Evan Liesch won both 206 Sportsman and Mini Swift at the third stop of the Route 66 Sprint Series (Photo: Route 66 Sprint Series)

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.

Racing two classes a weekend is a tough task for any driver, let alone for Cadet level pilots. To be able to win twice in the same weekend is another feat that is an elevated accomplishment. The likelihood to be able to record double wins in two separate weekends is an achievement with noticing. Evan Liesch made the 2026 season at the Route 66 Sprint Series a memorable one, recording two Cadet division victories at the series visit to the Mill-Rite Raceway in Dousman, Wisconsin.

Liesch backed up the two wins at Badger Kart Club to double up at Road America for the Route 66 Sprint Series finale (Photo: Route 66 Sprint Series)

The July 17-19 event at the home of Badger Kart Club was Round Three of the championship program with Liesch continuing his campaign of 206 Sportsman and his first year in Mini Swift. The 206 Sportsman category began with Liesch securing the fast time in qualifying before winning both heat races. A wire-to-wire performance in the Final gave him his second victory of the season, winning by over five seconds.

The second victory of the weekend came in Mini Swift, which began similar as Liesch set fast time in qualifying. Liesch was shuffled back to fourth in the opening heat race and ended up third in the second heat race. At the start of the Final, Liesch was up to second and sat behind two-time winner Michael Tsyupka for 16 laps. Prior to the white flag, Liesch took over the point and held on through the final lap to secure his first career Mini Swift victory.

Also in July, Liesch ran double duty at the RMC Trophy Final. Making his first start in Rotax, Liesch battled the tough competition and changing weather conditions in his Mini MAX debut. He would go on to finish sixth in the Final. On the flipside, Evan was among the 12 drivers as part of the FZ65 Mini category, which made its debut at the RMC Trophy Final. Making his first laps in a shifterkart, Liesch was one of 12 drivers competing in the ‘Arrive and Drive’ program with Factory Karts and FZ Shifter. While he was unable to complete the main event, falling one lap short. Liesch was able to put in similar lap times to the front drivers.

To back his performance in Dousman, Liesch went to his home track of Briggs & Stratton Motorplex at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin for the Route 66 Sprint Series finale over the August 14-16 weekend.

Liesch was able to record a third straight victory in 206 Sportsman. Missing out on fast time in qualifying by only 57 thousandths to Liam Fohr, Evan went on to win both heat races and win the battle for the victory. He repeated his win in the Mini Swift category for a second straight. The weekend was a sweep, setting fast time in qualifying, winning the two heat races and leading 17 of the 18 laps in the Final for the triumph.

Liesch locked up the championship in 206 Sportsman and finished second to Michael Tsyupka in the Mini Swift standings to close out the 2026 Route 66 Sprint Series. Evan will close out the year with the remaining events at the Road America Karting Club program along with competing at the upcoming Cup Karts North America Grand Nationals 10 at New Castle Motorsports Park. The 11-year-old will also make his open wheel car debut at Lucas Oil School of Racing this fall.

July 2026 EKN Driver of the Month – Evan Liesch

(Photo: Route 66 Sprint Series)

Bio

Age: 11
Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Parents: Josh and Amber Liesch
Siblings: Ellie
Height/Weight: 4’10” / 70lbs
Education: Parkview Middle School / 6th Grade

Racing Resume

Chassis: Kart Republic / Parolin
Engine/Engine Builder: Lawson Speed Shop / Woltjer
Sponsors: Auto Select, Apex Heating & Air Conditioning, Sara’s Artisan Gelato, Franklin Motorsports, Scotts Subs, Rapid Refuel, Zaid Realty, Voyageur Financial Group
Series You Compete In: Road America Karting Club, Route 66 Sprint Series, United States Pro Kart Series, and Apex Karting Championship
Years Karting: This is my 3rd season racing karts
How did you get started in karting? Watching IndyCar races at Road America, the Road America Karting Club had a tent setup, and they let me sit in one of their karts, a few weeks later I raced in my first kid kart race. Starting in Cadet the following year, I’ve raced under the Franklin tent for local/regional events and the MPG tent for national events. I cannot thank those guys enough! Jamie Sieracki, Scott Kopp, Tristan Farber, Chase Jones, Austin Olds, Billy Vincent, Tom Bartz, Todd Bolton, and Jason Birdsell have all been a tremendous help since I’ve started racing
What has been the high point in your racing career? Double Route 66 victories this season at both Badger and Road America
What are your goals in racing? My dream is to race IndyCar someday
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Consistent, Aggressive, Calculated, and Clean
Funniest moment at the race track? Splashing around in big puddles during the rain

Likes

Favorite Track: Trackhouse Motorplex – Mooresville, NC
Favorite form of professional motorsports: Shifter Karts and F1
Favorite karting driver: Joe Turney
Favorite professional driver: Kimi Antonelli
Favorite website: eKartingNews and YouTube
Favorite movie: Happy Gilmore
Favorite actor/actress: Adam Sandler
Favorite music/group: N/A
Favorite vacation/activity spot: Florida
Favorite food: Grandma’s Casserole

The Real Deal

What do you do when not at the track? Play video games
What are your goals outside of karting? Do good in school
What app or game do you play right now? World of Outlaws on PS5
What type of street car would you like to drive? Porsche GT2RS
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? When other drivers won’t work with me or try to pass when we should be pushing
What do you think could be done to improve the sport of karting? More education for the drivers just starting out
What are your favorite aspects about the sport of karting? Adrenaline Rush

July 2026 Driver of the Month – Honorable Mention:

– Ezekiel Haight: Route 66 Sprint Series – 206 Junior Winner

– Matheus Morgatto: SKUSA Pro Tour SummerNationals – Pro Shifter Winner / Champion

– Shane Ready: Route 66 Sprint Series – 206 Senior Winner

– Brady Schad: Route 66 Sprint Series – KA100 Senior Winner

– Dutch Westbrook: SKUSA Pro Tour SummerNationals – 2 Wins / Champion (Mini Swift)

– Beau Wyatt: SKUSA Pro Tour SummerNationals – 1 Win / Champion (Micro Swift)

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