Barron, Elliott, Gidley, Speed, White, Boswell, Bowles, Mandarino, Carlton, Aridgo…
Those names will forever be famous and associated with the word ‘SuperNationals’. The ‘Top Gun’ club, if you will, for karting will either remain the same or gain one more to the prestigious guild following SuperSunday when 28 of the best shifter kart pilots from around the world will battle for the $10,000 first place prize at the 12th annual SKUSA SuperNationals.
Last year seemed to be a dominant performance for two-time KZ1 World Champion Jonathan Thonon (CRG). An unfortunate shifter lever breakage cost him the title, handing the win and cash to the reigning and two-time KF1 World Karting Champion Marco Ardigo (Tony Kart). Both are set to return to Vegas this week, Ardigo to defend his SuperNats crown and Thonon to redeem himself.
Hot on his heals and with another year of Euro experience in his pocket, American Gary Carlton (CRG) is set to regain what once was his, the SuperNats title. Carlton impressed again in the European Championship, moving up from the KZ2 to KZ1 division, while coming up just one point short of a third straight national crown here in the States. The new reigning national champion, Michael Vincec (CRG), did some fine driving of his own throughout the 2008 season. Traveling to Europe as well to replace Carlton’s spot in the KZ2 category, he overcame multiple gremlins to score championship points. Back home, he never finished outside the top-five, earning a big win at the mid-season point and earning his first national championship.
Other Euros to watch will be Jeremy Iglesias (Intrepid) third placed last year, Gian Cavaciuti (GP), who was third in 2006, Arnaud Kozlinski (CRG) – fourth at the KZ1 World Cup – making his first SuperNats start, and another first timer Anthony Abbasse (Sodikart), the French KZ2 vice-champion.
Info eKarting News / SKUSA