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 Cup Karts North America Grand Nationals 10 from New Castle Motorsports Park in New Castle, Indiana. 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.

Welcome to CKNA Grand Nationals 10

The X. Grand Nationals 10 for Cup Karts North America is here. It’s been a crazy 10 year run for the event, and an amazing 14 seasons for the organization. Event promoter Greg Jasperson confirmed with EKN that the move in process went well, no major issues and same from track manager Mike Adams, minus a few hurdles their staff had to get through. Entries have surpassed the 500 mark, with a exact total to come once qualifying completes on Friday.

The forecast has changed and will likely continue to change as the week progresses. Wednesday was perfect, with a bit of a wind while Thursday is going to be amazing. Friday and Saturday appear to be even better with warmer temps, including into the 80s on Friday. Eyes however are on the south, watching the activity in the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Isaias is the focus, as the path of that storm is expected to move northeast. Future forecasts say rain from that storm will move into the Indiana by Sunday. CKNA is watching and reviewing how that will impact the activities here in central Indiana.

The track is the biggest topic, running the ‘National’ layout for the first time at the CKNA Grand Nationals. Most of the paddock is in agreement that this is not the track for Briggs racing. The removal of Monza and ‘Cut-through’ take out two key technical parts, and make drafting that much more important for the final third of the lap. While it has produced some exciting racing, it feels like watching Talladega or Daytona.

Young and Old, Karting is For Everyone

Drew Galloway and Hal Byrd are the oldest and youngest competitors at the event (Photo: EKN)

One of the best scenarios about karting is it’s for everyone. No matter your age or background, you can be part of the karting community, either as a driver, mechanic, team owner, shop owner, or just a fan. Behind the wheel this weekend is the youngest competitor at the event and the oldest competitor at the event, ranging from 5 years old to 71 years old. Hal Byrd of Spring Hill, Tennessee is making his CKNA Grand Nationals debut under the Kart CRG USA tent. This is his first year racing and finished second in the opening heat race. EKN was able to introduce him to Drew Galloway of Miamisburg, Ohio, the oldest driver here at CKNA Grand Nationals. Racing out of his garage along the ‘Long Pond Straight’, and club races here at New Castle Motorsports Park. Drew was super polite and happy to meet Hal, who he said should be racing karts still in 60 years or so. Truly, karting is for everyone.

Record Turnout for Kid Kart

27 drivers making up the largest Kid Kart field in CKNA Grand Nationals history (Photo: EKN)

Youth is what will help feed the sport of karting for the future. There are nearly 80 drivers in the Sportsman and Cadet divisions, and now the highest total of Kid Kart drivers at the CKNA Grand Nationals in its 10 year history. A total of 27 drivers are at New Castle for what is the biggest race in North America for the category. 11 states and one Canadian providence is represented in this year’s field. The amount of energy they all have throughout the day is amazing and as we have seen with past Kid Kart champions, they continue on through the different levels of karting. The first Kid Kart CKNA Grand Nationals winner Brady Schad is making his Senior debut this weekend.

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