Barnes Targets Podium At Las Vegas SuperNats
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Scott Barnes heads to Las Vegas next week safe in the knowledge he has never had a better opportunity to claim glory at the Skusa SuperNationals.
The island’s top driver has two podiums in nine appearances at the SuperNats, the most prestigious karting race in North America, which starts next Wednesday.
He will be racing for Ohio-based Magik Kart USA, one of the strongest teams in the United States, and is confident of bettering his previous best finish of fourth place at the annual competition.
Barnes first teamed up with Magik at the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix in Quad Cities in September, winning the Margay Ignite Senior 2 and Shifter Masters classes to become one of the most successful drivers at the event.
“I’m excited racing for a new team and have a new chassis and engine package,” Barnes told Bernews. “Never have I had equipment this good.
“Magik are a young, fast team, and I feel like I should be able to get my best results.
“They have the number one shifter driver in the country in AJ Meyers under their tent. Sharing data, lap times, and racing lines with their top guys is so beneficial.”
The Bermuda Karting Club president expects to face the fiercest competition of his career in the Shifter Masters class, a field of 42 drivers, including four former champions and 11 competitors from outside the United States.
“The goal is definitely to finish on the podium [a top-five finish],” said Barnes, who will race heats next Friday and Saturday before the final on Sunday.
“I’m trying to win, but it will be tough, as there will be some super-fast guys.
“I’ve never been fortunate enough to go there with one of the best teams. This is a chance to achieve my best finish.”
Barnes will end the year by racing at the WKA Daytona Kartweek at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida, which runs from December 27 to 30.
