The 2015 Rotax Challenge of the Americas edition kicked off last weekend in Tucson, Arizona. Over 100 karters converged on the Musselman Honda Circuit, which produces some of the best racing seen in the United States. The premier winter series on the west coast is once again providing four tickets to the Rotax Grand Finals, this year including the champion of the Masters Max division to represent their country in the DD2 Masters category. This incentive has brought together a solid group of drivers for the opening weekend, looking to claim their stake in the championship chase.

In total, three former series champions, and the reigning US Grand Nationals winner were in attendance in Tucson. John Crow, Paul Bonilla, and Scott Falcone all stood on top of the championship podium at the Challenge, while 2014 US champ Ken Maxfield has become a regular contender the last few seasons. They were joined by some quick drivers, in the likes of Christopher Patterson from Canada, Joey McGuire from the Pacific Northwest, and David Pergande from Texas. All began the weekend looking to leave as the point leader, with a win or two.

The driver everyone is chasing now is Bonilla. The winner of both feature races in Tucson, the 2012 champ is in driver’s seat to earn his first Rotax Grand Finals ticket. The final two events will be heated, with those looking to make up ground for lost points in Tucson.

What was possible the cleanest and best race of the weekend, the Masters Max Saturday Prefinal set the stage for what is to come during the remainder of the Challenge program. Here is the view from Paul Bonilla’s race-winning Tony Kart during the 17-lap battle.

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