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Tuesday, 16 April 2013 09:29 |
 The opening round of the 2013 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour was a long yet eventful day at the Musselman Honda Circuit outside Tucson, Arizona. SpringNationals action was completed Saturday as the 227 entries kept the track busy with action with qualifying, two rounds of heat races and a main event for all eight categories competing. A bit of controversy developed in the TaG divisions regarding engine selection, a few drivers put in some dominating performances for their first victories of the season, and the chase to the SKUSA championships begins.
S1 Pro Stock Moto
The S1 category is filled with a number of champions and race winners this year as the Pro Tour starts its fourth season. The two drivers who ran 1-2 last year finished off the qualifying session that way as defending champ Fritz Leesmann (CRG) and vice-champ Joey Wimsett (CRG) were at the top of the time sheet in qualifying. Leesmann scored the pole position with a 48.247-second lap, Wimsett second, S2 champion Sabré Cook (CRG) an impressive third with 2012 S2 SuperNats winner Billy Musgrave (Tony Kart) in fourth.
Wimsett grabbed the holeshot to begin heat one as Leesmann slotted back to third with Musgrave the early charger. Leesmann would eventually work around Musgrave for the position and sat on the bumper of Wimsett to the checkered flag. Cook was the quickest driver on the track at the end of the race, working pass Musgrave to drop him to fourth and crossed the finish line right behind the top two drivers. Jimmy McNeil (CRG) showed speed as well, placing fifth to put 2011 champ Daniel Bray to sixth.
Leesmann struck back in heat two to score the win to even out the battle with Wimsett. The #2 plate grabbed the holeshot again over the defending champ as they ran 1-2 with Musgrave and Cook close behind. Leesmann struck quick, working past Wimsett before completing the opening lap. Wimsett kept is close as the top four ran together the entire time to the checkered flag. They ran that way the entire time with Cody Hodgson (Tony Kart) advancing up to the fifth spot.
The main event was one of the best Pro Tour S1 feature races to date, as the top four drivers went back and forth, putting on a show under the lights in Tucson. Leesmann grabbed the holeshot and was able to put Wimsett back to second right from the start. Musgrave and Cook rejoined them to form a four driver fight that lasted the entire 20-lap distance. As the race progressed, it seemed Cook had the edge as she dropped down fast lap after fast lap, trailing the top two. At the halfway mark, the battle picked up a level as Wimsett began his advances on Fritz. Deep into turn one, Wimsett took over the lead from Leesmann. A few laps later, Cook to her turn to show what she had, working past the two-time title winner in the same spot. It seemed they leaders got quicker and quicker, and the stop watch agreed as they clocked in the fast laps of the race the next few circuits. Cook kept the pressure on Wimsett, but in return, Leesmann was looking for a way by. On lap 18, he struck and moved inside, but Cook would not relinquish the spot as they went side by side through turns two and three. Leesmann came out with the position, as Wimsett was able to gap them. Lap 19, Cook showed she was ready for the S1 category, moving past Fritz with a great move in turn five. This gave Wimsett an even larger lead, as he cruised to the checkered flag. Leesmann drafted past Cook into turn one as they started the final circuit. He held Cook off to the checkered flag to secure the second spot, as Cook placed on the podium in her opening S1 main event. Musgrave finished fourth, just unable to make any moves into the top-three. Hodgson ran fifth the entire race as the rest of the field battled for top-10 positions. Read Full Story on EkartingNews.com |
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Tuesday, 16 April 2013 09:26 |
 The 2013 Superkarts! USA Pro Tour kicked off the season today as the SpringNationals officially began with a full day of practice at the Musselman Honda Circuit in Tucson, Arizona. A record number of entries (227) packed the paddock, leaving little to no room for any more trailers or spots to pit in. Weather was fair, as those who live in the cold weather enjoyed the 80 degrees temperatures and the clouds kept the direct sunshine off the many family members and mechanics lining the fences throughout the day. Below are some notes from in and around the event to set the stage for the weekend. Read Full Story on EkartingNews.com
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Wednesday, 10 April 2013 11:29 |
Attention: TaG Cadet Competitors, Kart Shops and Engine Builders:
As many of you know, Vortex has experienced a shortage of pistons for this engine. While they are working hard to remedy the situation, it has created a current hardship for some.
SKUSA has agreed to allow the use of the IAME Swift piston in this engine as a temporary solution to the problem. If used, it is important for the competitor to advise the event technical staff of its use in a specific engine prior to qualifying.
When the supply problem is corrected, sufficient notice will be given as to when the Swift piston is no longer allowed.
NOTE: A limited supply of Swift pistons are expected to be available at the SKUSA Pro Tour Springnats in Tucson this weekend. |
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Monday, 08 April 2013 15:22 |
The Superkarts! USA online store is now closed for pre-entry and pre-purchases for the Springnats in Tucson -- and the SKUSA rigs are rolling! We will open registration at the track this Thursday morning at 10am (and Friday morning at 6:30am), and the remaining spots in each class -- as well as additional products -- will be available ONLY while supplies last. If you are planning to race and did not pre-enter, it is a good idea to send an email with your name and class to
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, so that we may anticipate your arrival. If you did not already purchase practice tires or practice fuel, you may want to plan to bring your own, as these products cannot be guaranteed on site due to limited travel quantities.
Click here for the latest event details, including the tentative schedule.
Click here to see the UPDATED PIT MAP -- parking in the pits will commence on Thursday morning, starting with the front row A (and front RV spots). Anyone that does not have an assigned pit or camping spot yet will need to be parked on site. Please send an email to
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if you haven't already been in touch with us regarding your pit and camping needs.
See you in Tucson! |
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Sunday, 07 April 2013 08:21 |
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Don’t miss the biggest SKUSA race event so far this year! After this Sunday’s deadline, the price goes up an additional $150 to register at the track, and that’s if there’s still room in your class! Pit spot requests, tent orders and pre-orders for tires and fuel are all due by this Monday at noon. Go to www.skusastore.com to register online for this race -- plus purchase all other race supplies and even apply for (or renew) your SKUSA membership. Click here for all event details: http://www.superkartsusa.com/national/skusa-pro-tour/event-calendar/springnationals.html |
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