(Photo: Musselman Honda Circuit)

EKN’s Paddock Insider is part of our Trackside coverage, bringing you notes, updates and breaking news as it happens. The article will feature notes from trackside at the 2025 Challenge of the Americas at the Musselman Honda Circuit in Tucson, Arizona. This is insider info will not be seen anywhere else. Be sure to follow the EKN Social Media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for more coverage throughout the weekend.

New Era with Shinko Racing Kart Tires

Shinko Racing Kart Tires making its debut at the Challenge (Photo: EKN)

The 2025 Challenge of the Americas is now underway, making its 12th visit to the Musselman Honda Circuit in its 18-year history. Not much has changed in Tucson, Arizona, as the technical circuit remains among the favorites for those in the western half of North America. What has changed for the Challenge is the tire brand utilized in each of the six categories. The Shinko Racing Kart Tires era has begun after Full Throttle Karting became the sole importer for the brand in late 2024. The FIA-CIK homologated tire is making its competition debut in North America this weekend. EKN spoke with many figures throughout the paddock, as the tire is unique from what everyone has been competing on over the last few years. From what we’ve been told, the tire has different characteristics and this week’s testing and today’s official session will provide competitors a better understanding of its performance. We’ll stay on top of the continuing insight from the racers and mechanics. The trackside weather needs to be considered as a factor as well, with cold temperatures in the morning (40s) before it warms up to the afternoon with a high projected at 67 degrees. Saturday and Sunday will be warmer as well, potentially 75-deg on Sunday, with more feedback on the tire expected. This will be a developing story as the series schedule continues, visiting different tracks in different climates.

Cadet Driver Cueto Making Race Weekend Debut After Leg Amputation Surgery

Pedro Cueto making his return behind the wheel after having his lower right leg amputated (Photo: EKN)

Late last year, the national karting community was introduced to an amazing story that continues with a new chapter of a young man’s inspirational journey. In 2022, Pedro Cueto lost his right femur to Ewing’s Sarcoma, but that didn’t stop his dream of becoming a race car driver. After getting his first kart and becoming a front runner in the Kid Kart category in Colorado, the next steps in his medical challenge included a limb salvage procedure, which again changed the dynamic. Soon after the SuperNats, Cueto underwent surgery to amputate his right leg from the knee down, and his only goal was to get back behind the wheel of his kart. The 10-year-old karter has been fitted with a prosthetic leg to help him walk around the paddock, but in his kart, a hand trigger has been installed on his Forward Direction Motorsports Pantano kart. This month at his home track of Colorado Karting Circuit at Centennial Airport, Pedro was able to get in his first sessions with the new trigger system. He spent time driving last weekend as well, getting accustomed to this new way for him to drive while making adjustments to the trigger system for the throttle. They are also testing out wither Pedro runs with his prosthetic leg or not, and how to keep that portion of the leg from bouncing around at the foot area. He was in a hard wreck during the early morning practice today, but has bounced back to continue practicing. It will be exciting to watch his progress, both on and off the track, for this young enthusiastic kid who simple loves karting.

Neliton Race Concepts Makes COTA Debut

Neliton Race Concepts is making its Challenge debut this weekend (Photo: EKN)

Neliton Race Concepts is making its Challenge debut here in Tucson this weekend and is front and center to kick off the 2025 season. Owner Aaron Neliton formed the operation full-time last year, focusing on his Pacific Northwest homebase. Aaron is among the veterans in the sport, racing for several years while working with numerous drivers as both a coach and a mechanic. Over the last few seasons at the Challenge, he’s worked for drivers under the Ruthless Karting tent. For 2025, NRC will venture down to the Challenge to participate in the full schedule, opening up with 11 drivers under the tent from Cadet up to Masters, all in the single-speed categories on OTK chassis. The team’s focus for the year will be the Challenge of the Americas, the regional and club racing in the Pacific Northwest, and traveling to hand-picked races based on their schedule.

Over 20 GFC Karts Competing This Weekend in Tucson

GFC has 20 drivers at the opening round of the Challenge (Photo: EKN)

Into their seventh season, the GFC Karting brand continues its expansion throughout North America and now around the world. The recent homologation with FIA-CIK has opened the door to more international competition, including a recent trip to Rotax International Trophy Asia in Thailand. Speaking with Gary Carlton of GFC, it was the first time they were able to put their kart on the Rotax MOJO tires, along with supporting his dealer in Thailand. The focus of the brand is to expand its dealer network into other countries, including Asia and South America. They landed a new dealership in Costa Rica, which adds a stronghold in the Central America region. Here in the USA, GFC continues its strong growth with new customers and dealers. This weekend in Tucson, they have 20 karts on track between the GFC race team and its two dealers on site – Formula Works and Scuderia Littel – with contenders in each of the six categories.

Idelson Supported by Karting Community to Race After Losing Everything in LA Fires

Karting community has rallied around Dane Idelson to race this weekend (Photo: EKN)

The karting community is always supporting those who need assistance. The latest is the support for karter Dane Idelson. The Idelson family suffered catastrophic losses in the recent Pacific Palisades fire that destroyed their home and racing operation, including karts, motors, tools, and sentimental items. Despite the overwhelming tragedy, the karting community has rallied together, ensuring Dane could compete here at the Challenge this weekend. Through the generosity of individuals such as Chris Wardle, Andy Seesemann, Seth Nash, and Jesus Vasquez, as well as countless others, everything needed for Dane to race—flights, entry fees, equipment, and ongoing support—was made possible. This selfless outpouring of support demonstrates the true spirit of the karting community, and serves as a reminder of the power of unity in the face of adversity.

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