STEAD, NV (Sept 20) – Due to the Air Races being canceled this year the Northern Nevada Kart Club was able to squeeze in an extra race. This helped make up the events lost due to the shut down earlier this season.
Nice weather and almost no smoke made for great racing weather. The day was bookended with two pretty good races with several in the middle.
This time a slightly different track lay out was used as the hill was out and everyone got two extra laps as this configuration makes for a shorter course.
First up were the Kid Kart Class. Unfortunately on the first lap the throttle cable on Cash Prater’s kart came loose so he was out.
Up front Noah Nobles has a huge lead but once Drake Kephart got a head of steam the chase was on. It took a bit for Kephart to claim second but after that he was closing in on the leader.
A highlight of a Kid Kart race are parents cheering them on. Some stand by the tack while others are in the bleachers or on the front straight fence.
With only a couple of laps to go Kephart caught the leader, made the winning pass and dropped Noah Nobles to second. Hunter Nelson had a good run but wound up a distant third.
The race of the day was the last on the schedule, the Senior LO206 Class. For two drivers it was a rough start as they both wound up off the track at Turn 1 and only one of them was able to continue.
Up front Chase Dulude was on point with Tanner Schultz close behind. Following them was a four-kart train disputing third place.
Just a few laps in and a driver wound up in the barrier along the front straight. A full course caution was put out and one of the other drivers not racing manned a broom sweeping as much of the dirt off the track as he could while moving out of the way when the racers passed.
Around that time Schultz made his move and took over the point while Deehame Malone got second dropping Dulude to third.
Malone would challenge for the lead several times but Schultz was able to hold him off. Then later Malone and Dulude swapped second place for a bit.
The last laps were a nose-to-tail duel between Malone and Schultz. At the end both appeared to cross the finish side-by-side with slightly over two tenths of a second between them.
However due to some things the finish was unofficial until the DOC had a chance to talk with both drivers. Only then was the winner, Schultz known.
Asked about the race he said,” It was pretty intense the whole time. I think the battle was behind Chase as his kart was as little bit loose at the start so I decided to pass him and at that point didn’t realize that anybody was behind me so just running my race. Deehame tried to peek up the inside a few times but it was so slippery in Turn 1 that nothing could really make of it so luckily I was able to stick it in and go for the win.”
Then he thanked his parents for their efforts keeping him racing. He also thanked sponsors SierraTahoe Ready Mix and Douglas Disponsal. Then Schultz added a special appreciation to Nevada Kart Sport and the assistance Rodney and Zach Rivera have given them.
Even though he didn’t win Malone was pleased with his race.
“I was paying attention to Tanner. You know I didn’t expect to get it first place to be honest,” he said. “That was an amazing race, I want to thank my mechanic, my dad he’s a great mechanic to my kart he was a legendary racer back in Carson City.
“I want to thank my brother most of all, he was the one motivating me into racing and being more aggressive . I’ll show that more next race as Harlan Malone is the best brother I could ever have. He gave me lots of good advice and I love him for that. I want to thank Cole too, the whole Invader team including the drivers, they’re the best drivers out there and so are the mechanics.”
The Junior 2 main was almost another race-ot-the-day. After taking the green Andrew Cushman led Giovanni L. Medina by just a few inches.
They turned the contest into a private duel between themselves and it appeared that battle would go down to the finish. However it was not to be, about two laps from the end Medina was left by the side of the course due to a problem with his kart handing Cushman the victory.
“I was sweating bullets for a little bit there. First off I’d like to honor Austin Perez with my first win and thank my parents, Invader Racing Engines and Cole Nelson Racing,” Cushman said after the race.
For most of the main the Master Super Stock was a very close race. First on point was Nat Sombatsiri wtth Edward Atkins and Paul Picotte not far behind in third.
Atkins would take over the lead while behind him there was a six-kart train disputing second place. This allowed him to pull a gap and escape.
