(Photo: EKN)

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 2025 United States Pro Kart Series Daytona Super Grand Prix at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. 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.

USPKS Visits World Center of Racing

The opener for the 2025 United States Pro Kart Series marks the first visit for the program to the Daytona International Speedway. The kart circuit inside the NASCAR Turns 3 and 4 was established in 2003, and began hosting annual karting events in combination with the WKA Daytona KartWeek events on the road race and dirt programs. The event continues on during the Christmas to New Years Eve time space. Now, Daytona is adding another event that hopes to be a multi-year deal with USPKS. Many of the race teams have been to Daytona either as a driver or in some other fashion. However, the vast majority of the drivers – especially Junior and Cadet – have not raced at Daytona.

The vibe on Thursday during unofficial practice is positive, with the cool factor of being inside the World Center of Racing among the big topics. What is different for the karting circuit is the surface, which was repaved last year. Talking with many drivers around the paddock, there is a lot of grip in the corners, thanks to a sealer they laid down. A track walk tonight or tomorrow morning will help give us more insight into that. The surface is smooth, however, off line is very dusty and dirty. One common comment was how tight and narrow the track is compared to other circuits in the USA. During practice today, a lot of karts are going off course on the exits with small to no exit curbing around the 0.55-mile course.

Of course, when in Florida, you have to talk about the weather. Typically for WKA Daytona KartWeek in December, its colder than the 70s to 80-degree weather forecasted here this weekend. One other difference from those races is the tire utilized. This is the first time MG Tires are hitting the Daytona International Speedway kart circuit.

Lemke to Speed Concepts Racing

Former USPKS champion Brandon Lemke joins Speed Concepts Racing for 2025 (Photo: EKN)

The Mark Harrison Memorial 200 at the end of last year at New Castle was the audition that Brandon Lemke did not know about. The Wisconsin driver partnered up with Speed Concepts Racing driver Jackson Wolny for the 200-lap team race. Their performance, along with that put in by Lemke, left an impression on the group at SCR. Talking with the Speeds – Mike and Alex – they are excited about Lemke racing under the tent, as he brings in addition knowledge to their team. Driver coach Austin Garrison can use the feedback from Lemke on track to help the other drivers under the team for setup advise and driver input. Speaking with Lemke, he’s happy with the performance of their ride for the weekend after the first day of practice, working with Tom Buckley for the first time. They have had many discussions about karting and set up during their stints with Franklin Motorsports. Now, they hope their debut together as a team with SCR produces a win here at Daytona.

Lloyd Joins Velocity Racing by Sodi USA

Collin Lloyd is making his debut with Velocity Racing by Sodi USA (Photo: EKN)

Florida driver Collin Lloyd is making his debut with Velocity Racing by Sodi USA. Running with Speed Concepts Racing over the last few seasons, including the SKUSA Winter Series, Lloyd was made an offer by the official team for Sodi Racing USA. He is back in the KA100 Senior division after contesting X30 Pro this winter. The 17-year-old was unable to attend Thursday practice due to a math test, in which he gained a 100% score, and thus is making his first laps ever at Daytona today after driving up from the Miami area. He tested the Sodi Kart prior to this weekend and was happy with the way it felt. Lloyd said he’s excited about joining Velocity Racing and the deal they were able to put together for the 2025 season.

Barnes Going Old School in Daytona

Skitchy Barnes making his USPKS the old school way, out of the pick up truck (Photo: EKN)

Bermuda driver Scott ‘Skitchy’ Barnes is taking to the USPKS just like every club racer does, out the back of the pickup truck. The multi-time SKUSA Pro Tour champion is making his first USPKS appearance, racing in the KA100 Masters division. With a Maranello kart and a rental engine, he’s set to take on the some of the top single speed Masters drivers in the country. Having raced at Daytona in Margay Ignite along with shifterkart on the big track, he sat out Thursday’s optional practice but set up his area outside Franklin Motorsports yesterday, driving up from his Florida home. Barnes is using this as a feeler for the end of the year, looking at running double duty at the SKUSA SuperNationals 28 in both Masters divisions.

British Invasion 2025 Led by McQueen

Caden McQueen making USPKS X30 Pro debut with Energy Corse Americas (Photo: EKN)

Over the last two decades, a steady stream of British drivers have made the move from the UK over to the USA. Jay Howard was among the first, starting with karting and making the move to open wheel racing, eventually reaching IndyCar. The last few seasons, we have seen Joe Turney and Harley Keeble come over for a full season of racing, putting themselves among the elite drivers in the country racing for wins and championships. The new name to add to that list is Caden McQueen. Joining the new Energy Corse Americas operation, McQueen is set for a full year of racing in the USA. The 21-year-old brought on a lot of attention with his performances during the winter programs in Orlando, gaining multiple podium results and wins. Now he’s making his USPKS debut in the X30 Pro division. McQueen comes to the USA with an impeccable record in the UK and in Europe competition. Caden told EKN he loves the atmosphere here in Daytona with the high banks surrounding the circuit. His work under the tent alongside team manager Dean Keeble help provide the data and information to help feed to the other drivers under the tent, with a goal of expanding the race team operation as the season continues. McQueen will be racing the full USPKS schedule in 2025.

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