STEAD, NV (May 2) – Northern Nevada Kart Club (NNKC) held it’s second points of the season this weekend. Unlike the last race where the short course was used this time it was the full course.
After practice, qualifying and heat races it was time for the money round, the mains. As usual the Kid Kart class got things rolling.
hese are the beginners, youngsters earning their racing spurs before moving up. They race low power karts and actually use a standing start but once the green flag is waved a bunch of fathers rush onto the infield to root and help those that need it. In fact one driver spun out, got pointed in the wrong direction then was spun around by one of the fathers and sent on his way.
The race itself came down to a chase. First on point was Drake Kephart with Hunter second. Behind them Cash Prater got his kart going and was heading toward the front. As the white flag waved Prater caught then passed Kephart on the front stretch. Then a lap later Prater took the checkered flag first.
In the Kid Kart class everyone gets an award so their finish isn’t list as first and second. It’s a way for them to have fun and not feel much pressure as they all are on track.
There were at least three first time winners and two of them were youngsters moving up before they join the teenagers and adults.
When the Junior 1 Class took the green flag seven of these racers took off with Kayden Williams on point followed by Jeremiah Nobles and Jeremy Heath.
When the white flag waved Heath took over second and Nobels slipped to third. Up front Williams had almost a two second advantage as he took the checkered flag. At the post race weigh in he was greeted by his mother and father, who also race.
Asked about the race Williams said, “My first win. It’s easier when I’m out by myself so I just keep going, try not so spin out and have a good day.”
Then he thanked his dad, grandpa and his mom.
The next step in the age ladder is Junior 2 and six of them took the green and stormed down the front straight. Up front Nathan Heath was on point with Isaiah Nobles only about a foot or so behind him. Finally, after several laps, Nobles made the winning pass and stormed away to claim the victory. Heath was the runner up followed by Brody Allyn.
After the race Nobles said, “It’s my first win in Junior 2. I got second through out the day then I came back and thought I was faster than him (Heath) in Turn 2. Passed him then a couple of more laps I got the checkered.”
Then he thanked his grandparents and Cole Nelson Racing.
When the Super Stock karts took the green flag it looked like a private duel between leader Jimmy Johns and Paul Picotte. They spent several laps from a foot to inches apart.
Finally Picotte was able to make his move and take the point as they rounded Turn 8 but the chase continued this time with Johns after the leader. When they reached the front straight Johns spun but wasn’t able to get going again until Justin Heath and Kory Williams, who were dueling for third got past. Up front Picotte claimed his first victory while Heath and Williams claimed second and third while Johns ended up fourth.
Picotte, who is from Fallon, said, “I’m not sure if he got a little loose but mid way through the run from the heat he would get a little bit loose. So I just stayed on him and he started to get a little squirrely and I made it around him and then I not sure what happened as he really dropped off.
“First of all this is our third year racing, first time on the podium and in first place so it’s a big day for us. I’d like to thank Brody my stepson, my wife Tiffany and my father in law.”
There were nine karts that took the green when the Heavy LO206 main began. Up front Eric Kuzemchak took the lead while RachaelWilliams and Kelly Chinander started a long duel for second.
Their duel allowed Kuzemchak to escape and by the time Chinander took over second she was only able to close within over two seconds behind the winner Kuzemchak.
A pair of races had two classes racing at the same time.
One was the Tag Sr. and the KA100 Masters in a combined race but with a staggered start. With in the first three laps only William Owen was the sole TAG driver still on the track.
Behind him was a three-kart train of Michael McMullen, Nat Sombatsiri and Troy Berry. Russell Rosario fell out after one lap with problems.
Before the white flag Berry was able to take over second and was pressing McMullen for the class lead. After almost completing the final lap there was contact that spun McMullen while Berry continued. Up front Owen scored the overall victory while Berry was the second to take the checkered. However there was some discussion after the race and McMullen was given his place back while Berry ended up third behind Sombatsiri.
Years ago there were two large shifter classes, 125 and 80. Recently racers have begun to show up with 80cc karts and as a result the shifter main is another combined class.
On the green Jeff Wamre took off with Adam Auerbach and Gerry Williams in hot pursuit. Soon it turned into a two kart duel for the lead as Auerbach was very close to the flying Wamre.
Behind them came the 80cc machines and making a return to the track Turbo Sombatsiri was leading Skylar Corson and Brian White. In fact the finished in that order.