In the end Atkins crossed the finish with plenty of breathing room. Behind him Kory Williams managed to take second and finished just slight over a tenth of a second ahead of third place Sombatsiri.
After the race Atkins, who is in his rookie season said, “That was good one, been a long time coming. I could see I was faster than Nat I just kind of picked my spot where I thought I had the best advantage.
“I kind of had to gap a little bit to get the good run on him and that was the best place at the end of the straight away. I want to thank Cole Nelson and everybody at C&R, my wife she’s out here too making it a family thing working the scales so my daughter’s here as well. It’s our first season kart racing, fifth race so it’s good.”
The Junior 1 main featured some place swapping between leaders Cooper Perez and Isaiah Nobles. In the end they would finish in that order with less than a second between them.
Asked about his winning pass Perez said, “I was setting up when I was behind him to get the pass in one and two. I need to thank Isaiah Nobles, Invader Racing, C&R, Invader Racing Engines and my parents.”
The TAG race was an example of a older veteran using his skill to hold off his younger competitors. On the start Chris Bender took off with William Owen and Robert Judd giving chase.
While they stayed close eventually Bender pulled a gap and scored his first victory of the season.
“It’s a veteran win all right, 7 3 and three quarters,” he said. “In the beginning I knew he was there, could hear him and then I just had to run tight turns and keep everything where it’s supposed to be. Have to thank Jack as he keeps track of things.”
Veteran Jeff Wamre scored a double on this day driving in two different classes.
Right after the shifter start, it was all Wamre. Runner up Adam Auerbach is getting faster but still was almost three seconds behind at the finish.
At the post race weigh in Wamre said, “Yes it was a Sunday drive. I miss Mitch Kennedy but have to thank him for being on vacation so I got a win this year.”
His next victory came in the Master LO206 main but the race had a stop and start at the first. Due to dirt on the track the parade laps were halted for clean up then the drivers were given several laps to make sure the track was clean.
After that the green waved and Wamre took off but this time Rachael Williams was close behind. He was going to have to work for this victory as she’s keeps getting faster every race.
Lap after lap they tore around the course while behind them Josh Prater and Jacob Burchette disputed third and fourth place.
Seven laps in Mathew Prater evidentally had a brake problem and after the last turn complex went straight across the track and into the barrier. Fortunately it did its job and he was uninjured in the incident although there was a trail of dirt across the track at the entrance to the front straight.
Everyone slowed down and altered their lines so they enter the straight safely. Then after some clean up it as time to speed up again.
This time Wamre took off and would extend his lead over Williams, who finished a bit over two seconds behind him. The pack was far behind them when the Jeff and Rachel show ended with the checkered flag.
Asked about having to work for this victory Wamre said,”
Hopefully she’s close enough to watch and learn more. They all are getting better so that’s a good thing.”
Commenting on the dirt he said, “It was kind of hairy that first couple of times coming through there, it was a little slick. I made it and hope that other guy’s okay.”
For her part Williams said, “I got a good start and was able to stay right there with him. That dirt got in my head a little bit so I was probably over cautious. And I think he gapped me at that point. I was trying to get him back but it didn’t work.”
Next up for NNKC is their season ending race on Sunday October 4th. Fore further information please check the club’s website at, www.nnkcreno.com.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
• There are probably only two more Tuesday Cruise Nights events at the South Meadows Steak ‘N Shake. Event goes frome 5 until 9 p.m. with music, awards and some prizes.
• Are you computer and internet savvy? Love motorcycles? Well MRANN is looking for a web administrator and social media ambassador. For further information please check MRANN’s Face Book page or their website at www.racemrann.com. The selection will be on October 1.
• Teresa’s Garage Radio Show is on the air from 2 until 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoons. The show is focused on all things automotive including trends and trivia.
In the Reno/Sparks area the show can be heard over the air at 1180 AM or on a Podcast at amm.streamon.fm. The show is also live on Face Book.
