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| January 25, 2008 News |
| Event Preview: Gatorz Rotax Challenge of the Americas - Willow Springs |
| Article by: SHIFT Communications Group |
Anticipation is building for the first Gatorz Rotax Challenge of the Americas race, if the series fax machine is any indication. Before the pre-entry deadline on Sunday night, it had churned out nearly one hundred registration forms as drivers from Canada, Utah, Northern California and Oregon (everywhere near the west coast where it is too cold to race) are headed to Willow Springs to race against Southern California’s best Rotax racers.
Inclement weather is expected but that likely won’t deter the series drivers, whom have dealt with cold and inclement weather on more than a couple of occasions over the past two seasons. But while the temperature may be low, with trips to the Rotax Grand Nationals and Rotax Grand Finals up for grabs, the level of competition is likely to be through the roof.
King Taco MiniMax
With last year’s class champion Dakota Dickerson making the move to the Junior class, Al Simpson looks to be the kid to beat in King Taco MiniMax. Simpson capped a strong 2007 season in the Gatorz Karting Cup with a run to 9th in MiniMax at the Rotax Nationals. Michael Davis, Riley Reyes and Brianna Miscione look to provide the stiffest competition to Simpson, in a field that will more than double the amount of MiniMax drivers from last season.
 | Joey Collins is the guy to beat in MSquared Rotax International
(Photo: Go Racing Magazine) |
Performance Racing Industry Rotax Junior
Justin Coplen won this class championship in dramatic fashion last year in the Gatorz Karting Cup, beating Cameron Jocelyn at the line for the race win and the title in the season finale at the now-defunct Moran Raceway. Both drivers are back and will be joined by Canadian Tyler Wheeler, a two-time Canadian representative at the Rotax Grand Finals. Northern California driver Jordan Jadallah made a big impression on the class last season in his lone race, finishing 3rd at Buttonwillow, and is back for more.
Two drivers that shouldn’t be overlooked, either, are two drivers making their Junior Class debut; multi-time IKF champion Raquel Martinez, and last year’s King Taco MiniMax champion Dakota Dickerson.
MSquared Rotax Senior
One would have to go out on a limb to bet against Joey Collins. The two-time and defending Gatorz Karting Cup MSquared Rotax Senior class champion is rated as one of the best Rotax pilots in the country. However, IKF TaG standout and KartSport GP winner Joey Licata, Jr. will make his first Rotax appearance and based on his record last season, looks to make life difficult for Collins. Also entered are Nor-Cal standouts Will Martindale, Clayton Snow, and former America’s Team member Wes Phillips.
Dave’s Performance Rotax Masters
John Crow made this look easy last year in Gatorz Karting Cup when he locked up the championship in the first five races of the eight-race season. However, he will not be returning, leaving Pro Kart Challenge TaG Masters champion Paul Bonilla as the favorite. Bonilla recently won the Rotax Masters class at the SKUSA SuperNats – narrowly beating Crow.
 | With a trip to the Worlds on the line, Curtis Cooksey is a favorite in Precision Works DD2
(Photo: Go Racing Magazine) |
2006 and 2004 class champion Mike Mautner is returning to the series and should pose a threat to Bonilla, while Ian Thomas and Erik von Zeipel will likely be knocking on the door to get on the podium. Youngster Tyler Brooks will be joining the class this season, giving the 32-and-over crowd a run for their money.
Precision Works Rotax DD2
It’s a small field, but a good one, boasting two DD2 drivers from the 2007 America’s Team presented by Mazda; Joey Collins, who has already had one race weekend in the DD2 at the recent Homestead round of the Florida Winter Tour, and Las Vegas resident Curtis Cooksey. Erik Jackson, who finished third at the SKUSA SuperNats in Rotax Masters, has made the switch to the two-speed Rotax power.
The action kicks off with practice on Friday before two days of racing on Saturday and Sunday. To discuss the event, visit the Official Discussion Thread in the EKN Forums. A full race report provided by the Gatorz staff will follow the event. |
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