Alan Isambard drove to victory in his KA100 Senior debut at USPKS Texas Grand Prix (Photo: EKN)

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.

One of the most competitive categories over the last few seasons has been the KA100 Senior division at the United States Pro Kart Series. The 2024 season opened in April at the Speedsportz Racing Park in New Caney, Texas featuring 61 drivers in the class. Among them was Florida driver Alan Isambard – who was slated to compete in the Pro Shifter division with Sodi Racing USA before the class was removed from the schedule. Isambard transferred over to the KA100 category, making his class debut at USPKS.

Isambard – a SKUSA Winter Series Pro Shifter champion – joined Sodi Racing USA squad in August 2023 as a shifterkart driver. He is no stranger to the single speed category, however, as in March, Alan drove to a third-place podium finish in the VLR Senior category at the ROK Cup USA Florida Winter Tour finale in Orlando.

With the Pro Shifter removed from USPKS for 2024, Isambard jumped to the KA100 Senior class for the Texas Grand Prix. Alan showed pace during the practice sessions, hovering around the top-10, however he slipped down 17th in the qualifying session. The opening heat was a negative, crossing the line in ninth but handed a penalty for contact to put him down to 16th in the result. His speed was on display in the second heat race, jumping up from sixth to first in three laps, going on to the win. It was a gradual climb to the front in the third and final heat, reaching the lead on the final lap to cross the line as the provisional winner. A three-second pushback bumper penalty took the win away and placed him sixth for Heat #3.

The up and down results through the three heat races placed Isambard on the outside of Row Six for the main event. Alan made quick work from 12th, getting into seventh in three laps. From there, he ran down the second lead group and picked each driver off one by one to reach the fourth spot. Isambard put in fast laps of the race to close to the lead pack. Pole sitter Helio Meza was running a defensive line for much of the race, allowing Isambard to attack on those trailing. Once into the second spot, he sized up Meza and made his move on lap 19. A solid final circuit kept Isambard out front, driving to victory in his first USPKS KA100 Senior start.

Isambard will continue competing in the KA100 Senior category at the United States Pro Kart Series program, which heads to the Trackhouse Motorplex on May 17-19. After missing the SKUSA Pro Tour WinterNationals, Alan is unsure about competing at the remainder of the program in 2024. He is slated to race at the ROK Vegas and SKUSA SuperNationals 27 at the end of the year.

April 2024 EKN Driver of the Month – Alan Isambard

(Photo: Studio52.us)

Bio

Born: November 27, 2023
Hometown: Jupiter, Florida
Marital Status: Single
Children: None
Height/Weight: 6’1” / 130lbs.
Education: High School
Occupation: Driver Coach

Racing Resume

Chassis: Sodi Kart
Engine/Engine Builder: KA100 / Allison Racing Engines
Sponsors: Sodi Racing USA
Series You Compete In: ROK Cup USA, SKUSA Winter Series, SKUSA Pro Tour, Stars Championship Series, USPKS
Years Karting: 12
How did you get started in karting? Got into it because my dad raced in Europe when he was younger
What has been the high point in your racing career? So far I would say this is the high point, although it gets better every year
What are your goals in racing? To go up the IMSA ladder
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Fairly aggressive and opportunistic
Funniest moment at the race track? N/A

Likes

Favorite Track: Atlanta Motorsports Park
Favorite form of professional motorsports: WRC
Favorite karting driver: Myself
Favorite professional driver: Lando Norris
Favorite website: twitch.tv
Favorite movie: Law Abiding Citizen
Favorite actor/actress: Gerard Butler
Favorite music/group: AC/DC
Favorite vacation/activity spot: Beach
Favorite food: Pasta

The Real Deal

What do you do when not at the track? I spend a majority of my time at the track so I would say I spend most of my time recovering when I’m not there.
What are your goals outside of karting? Travel as much as I can while I’m still able to
What type of street car do you drive? 2001 Saleen
What type of street car would you like to drive? Nissan Skyline GT-R R34
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? Not winning
What do you think could be done to improve the sport of karting? I think we need harsher penalties for driving down and brake checking
What are your favorite aspects about the sport of karting? How close the racing can be at most tracks.

April 2024 Driver of the Month – Honorable Mention:

– Adam Crepin: USPKS Texas Grand Prix – 1 Win (KA100 Masters)

– Daniel Jones: Challenge of the Americas – 1 Win (100cc Masters)

– Ryan Persing: Challenge of the Americas – 1 Win (100cc Senior)

– Nathan Ramirez: Challenge of the Americas – 1 Win (60cc Cadet)

– Miguel Suarez: USPKS Texas Grand Prix – 1 Win (Micro Swift)

– Lucas Taragno: Challenge of the Americas – 1 Win (60cc Cadet)

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