RESULTS:
Desert Park Raceway – Sept.20
Northern Nevada Kart Club – Round #5
+Kid Kart: 1. Drake Kephart, 2. Noah Nobles, 3. Hunter Nelson, 4. Cash Prater.
+Junior 1: Cooper Perez, 2. Isaiah Nobles, 3. Jeremy Heath, 4. Jeremiah Nobles, 5. Kayden Williams.
+ Juniot 2: 1. Anddrew Cushman, 2. Nathan Heath, 3. Brody Allyn, 4. Jack Foy, 5. Austin Hawkins, 6. Giovanni L. Medina, 7. Asa Gourley, 8. Heavyn Hill.
+ TAG: 1. Chris Bender, 2. William Owen, 3. Robert Judd, 4. Michael McMullen.
+ Master Super Stock: 1. Edward Atkins, 2.Kory Williams, 3. Nat Sombatsiri, 4. Paul Picotte, 5. Brud Beaudoin, 6. Giovanni B. Medina, 7. Justin Heath, 8. Luke Anderson.
+ Senior LO206: 1. Tanner Schultz, 2. Deehame Malone, 3. Chase Dulude, 4. Alec Beaudoin, 5. Stevie-Ray Rosario, 6.Eric Kuzemchak, 7. Tommy Rosario, 8. Jeremy Clark, 9. Skylar Corson, 10. Jonathan “Zach” Sievert.
+ Master LO206: 1. Jeff Wamre, 2. Rachael Williams, 3. Josh Prater, 4. Jacob Burchette, 5. Keith Mansfield, 6. Russell Rosario, 7. Jessica Mansfielde, 8. Mathew Prater.
+ Shfter: 1. Jeff Wamre, 2. Adam Auerback, 3. Zeke Corson, 4. Tom Gardner.
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Our newest sponsor is G.I.S.L Land Services that, while having a global client base it has a Western U.S.A. Focus. Owner Greg Ekins is a long time off road motorcycle racer competing in the MRANN Series as well as the AMA National Hare and Hound series.
Among the services offers are Surface and Mineral Title Reviews and Cartographic Services. The website is www.gislandservices.com.
Another great sponsor is General Transmission and Power Train Specialists. The shop is located at 2515 Sutro Street in Reno, a few blocks below Hug High School.
Former motorcycle racer Pete Attashian is the owner and they not only service older and newer transmission but now have a section dealing with high performance units including those used for towing.
The phone number is 775-786-5888 and the shop’s website is www.generaltransmissionreno.com.
Another sponsor is fantastic race photographer Melissa Coker. If you have raced at Summit in Elko, Battle Mountain, Lovelock, Rattlesnake Raceway or Diamond Mountain Speedway she probably has a photograph of your car on the track.
She’s also been at the IMCA Duel in the Desert was well as the Wild West Tour and IMCA Super Nationals in Boone, Iowa. Melissa not only has photos of the cars, and many times drivers, but she can produce hero cards and even a book covering from your season.
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Their location is at 964 Terminal Way, by the intersection with Mill Street. Store’s phone number is 775-322-1499 and the site is, www.rms-renomotorsports.com.
The next shop is Moto Source located at 3180 Mill Street. Once again they are a full service shop plus about any thing a rider might need or want.
The phone number is 775-856-3855 and the website is, www.moto-source.com.
The next sponsor is an excellent place if you need collision repair on your car or truck. It’s Concours Body Shop, located at 250 Telegraph Street in Reno and has a long history of first class repairs.
Brian Saul is the owner, a car enthusiast himself and he’s committed to continuing the shop’s reputation of quality work. Phone number is 775-329-4557 and the website is, www.concoursbodyshop.net.
Hungry, want a great place to eat, then try PJ&CO for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and it’s a great place to watch your favorite sports. If you’re a rider, well Wednesday evening is Bike Night, always a great time to see some great looking bikes and meet like-minded people.
The location is 1590 South Wells Avenue, just north of the round about. Phone number is 775-323-6366 and their website is www.pjandco.net.
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