Up front eventually Wamre was able to pull away and get some breathing room leaving Auerbach in second. Behind them Williams, making his return after a six-year absence was solo in third.
Later Wamre said, “I’m guessing he (Auerbach) was pretty close. I settled down, starting driving, kart started to come to life things were good. The track was better yesterday than today. Today it felt really slippery, greasy, hard to get any traction. Still it was a good day.”
Then he thanked Rodney with Nevada Kart Sport, his wife, Steve Dow and all the guys working the race.
Finally the day ended with what’s become the largest class the Senior LO206. When the green waved 18 karts headed down the front straight. After that there were problems, two karts were out right away and at the end six would end up on the sidelines some where around the course.
Up front Alec Beaudon was on point after holding off a challenge right at the first. Behind him Steve Dow lead a three kart train with Jacob Ciari and Stevie-Ray Rosario giving chase.
While the lead seemed assured the duel for second through fourth went right down to the final lap. After Beaudoin took the checkered Dow was able to hold Ciari off, by around a tenth of a second, for the runner up spot and Rosario has slipped back a bit to end up fourth.
Although it appeared almost easy Beaudoin was having kart problems even though he was leading.
At the post race weigh in Beaudoin said. “That start was interesting but Stevie-Ray jumped up there and tried to take the lead from me. Was really cool, first challenge all day. I told him if it as a heat race I’d have given it to him but it was the main so I got to take the lead. I got back in the lead, started to set sail but something broke.
“I don’t know what it was but turning left it vibrates so viciously I didn’t know if the front end has something broken in it. There are a lot of left hand corners and it was trying to rip the wheel out of my hand but it stayed in one piece. We won the race, it’s been a drought to get any awards, it qualified on pole in our heat race after Deeahmee went out so I’ll take it.”
Then he thanked his dad for getting him into the sport, everyone in NNKC, which he is president of and Cole Nelson Racing.
Since the club is now racing more classes than ever before both days have been long. Beaudoin mentioned he’ll survey the members and there should be some adjustments to shorten the racing day. Next race for the club is Sunday, May 23rd. For further information please check the website at www.nnkcreno.com.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
• Received some breaking news. The Northern Nevada Modified Tour, scheduled for May 13 through 16, has been postponed. There are discussions with the tracks to see if a date later in the year will work.
• If you are an experienced tech there is a possible opportunity for you. Moto-Source is hiring and you should send your resume to rich@moto-source.com.
• This Tuesday, starting at 5:30 p.m., the Grid is having both a sock hop and car show. It is located in back of the Fallon Walmart and is a family friendly event.
• Teresa’s Garage Radio Show is focused on all things automotive. It is on the air from 2 until 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoons and can be heard on 1060 AM.
The show is also on a podcast at ammstreamon.fm and can be seen live on Face Book. Co-host Emily Cook is a young racer that has a website, www.emilycookracing.com where she sells merchandise to help fund her on track efforts.
SPONSOR LIST:
• If you enjoyed this article please “like,” and share it as widely as possible. Comments are welcome. Subscribers have articles posted to their inbox as soon as they are up on the site.
We now have eight very appreciated sponsors supporting this site. Please patronize them as they support your sport and help nvracingnews continue. And let them know you heard about them through this site.
Tread Connection is our newest sponsor and Blake Sobiloff owns the local franchise. The business brings the tire store to the customer so they don’t have to take time off work or even leave home.
Once the tires are ordered Sobiloff picks them up and arrives where the customer’s car is in a van packed with state of the art equipment. He observes all safety precautions and it’s no contact so tires can be chosen and paid for online.
Another service he provides is scanning tires as that will tell if any alignment is needed. A useful service for fleet owners so they won’t find several vehicles need new tires at once. There are discounts for First Responders, veterans as well as active duty military and members of the National Guard and Reserves.
His primary area is Reno and Sparks and one can either go to the Face Book page or check the website at www.treadconnection.com. The direct line to the business is 775-870-3600.
Next 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.
Next sponsor is General Transmission and Power Train Specialists owned by former motorcycle racer Pete Attashian. The shop is located at 2515 Sutro Street in Reno, a few blocks below Hug High School.
The shop services older and new transmissions and how has a section for high performance units and those used in towing. Phone number is 775-786-5888 and the shop’s website is www.generaltransmissionreno.com.
