NW GOLD CUP ROUND 1 FULL REPORT

Written By: NWK News

(April 2nd, 2010) -- Northwest Gold Cup/ Rotax Max Challenge Series Round One Doesn’t Disappoint!

With 156 entries present and accounted for at the 2010 opening round in Richland Washington, it was clear Saturday morning that Northwest Region 6 racing was alive and well.

Saturday’s weather was spectacular and the energy throughout the pits was apparent. For most, it had been a long off season, and on this day, one quickly realized, it doesn’t get any better than this.

The Italian Motors USA team was in town to support the newly formed IAME Cup series and as always they brought their “A” game. With drivers such as Jurca, Blair, Valiante, and Hargrove among others everybody knew they were in for some incredible racing.

Tri-City’s race track is a special place, it’s unique blend of track configuration, landscape, and onsite facility’s make it arguably one the circuits best. The club and it members represent “well” all that is important about grass roots, community sponsored racing.

Throughout the weekend, planned events, and races took place without a hitch. Under the Direction of Bam Racing, Bill Hettick and crew once again set a high standard. Announcer Terry Bridges of Pro Sound Audio brought the races to life for the large contingent of spectators.

Saturday’s festivities closed with live entertainment and barbeque. Both were great, just another day at the track, are we lucky or what.

Sunday was all business, round one would be decided here, today. The weather was changing, and word went through the pits, there would likely be rain before the day was out.

IAME Leopard Jr 3: Artie Carpenter was the guy to beat in IAME Leopard as he qualified on pole with a fast lap of 39.96. Tanner Dates qualified 2nd, followed by Paige Wallin in 3rd, and Colton Shultz in 4th. In Heat 2 a disappointed Artie Carpenter had to pull off the track due to a mechanical failure, as a very eager Paige Wallin made her way to the front for the win. Tanner Dates followed with a close 2nd, and Colton Schultz in 3rd. For the main, Artie Carpenter was able to get his kart back together, and took home the win for the IAME Jr class. Colton Schultz made his way up for the 2nd spot, followed by Tanner Dates in 3rd.

Rotax Junior: It was Artie Carpenter who dominated the Rotax Junior class throughout the weekend starting with a fast qualifying lap of 39.86 to place him on pole. Mathew Moniz qualified 2nd, followed by Kyle Byers in 3rd, and Tanner Dates in 4th. In Heat 2 Artie Carpenter took 1st, with a determined Kyle Byers making his way up to 2nd, with right behind him was Austin Hudson making his way up to 3rd, and a fast Molly Helmuth who made her way up to 4th. It was quite the show to watch these talented racers make their moves bound and determined to get to the front. In Heat 2 it was apparent that CJ Gannon was looking for a piece of the action as he eagerly made his way to the forth place spot. Half way through the main event, the crowd watched as karts started to spin off the track right and left due to the rain that began to fall. The drivers were all given the high sign to come into the pits to switch to rain tires. Everyone frantically ran to their trailers to gather rain set up equipment. The juniors returned to the track and started the remained of the race single file in the order of the last completed lap. It was then made clear Kyle Byers’ ability to charge hard in the rain as he passed Artie Carpenter for the lead never looking back. The rain continued to come down hard as Kyle Byers took the checkered for 1st place. Artie Carpenter came in 2nd, Mathew Moniz 3rd.

Artie Carpenter would like to thank his partners for their continued support of his racing career. Thanks to Kart Sport Northwest, Kartel Motorsports, Grand Products, Top-Kart,  Doug Sharp at MMS Racing Engines, and WaltersWebDesign.com.

To learn more about Artie Carpenter Motorsports and the very successful future on the way, please visit the team website and view our team page and/or contact page. We would be happy to go in to detail with you about how motorsports marketing can help your company or business grow!