Paddock Insider: Superkarts! USA SuperNationals 28
(Photo: SKUSA)
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 Superkarts! USA SuperNationals 28 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada. Find complete coverage of the event at the EKN Event Page.
Fourth Time Outside Las Vegas Motor Speedway
It’s here. Superkarts! USA SuperNationals 28. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is the fifth different location over the 28 editions of the event, welcoming SKUSA for a fourth time. What began a week ago as an empty parking lot, has now turned into one of the largest karting venues in the world, welcoming over 580 entries in nine categories around a temporary track that measures out to roughly 7/10 of a mile.
The SuperNationals 28 layout is very similar to that of 2024, with updates from last year’s version. Speaking with Neal Strickland of SKUSA, the focus was to provide a better viewing by removing the larger orange barriers in the middle of the track. This meant layout tweaks around the circuit. The built track follows the first 10 corners. However, from turn 10 it takes a nearly straight line to what is now turn 11 and then is followed up by the 180 degree final turn 12 corner.
During the track walk Tuesday evening, there was a lot of positive feedback from drivers of all different categories. The common theme is the track will be fast, but multiple passing opportunities. There will be a lot of opportunities for the over/under moves with the track sitting at 30 feet wide. Speaking with drivers as they came off the track this morning, they confirmed it’s an easy track to drive, going to be fast, and already has grip for a very dusty circuit.
Stilo and Simpson on Display at SuperNationals 28
Stilo USA and Simpson products for karting on display in vendor row at SuperNationals 28 (Photo: EKN)
Vendors row is along the grid entrance and path toward the grandstands for SKUSA SuperNationals 28. One of the new vendors this year is Stilo USA and Simpson under the Holley umbrella. Stilo has carried a karting line for helmets and rib protectors over the last few years. They are launching their new ST6 line that includes four models. The ST6 CMR Zero is one of the lightest helmet, at less than 1kg or just over 2 pounds. Those here in Vegas need to stop by the booth and lift the helmet to feel the difference. The ST6 CMR Lite is close in terms of lightweight performance, still manufactured with a carbon shell. The ST6 KRT Carbon and ST6 KRT Composite
Simpson has a long history within the sport of karting, reaching back decades ago. The company is returning into the karting market with a new line of karting suits. The Air Strike is lightweight and durable, focused on the rental kart or club competitors in the sport. The Air Raid suit is the FIA-approved model, engineered for the regional, national and international karters in mind. Both suits can be laminated and feature vents to increase cooling for the driver. The Air Raid gloves round out the entire package, which have been tested over the last year by five-time SKUSA Pro Tour champion Jordon Musser.
Stop by their booth throughout the week to learn more about the many products available to set up your safety gear for the 2026 season. Thursday, IndyCar driver Kyffin Simpson will be in the booth welcoming karters while on Saturday, Williams Development Driver and F1 Academy winner Lia Block will be here.
New SKUSA No. 1 Plates on Display
Billy Musgrave now carries the SKUSA 1 plate after winning the Pro Tour championship in Pro Shifter (Photo: EKN)
The two headline categories have new champions displaying the SKUSA #1 plate for SuperNationals 28. Billy Musgrave finally accomplished his goal that began after winning the S2 race at the SuperNats in 2012, claiming his first SKUSA Pro Tour title this year in Pro Shifter. The Factory Karts ‘Godfather’ is excited and going to cherish the next season holding onto the #1 plate. One thing is for sure; he’s gunning for the top spot on the podium in both Pro Shifter and Master Shifter. Racing both categories with two different karts, Musgrave has Mark French on the wrenches. He is all smiles about the kart, the engine and the way the track is laid out, vying to add to his five SuperNationals victories.
On the other side, Austin Garrison is carrying the SKUSA #1 plate for a second time in his career. The first came after winning the S2 Semi-Pro championship in 2014, and now 11 years later he is the reigning Pro X30 champion. The Speed Concepts Racing driver has been in ‘chill’ mode all year, never putting pressure on himself and just going out on track to perform, while enjoying every minute outside of the track. His first sessions on the track today said he’s not where he wants to be, but knows there is plenty of time to get his CS55 toward the top of the time charts.
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