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| November 08, 2006 News |
| EKN Trackside: SKUSA SuperNats X - Wednesday Report |
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There’s nothing like the calm before the storm at the Superkarts! USA SuperNationals. With PA testing going on throughout the day in the paddock, the teams continued to file into the parking lot at Sam Boyd Stadium, getting right to work setting up camp and getting their karts prepped for competition. With a full day of practice getting underway bright and early on Thursday morning at 7:00 am, you can tell that the drivers are just itching to get on the track.
Speaking of the track, it was a constant flow of drivers and mechanics walking the layout today, taking the time to look for some of the intricacies that could provide an advantage. We’ll work on getting an in-car clip first thing tomorrow. Qualifying is set for Friday morning and it will be important, considering the quality of the competition. With just four sessions available during Thursday, getting up to speed quickly is separate the contenders from the remainder of the field immediately.
The assembled SuperPro field is stacked with talent, both past and present. A couple drivers are returning home this weekend as David Jurca has reunited with Italian Motors and Kyle Martin will again suit up in Trackmagic colors. Jurca’s new Italkart looks great, finished with white pods and new graphics.
Kyle Wiegand has a new unpainted TopKart prototype in his paddock, having already laid down testing laps in the newly-configured chassis. The relocation of a few frame rails have provided Wiegand with a chassis that he states is ‘much more comfortable’ that the chassis he ran this past season. Armed with this kind of confidence, look for Wiegand to be strong out of the box. Being comfortable on a temp course is a big positive.
Testing has been key for a couple of drivers who are making their return to karting competition. Former winner Ron White is extremely focused at taking the win this year and he has logged five full days of track time getting up to speed in his new KLS Racing GP. After impressing with three huge wins in the Star Mazda Championship, White looks set to have a solid program for ’06, but he would like nothing more that to put another SuperNats win on his record. Franklin Motorsports owner Jamie Sieracki is also back as he will join his lead driver Troy Hottman aboard a Merlin chassis, having spent some very valuable test time at Badger Raceway.
One driver who will not be in attendance will be former SuperNats 80cc Junior winner Brett Buckwalter. EKN has learned that while traveling to the event with Cameron Karting co-owner Jeff Smith in the team’s hauler, the duo was involved in a nasty accident when they rolled their truck and trailer, both of which were totaled in the incident. We have been told that both Buckwalter and Smith were unhurt, although without the necessary equipment, he will elect to remain back in Novato, CA this weekend.
While SuperPro promises to be a wild battle from Thursday to Sunday, the rest of the class menu is also packed with talent. The continued development of Stock Moto category has provided for two awesome classes while, for the EKN staff, we’re also focusing on the TaG Senior race as one to really watch with its 80-kart field. Once some times get laid down tomorrow, we’ll have a better idea of who looks ready to step up into the lead fight.
Our man David Cole worked his way through the pit area this afternoon to record some images of the paddock. Our first Photo Gallery of the week is now available HERE. |
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