Racing photographer Melissa Coker is another sponsor. If you 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 Duel in the Desert, Northern Nevada Modified Tour, Wild West Tour and the IMCA Super Nationals. She produces hero cards and memory books. To see her collections or to place an order check at www.melissasoutonalimb.smugmug.com.
Two of our sponsors are first class motorcycle shops located in Reno.
Our first sponsor is Reno Motorsports (RMS). Not only do they have about anything a rider might want or need and the store also has a full service shop.
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.
Concours Body Shop, located at 250 Telegraph Street in Reno, is another sponsor. The shop does quality collision repair for cars and trucks.
Owner Brian Saul is a car enthusiast himself and is 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. 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.
Have a business targeted toward motorsports or car enthusiasts? This site is a great way to expose your services to those communities. You can contact us either through the comment section of this site or on our Face Book page.
RESULTS:
NORTHERN NEVADA KART CLUB – ROUND2 DESERT PARK RACEWAY – MAY 2
Race 1, Kid Kart* – Cash Prater, Cayden Duncan, Dakota Holdiman, Davey Jorgenson, Drake Kepharet, Hunter Nelson, Jameson Judd.
* The Kid Kart class doesn’t list places as those driving in this beginner class all get an award after the race.
Race 2, Super Stock:
+ Heat Winners: #1 Kory Williams. #2 Kory Williams.
+ Main (12-Laps): 1. Paul Picotte, 2. Justin Heath, 3. Kory Williams, 4. Jimmy Johns.
Race 3, Heavy LO206:
+ Heat Winners: #1 Eric Kuzemchak, #2 Eric Kuzemchak.
+ Main (12-Laps): 1. Eric Kuzemchak, 2. Kelly Chinander, 3. Rachael Williams, 4. Josh Prater, 5. Jake Burechette, 6. Derek Anderlne, 7. Jeff Jallo, 8. Jessica Mansfield, 9. Gerry Altamira.
Race 4, Shifter:
+ Heat Winners: #1 Jeff Wamre, #2 Jeff Wamre.
+ Main (12-Laps*): 1. Jeff Wamre, 2. Adam Auerbach, 3. Gerry Williams, 4.Turbo Sombatsiri, 5.Skyler Corson, 6. Brian White.
* – The main is how they finished overall.
+ (Stock Moto125): 1. Jeff Wamre,2. AdamAuerbach, 3. Gerry Williams.
+ Formula 80: 1. Turbo Sombatsiri, 3. Skylar Corson, 3. Brian White.
Race 5, Junior 2 LO206 :
+ Heat Winners: #1 Nathan Heath, #2 Nathan Heath.
+ Main (12-Laps): 1. Isaiah Nobles, 2. Nathan Heath, 3. Brody Allyn, 4. Joseph Hitti, 5.Sebastian Sieerra, 6. Carter Chaffey.
Race 6,TAG/KA100:
+ Heat Winners: #1 Nat Sombatsiri, #2 William Owen.
+ Main (12-Laps,overall): 1. William Owne, 2. Michael McMullen, 3. Nat Sombatsiri, 4. Troy Berry, 5. Russell Rosario, 6. Adrik Owen, 7. Harold Lease.
+ KA100 Masters: 1. Michael McMullen, 2. Nat Sombatsiri, 3. Troy Berry, 4. Russell Rosario.
+ TAG Sr: 1. William Owen, 2. Adrik Owen, 3. Harold Lease.
Race 7, Junior 1:
+ Heat Winners: #1 Nathan Heath, #2 Nathan Heath.
+ Main (12-Laps): 1. Kayden Williams, 2. Jeremy Heath, 3. Jeremiah Nobles, 4. George Hitti, 5. Noah Nobles, 6. Samantha Jallo 7. Wyatet Koch.
Race 8, Sr.LO206:
+ Heat Winners: #1 Deeahmee Malone, #2 Alec Beaudoin.
+ Main (12-Laps): 1. Alec Beaudoin, 2. Steve Dow, 3. Jacob Ciari, 4. Stevie-Ray Rosario, 5. Asa Gourley, 6. Gil Atkinson, 7. Kyle Harlan, 8. Jonathan “Zach” Sievert, 9. Zack Koch, 10. Nathan Scott, 11. Nick Koch, 12. Bill Li, 13. Austin Hawkins, 14.Deeahmee Malone, 15. Chris Echard, 16. Noah Kitchingman, 17. Jeremy Clark, 18. Tommy Tosario.
