(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 ROK Vegas 2025 presented by ROK Cup USA, held at the Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is insider info will not be seen anywhere else.

Her Name is Rio

The eighth edition of ROK Vegas 2025 is underway. Over 300 entries for the fourth time in the eight year history of the event will compete over the 11 categories outside the Rio Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The facility has undergone renovations around the compound and is still adding new components. The same feeling of walking out of the hotel and into the parking lot remains that has been felt for many years. And then standing above the circuit area with the Las Vegas Strip in the background is truly remarkable.

The ROK Cup USA staff went to work over the last few days, setting up the facility and the track. Adjustments were made to the circuit layout due to the condition of the parking lot. The new layout removed the esses section, dropping the total number of corners to 13. Walking the track Tuesday night, it’s wide in most of the sections. The unique radius of turns 1, 7 and 13 will make for interesting moves. As the day goes on, we’ll get more feedback on the course itself.

Debut of ROK SV Pro

ROK SV engine to make its North America debut at ROK Vegas this week (Photo: EKN)

Tuesday at 2pm local time, the 50 competitors were able to get their first look and build of the new ROK SV powerplant that will debut here this weekend. The category will feature an engine raffle four times throughout the weekend, similar to that of the FIA Academy Trophy. Several top drivers from around the world are in the category, including multiple figures within the top of the EKN TaG Driver Rankings – for which this event will be included.

Speaking with ROK Cup USA, the feedback was positive regarding the distribution process and the details going into the day regarding what parts are included and not included. One of the unique aspects. One of those is the ignition sealed to the engine. The builds went well around the paddock. The true test will on track, with ROK SV Pro the last to hit the track in the order.

Norberg Making GFC Debut

Ryan Norberg is making his GFC Karting debut in the ROK SV Pro category (Photo: EKN)

The big news coming into the ROK Vegas 2025 is Ryan Norberg making his GFC Karting debut. The Florida driver expanded his Norberg Karting Academy operation to be a full time shop and race team, based in Orlando and distributing the GFC chassis line. The news of that along with the birth of his first child has made for a very busy two months leading into the Vegas stretch. Speaking with Norberg, he said he really hasn’t had too much time to reflect on everything, with the task of being a dad, expanding his business and working with GFC at recent events along with testing has kept him motivated and focused. Ryan is competing in the new ROK SV Pro division and said he’s intrigued to find out what the engine package performs and like the format of the engine raffle. No matter the results, a new era for Norberg begins today.

Vanchev and Brown Set for First Appearance at Senior Level with RPG

Turner Brown and Alexander Vanchev making their Senior debut at ROK Vegas (Photo: EKN)

New drivers are stepping up for Rolison Performance Group at the Senior level. Alexander Vanchev had won of the most successful seasons at the Junior level in 2025 and is now making the next move up to the Senior ranks. Speaking with Vanchev, he is eager to compete against the drivers he’s been watching over the last few years. The driver from Florida is running double duty on the week, racing both VLR and the new ROK SV Pro division. Alongside him in ROK SV Pro will be Turner Brown. The Californian is returning from racing in Europe all season, recording good finishes from time to time in OK Junior competition racing for Ricky Flynn Motorsports. Brown told EKN he felt his season in Europe went well as he progressively improved – including qualifying pole position for the FIA Karting World Championships. Both are working with former world champion Marijn Kremers as their driver coach.

Jeremy Fletcher Joins ROK VLR Senior Field

Jeremy Fletcher is subbing in the Mike Manning Karting ROK VLR Senior entry (Photo: EKN)

A driver change has been made for the Mike Manning Karting ride in ROK VLR Senior. Zachary Claman DeMelo was scheduled to drive the ride, the same package he won with at Challenge of the Americas in Sonoma this winter. Issues crossing the USA/Canada border prevented him from arriving, and thus Mike Manning was looking for a driver. In the LFB Racing tent next to them was Jeremy Fletcher coaching drivers. Fletcher is a multi-time winner in ROK Cup USA events with multiple runner-up finishes at ROK Vegas. He was recruited by Manning to drive, and will make his first laps today with mismatched safety gear. Jeremy is coming off victory in the Mazda MX-5 Cup victory at Martinsville oval event on October 24, having secured the series championship. He has spent time in the seat of a kart many times throughout the year coaching, but this will be his first competitive race since the Ryan Norberg Invitational event in Orlando last year.

Another driver changed is happening in the ROK VLR Senior category. Alan Isambard was in a hard wreck during practice on Wednesday and reinjured his back, which has been an on-going struggle for the Florida driver. His Rocket Racing Company entry will now be driven by Alessandro de Tullio – who is already racing for the team in ROK SV Pro. Alessandro is coming off testing the Indy NXT car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He is a former ROK Vegas winner, taking the ROK GP Junior title in 2020.

Musser Technical Powering Video Program at PSL Karting

Musser Technologies Battery Mounting System for the AiM SmartyCam (Photo: EKN)

One of the newest products hitting the karting market in recent weeks is from a new company with a familiar name. Musser Technical is working on unique products aimed at the karting market. Owner Jordon Musser is a multi-time SKUSA Pro Tour champion and ROK Vegas winner. Over the last two decades, he has developed multiple products for the motorsports industry and outside of it. Now he’s turned his attention to karting. The first is the Battery Mounting System for the AiM Smartycam. PSL Karting drivers are utilizing the system to provide non-stop capturing onboard footage throughout the weekend without hampering the engine battery system. EKN is working on an article to come out soon looking at his new business and the other products that are available focused on karting.

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