArrowSalt Lake City, UTMiller Motorsports Park
56Nick SatterCRGBremerton, WAGold Cup
57Court VernonKart MiniKey Biscayne, FLFlorida
70Austin IsaacArrowSalt Lake City, UTMiller Motorsports Park
72Pat RosseArrowGolden, COMile High
88Neil AlbericoTop KartMonte Sereno , CAJim Russel Series
112Felipe VargasCRGSan Jose, CRCosta Rica
115Cameron JocelynBirelLaguna Hills, CAGatorz Cup
121Taylor CastleBirelLa Palma, CAGatorz Cup
387Jose ZanellaCRGMiami, FLClub Mini Max
Taylor StawickiMargayArgyle, TXTexas


Mini Max Entry List
No.DriverChassisHometownRegional Series
1Clay DavisBirelCarlsbad, NMWest Texas Karters
2Clay AckermannBirelLa Grange, KYGatorz Cup
4Nicholas StuderCRGBlaine, MNMKA
5Jack WestKart MiniSarasota, FLClub Mini Max
6Jake FrenchMargaySachse, TXTexas
7RC EnersonTony KartNew Port Richey, FLClub Mini Max
8Jordan PerryTony KartMiami, FlClub Mini Max
9Matthew WilliamsBirelKingston, JMJamaica
10Cameron CarterShockwaveJupiter, FLClub Mini Max
17Nick NeriShockwavePalmetto, FlClub Mini Max
19Kelsey BillingsleyCRGCenterville, MNMKA
20Matthew DelsolKart MiniMiramar, FLClub Mini Max
21Bristol GundersonNevosoSeabrook, TXTexas
27Thomas WaddinghamCRGAndrews, TXTexas
29Dominic TesoroShockwavePlant City, FLClub Mini Max
31Al SimpsonHaaseLos Angeles, CAGatorz Cup
36Steven KowalskiBirelRiviera Beach, FLClub Mini Max
47Austin TilleryCRGHampton Cove, ALBakers Creek
48Bobby RossShockwaveWest Palm Beach, FlClub Mini Max
54Daniel VelaCRGMiami, FLClub Mini Max
57Taylor Mc KeeverJuncosTarpon Springs, FLClub Mini Max
61Alec UdellBirelThe Woodlands, FLClub Mini Max
70Vinny MaestasBirelRiverside, CAGatorz Cup
72Pietro FittipaldiKart MiniMiami, FLClub Mini Max
79Dore ChaponickBirelMiami, FLClub Mini Max
80Dakota DickersonBirelSan Diego, CAGatorz Cup
99Alex KarabourniotisSwiss HutlessPlantation, FLClub Mini Max
111Jesup StuderCRGBlaine, MNMKA
127Jesus RiosFirstkartMiami Beach, FLClub Mini Max
191Nicholas DazaJuncosPompano Beach, FLClub Mini Max
503Gabriel ChavesKart MiniWeston, FLClub Mini Max
Nicholas SilvaKart MiniEncino, CAGatorz Cup
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