James Overbeck doubled up in the win column at WKA Daytona KartWeek (Photo: Mark Schwigen)

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 2023 calendar year wrapped up with the annual World Karting Association Daytona KartWeek. Traditionally held between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, karters from all over North America converge on the Daytona International Speedway with three distinct races held on the Daytona Beach, Florida facility. Since the early 2000s, the sprint event has taken place on the kart circuit situated inside turns NASCAR 3-4. The 2023 event welcomed over 300 entries in 13 categories. Among them was Precision Performance Karting / Brandon Jarsocrak Racing driver James Overbeck. He was one of two drivers to double up in the win column on December 30, earning the EKN Driver of the Month honor.

The 206 Featherweight class was the first in the order for Overbeck in Daytona, added to his roster last minute. James was slated to compete in KA100 Senior and 206 Senior categories but added the light category to make it three over the three-day event. Overbeck was able to set the second quickest lap in qualifying at the end of Day 1, just one tenth off. The first heat resulted in fast laps of the race, running second all 12 laps. He was shuffled back to fourth at the start of Heat #2, however, fast laps of the race helped to propel him up to the top spot. Starting the Prefinal from the pole position, James led 12 of the 14 laps to claim the race win and securing the P1 starting spot for the Final. The main event was all Overbeck, leading all 16 laps, posting quick time, and taking the checkered flag by over two seconds.

The Marie Borsuk Memorial 206 Senior class was the last in the order each day. Overbeck was able to put down a 46.387 lap time in qualifying, securing the provisional pole position until coming across the scale 0.3 pounds underweight. That put him back to 33rd on the grid for the opening heat race. James grabbed several positions to be 19th on the opening circuit, and quickly up to 10th where he would remain until the checkered flag. With fast laps of the race, he would climb up as high as second in Heat #2 before dropping to eighth on the final lap. The quick Coyote kart carried over into the Prefinal on Day 3, setting fast time in the 14-lap race and leading the final four laps for the win. From there, Overbeck went untouched in the 16-lap Final, driving away to a near four-second advantage for his second victory of the event.

The third category Overbeck contested at WKA Daytona KartWeek was KA100 Senior. James was in contention all event long. He began qualifying second and finished third in both heat races along with the Prefinal. During the main event, Overbeck took over the lead on lap seven. He led five laps before relinquishing the position. He was fourth on the final circuit before dropping to sixth at the checkered flag.

The two victories in Daytona will be a way to jumpstart his 2024 season, where Overbeck is planning to compete at the United States Pro Kart Series, Stars Championship Series, Superkarts! USA Pro Tour in KA100 Senior competition. He plans to race at all the CKNA Majors, including defending his Senior Light title at the CKNA Grand Nationals.

December 2023 EKN Driver of the Month – James Overbeck

(Photo: Kart Lounge)

Bio

Born: September 2nd, 2005
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Parents: Matt and Heather Overbeck
Siblings: Grace
Height/Weight: 5’9” / 145 pounds
Education: Senior at St. Xavier High School
Job: Coach during the summer at G&J Kartway

Racing Resume

Chassis: Coyote Zenith and Tony Kart
Engine/Engine Builder: GT Machine and BBS Racing Engines
Sponsors: Precision Performance Karting, Coyote Motorsports, VerdeSpeed Resources, Ryan’s Performance Parts, and Cincinnati Joe Delivers
Series You Compete In: United States Pro Kart Series, Stars Championship Series, Cup Kart North America, WKA, SKUSA Pro Tour, Route 66 Sprint Series
Years Karting: 12
How did you get started in karting? My dad raced karts as a kid, so my grandpa bought me a kid kart when I turned 4.
What has been the high point in your racing career? Coyote sweeping the senior classes at CKNA Grands after I helped develop the chassis, and my first USPKS podium at MCC
What are your goals in racing? To be able to compete at the top level of karting in the US
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Smooth but aggressive
Funniest moment at the race track? Denny’s at CKNA Grands with the Big Steamas

Likes

Favorite Track: G&J Kartway – Camden, Ohio; Michiana Raceway Park – South Bend, Indiana; Pittsburgh International Race Complex – Wampum, Pennsylvania
Favorite form of professional motorsports: NASCAR
Favorite karting driver: Pauly Massimino
Favorite professional driver: Jimmie Johnson and Brent Crews
Favorite website: YouTube
Favorite movie: Blues Brothers
Favorite actor/actress: Will Ferrell
Favorite music/group: Post Malone
Favorite vacation/activity spot: Bonita Springs, Florida
Favorite food: Filet Mignon from Jeff Ruby’s

The Real Deal

What do you do when not at the track? Work on karts, school work, and play video games
What are your goals outside of karting? To continue to do the things I love
What type of street car do you drive? Toyota Prius (not joking)
What type of street car would you like to drive? Chevy Corvette
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? People who hold the outside
What do you think could be done to improve the sport of karting? Train corner workers better and limit the amount of tires people can use in a race weekend
What are your favorite aspects about the sport of karting? I love how competitive karting is. It’s the best bang for your buck in all of motorsports. Also the life long friendship you make.

December 2023 Driver of the Month – Honorable Mention:

– Hudson Brown: CKNA Winter Nationals – 1 Win (Senior Light)

– Hunter Fox: WKA Daytona KartWeek – 1 Win (Ignite Senior)

– Isaac Malcuit: CKNA Winter Nationals – 1 Win (Junior) / WKA Daytona KartWeek – 1 Win (206 Junior)

– Danny O’Gara: WKA Daytona KartWeek – 2 Wins (206 Cadet / Micro Swift)

– Jed Perkins: WKA Daytona KartWeek – 1 Win (Ignite Senior)

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