Tristan Francisco won a three straight to close out the USPKS program and claim the Micro Swift title (Photo: Studio52.us)

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.

The best part of watching the Micro divisions in karting is seeing the progression and development of each driver. For some, it comes quickly, others take time. The best way to gauge the future stars in karting is by the win column. One of the more successful drivers through the second half of the 2026 season was Canadian Tristan Murphy. He put together a string of three victories at the United States Pro Kart Series to claim the 2026 Micro Swift title.

After winning at the New Castle Motorsports Park and Motorsports Country Club of Cincinnati, Francisco still needed to complete the task at hand to earn the USPKS Micro Swift title at the series finale. The Lake Erie Grand Prix was held on September 18-20 at the new Lorain Ohio KartPlex in Lorain, Ohio.

Francisco opened the event with fast time in qualifying, posting a 1:00.981 lap to clear the 18-driver field by over a tenth. The session at the end of Friday was dry before the track was wet for most of the day on Saturday. The Ryan Perry Motorsport / Nitro Kart driver opened the first heat race with a dominating run as the only driver in the 1:11 lap time barrier, driving away to a five second advantage for the win. More rain came for Heat Two, with Francisco once again the quickest on the wet track and another five-second margin for the win. The track was not as wet as before; however, the Micro Swift field was on wet tires for the Super Heat action. Tristan repeated his previous performances, once again recording fast laps of the race to drive away to a five-second advantage after 11 laps.

Francisco earned the pole position for the Final on Sunday with rain staying in the area, needing to finish fifth or better to help secure the series championship. Tristan was shuffled back to third over the opening lap behind championship contenders Beau Wyatt and Jack Kotowski. It took Francisco just two laps to move into the lead. From there, Tristan drove away once again with fast laps of the race. At the checkered flag, Francisco secured his third straight victory, winning by nearly eight seconds after 16 laps.

Tristan becomes the 11th different champion in the category that began back in 2016 with Brent Crews as the title winner. Francisco added this title to his Stars Championship Series crown earned just the weekend prior, going along with his third in the SKUSA Pro Tour standings and third at the SKUSA Winter Series.

One final event remains on Francisco’s schedule for the 2026 season, heading to the SKUSA SuperNationals 29 in Las Vegas over November 11-15. For 2027, Francisco will continue competing at the same series, with a move up to Mini category on the horizon along with possible international events.

September 2026 EKN Driver of the Month – Tristan Francisco

(Photo: EKN)

Bio

Age: 8
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Parents: Richard and Veronica Francisco
Siblings: Liam Francisco
Height/Weight: 54” – 66 lbs.
Education (School/Grade): St. Sebastian Catholic School – Grade 4

Racing Resume

Chassis: Nitro Kart
Engine/Engine Builder: Woltjer Engines
Sponsors: Solar Roofing
Series You Compete In: USPKS, STARS, SKUSA, ROTAX
Years Karting: 2
How did you get started in karting? Always had a love for cars, so this was the closest thing to it.
What has been the high point in your racing career? Winning two Championships in my first year.
What are your goals in racing? To keep winning and becoming better.
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Calm and smooth
Funniest moment at the race track? When my dad got on the track with me and brother. LOL

Likes

Favorite Track: Lorain Ohio KartPlex (LOK) – Lorain, Ohio
Favorite form of professional motorsports: Formula one
Favorite karting driver: Dalton Hanes, Pauly Massimino
Favorite professional driver: Max Verstappen
Favorite website: YouTube
Favorite movie: Days of Thunder
Favorite actor/actress: Tom Cruise
Favorite music/group: Morgan Wallen
Favorite vacation/activity spot: Portugal
Favorite food: Steak and Lobster

The Real Deal

What do you do when not at the track? Play soccer, Track and Field Running, Fishing
What are your goals outside of karting? Win track and Field Tournaments
What app or game do you play right now? ROBLOX
What type of street car would you like to drive? Porsche GT3 RS
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? People who Gossip and Chatter Mouths.
What do you think could be done to improve the sport of karting? No drafting in qualification.
What are your favorite aspects about the sport of karting? Speed and Battling during the Race.

September 2026 Driver of the Month – Honorable Mention:

– Archer Eversman: Champions of the Future America Series – KA100 Senior Winner

– Sebastian Hauser: ProKart Challenge – KA100 Senior Winner

– Lucas Palacio: USPKS Lake Erie Grand Prix – X30 Junior Winner / Stars Night Fight – KA100 Junior Winner

– Travis Pettit: USPKS Lake Erie Grand Prix – KA100 Junior Winner

– Enzo Ramos: Stars Night Fight – Swift Stars Winner

– Martin Stone: Texas Sprint Racing Series – KA100 Master Winner

– Dutch Westbrook: USPKS Lake Erie Grand Prix – Mini Swift Winner

– Henry Wheeler: USPKS Lake Erie Grand Prix – KA100 Senior Winner

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