Lucas Palacio doubled up at the IAME USA Grand National Championship (Photo: Twelve One Content)

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.

Palacio won both main events for KA100 Junior and X30 Junior at Trackhouse Motorplex over Labor Day weekend (Photo: Twelve One Content)

The IAME USA Grand National Championship has become one of the more popular one-off events of the season since it was introduced in 2021. Based at the Trackhouse Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina, the four-day event brings together the best IAME racers from around the country and a handful of international talent to compete in a unique format event that includes a regular class and special shootout events, all on different track layouts and under the lights. The busy, exciting event wrapped up over the Labor Day weekend with Lucas Palacio leaving with two wins in the Junior division, earning the honor of the EKN Driver of the Month for August 2025.

Palacio was doing double duty at his home track, competing in X30 Junior and KA100 Junior. Lucas was eighth in qualifying for the 34-driver field in KA. He advanced up to third and second in the two heat races to start on the outside of the front row for the Superheat. The Kart Republic driver racing under the MPG Motorsports banner on the weekend jumped ahead of two-heat race winner Max Weiland to lead all 17 laps, securing the pole position for the main event. The 22-lap race was led by Palacio the entire distance as he went wire-to-wire for the victory, winning by over three seconds.

The action in X30 Junior began with Palacio clocking in the quickest time in qualifying, laying down a 47.909 lap time. The opening heat featured a first half battle with Max Weiland and John Antonino before Palacio escaped with the win and followed it with a wire-to-wire performance in Heat #2. The Superheat saw Palacio lead all 17 laps to win by just under three seconds. The 22-lap Final was all Lucas, getting away from the field early and driving away to a three-second advantage by the checkered flag to claim his first career victory at the IAME USA Grand National Championship.

The 2025 season has been a busy one for Palacio, racing on the international stage in the OK-N Junior division. Two wins in four rounds helped him gain the WSK Super Master Series championship while adding wins in the Italiano ACI Karting Championship program as well. Lucas returns to Trackhouse Motorplex this weekend, making his first start of the season in the OK-N Junior category for the Stars Championship Series finale. Then it will be back to Italy for three rounds of competition in the WSK Final Cup including trips to Franciacorta, Cremona, and Lonato from October 24 to November 23.

August 2025 EKN Driver of the Month – Lucas Palacio

(Photo: Twelve One Content)

Bio

Born: 1/1/2014
Hometown: Vienna, VA
Parents: Joyce and Nick
Siblings: Logan
Height/Weight: 4’11” / 90lbs.
Education (School/Grade): ICL Academy / 6th grade

Racing Resume

Chassis: Kart Republic
Engine/Engine Builder: IAME OKNJ/X30/KA100
Sponsors: Williams Academy, Kart Republic, Kartsport NA, IAME, SimCraft, Bell, Minus273
Series You Compete In: WSK, ACI, USPKS, SKUSA, Stars
Years Karting: 7
How did you get started in karting? Dad put me in a Kid Kart at 4
What has been the high point in your racing career? Being signed by Williams Racing to their Academy
What are your goals in racing? To be a professional race car driver
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Smooth, precise, committed
Funniest moment at the race track? Kai Mars and his funny faces

Likes

Favorite Track: Viterbo
Favorite form of professional motorsports: F1
Favorite karting driver: Joe Turney
Favorite professional driver: Michael Schumacher
Favorite website: YouTube
Favorite movie: F1 Movie
Favorite actor/actress: Jack Black
Favorite music/group: Chevelle
Favorite vacation/activity spot: Italy
Favorite food: Spaghetti Bolognese

The Real Deal

What do you do when not at the track? Hang out with friends and drive on the Sim
What are your goals outside of karting? To do well in school and continue my education
What app or game do you play right now? iRacing/KRP
What type of street car would you like to drive? GT3RS
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? Losing and my brother
What do you think could be done to improve the sport of karting? More consistency on penalty calls and defining what is and is not a penalty.
What are your favorite aspects about the sport of karting? I love everything about karting.  The speed, competition, learning how to communicate with my team to make the equipment work better for me, and ultimately my development as a racing driver.

August 2025 Driver of the Month – Honorable Mention:

– Scott Barnes: Rock Island Grand Prix – 4 Wins

– Zachary Claman DeMelo: United States Pro Kart Series – KA100 Senior Winner

– Alessandro de Tullio: IAME USA Grand National Championship – 1 Win (X30 Pro)

– Talan Drake: Rock Island Grand Prix – 2 Wins

– Jack Kotowski: United States Pro Kart Series – Micro Swift Winner

– Isaac Malcuit: United States Pro Kart Series – KA100 Junior Winner

– Pauly Massimino: IAME USA Grand National Championship – 2 Wins (KA Shootout / KA100 Senior)

– Tony Neilson: Rock Island Grand Prix – 2 Wins

– Joe Turney: United States Pro Kart Series – X30 Pro Winner

– Justin Wishard: Rock Island Grand Prix – 3 Wins

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