Ashton Woon scored three wins at two events in June, including both at the SKUSA SpringNationals (Photo: EKN)

In a continued effort to highlight the many outstanding performances by drivers around the country, eKartingNews.com is proud to introduce the ‘Driver of the Month’ program. Each month, the staff at EKN will determine the one driver who stood out above the rest and give the viewers a chance to know exactly what they accomplished and who they are.

Over the last 30 years, there have been several drivers that have developed through their Cadet years in karting to go on and become a karting star or notable name in the motorsports ranks. One driver making his mark this season is Ashton Woon, as the former USPKS Micro Swift champion has established himself as one of the leaders in the Cadet division. The Arizona native now living in North Carolina grabbed three major victories in June to earn the nod for EKN Driver of the Month.

Woon grabbed the USPKS Wisconsin Grand Prix victory in Mini Swift (Photo: EKN)

The month began with Woon taking part in the Superkarts! USA Pro Tour SpringNationals at the Motorsports Country Club of Cincinnati in Batavia, Ohio. The Supertune USA / Parolin driver was coming off tough results in Orlando for the WinterNationals in March. Woon qualified sixth in a field of 33 drivers to open the Saturday round of action. He fought his way forward quickly into the lead and went on to win the Prefinal. With the pole position in hand, Woon maintained the lead and was joined by Nico Kotowski at the front of the field. Woon led the duo around the track for all 18 laps, securing his first SKUSA Pro Tour victory in the Mini category.

The following day for Round Four of the SKUSA Pro Tour championship began with Woon second in the qualifying session, only 66 thousandths out of the top spot. That was the only session Ashton did not finish on the day at the top of the order. He led seven of the eight laps in the Prefinal to claim the race win by a big margin. The main event however was a battle for nearly all the 18 laps. Woon was pushed back to fifth place – twice over a four lap span after racing back to the lead. Once back into the lead with seven laps remaining before Troy Ferguson and Maxwell Macha each took over the position. Woon reclaimed the top spot with two laps remaining, driving away to his second straight SKUSA Pro Tour victory.

Two weeks later, Woon traveled to the Mill-Rite Raceway in Dousman, Wisconsin for the United States Pro Kart Series Wisconsin Grand Prix. It was his first ever trip to the home of the Badger Kart Club, competing in the third stop of the 2024 USPKS championship. Ashton came in with a win at the series opener in Texas and was second in qualifying to the Trackhouse winner Parker Ives. It was the two North Carolina drivers leading the way through the heat races as Woon captured the first moto. Ives led the way in the final two heats as Ashton fell back to fourth and ninth, placing him fourth on the grid for the main event. A great start for Woon put him second early behind Mini rookie Josh Bergman. On lap 10, Ashton took over the lead for the first time, which triggered a great battle between the two, along with Royce Vega in the mix. After multiple lead changes, Woon secured the lead on lap 19. Through the final laps, Woon held on to the top spot to reach the checkered flag first, earning a second USPKS victory of the season.

The two victories in Ohio for Woon puts him into the championship lead for the SKUSA Pro Tour championship. He holds an 85-point advantage heading to the series finale – the SKUSA SummerNationals – set for July 26-28 at the New Castle Motorsports Park in New Castle, Indiana. The two wins in three rounds for Ashton in USPKS competition also has him at the top of the championship standings with two rounds to go. The next comes with the Ohio Grand Prix at the Motorsports Country Club of Cincinnati on August 9-11.

June 2024 EKN Driver of the Month – Ashton Woon

(Photo: Nate Dean – EKN)

Bio

Born: March 2012
Hometown: Scottsdale,AZ
Parents: Ryan & Sarah Woon
Siblings: Aria Woon
Height/Weight: 58 inches / 71 lbs.
Education: 6th grade

Racing Resume

Chassis: Parolin
Engine/Engine Builder: Woltjer Racing Engines
Sponsors: Axle Logistics, DDW Partners, Apex Motor Club, Mountain Motorsports, Porsche North Scottsdale, State Industrial Supply, OMP Racing, Parolin USA, Supertune USA, Mr. Stickers, Renovation Inc, Adrienne Priest Real Estate, Bell Racing, YeaYea
Series You Compete In: SKUSA Winter Tour, SKUSA Pro Tour, USPKS, Trackhouse Racing Club and some one-off races in other series.
Years Karting: 7
How did you get started in karting? My dad bought me a kart when I was 4
What has been the high point in your racing career? Winning the USPKS national championship (Micro Swift – 2022)
What are your goals in racing? IndyCar
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Smooth, consistent, smart and fast 
Funniest moment at the race track? Celebrating wins with Keelan spraying apple cider and slipping and falling hitting the ground

Likes

Favorite Track: New Castle Motorsports Park – New Castle, IN
Favorite form of professional motorsports: IndyCar
Favorite karting driver: Connor Zilisch
Favorite professional driver: Pato O’Ward, Scott Dixon and Lyle Larson
Favorite website: YouTube
Favorite movie: Grown Ups
Favorite actor/actress: Will Ferrel / Jennifer Aniston
Favorite music/group: Country / Morgan Wallen
Favorite vacation/activity spot: Southern California / Golf
Favorite food: Fried chicken

The Real Deal

What do you do when not at the track? Golf / Bowling
What are your goals outside of karting? Becoming an IndyCar driver
What app or game do you play right now? Roblox, iRacing
What type of street car would you like to drive? Ford Raptor
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? People who block laps 1-10
What do you think could be done to improve the sport of karting? Lower costs, penalties for swerving and bad driving
What are your favorite aspects about the sport of karting? Winning, Speed, competing against friends

June 2024 Driver of the Month – Honorable Mention:

– Diego Ardiles: SKUSA Pro Tour SpringNationals – 1 Win (KA100 Junior) / USPKS Wisconsin Grand Prix – 1 Win (X30 Junior)

– Turner Brown: SKUSA Pro Tour SpringNationals – 2 Wins (X30 Junior / KA100 Junior)

– Zayne Burgess: SKUSA Pro Tour SpringNationals – 2 Wins (Micro Swift) / USPKS Wisconsin Grand Prix – 1 Win (Micro Swift)

– Jeff Dolian: Quincy Grand Prix – 2 Wins (Briggs 206 Masters / Pro Briggs)

– Joe Ruch: SKUSA Pro Tour SpringNationals – 2 Wins (Master Shifter)

– Gabe Sessler: Quincy Grand Prix – 2 Wins (Ignite Senior / Briggs 206 Medium)

– Pete Vetter: Quincy Grand Prix – 2 Wins (Ignite Masters / Briggs 206 Legends)

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