Barnes Eyes Titles At Rock Island Grand Prix
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermuda karting driver Scott Barnes is eyeing multiple victories when he races at the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix this weekend.
Barnes, who will compete in eight classes, is a seven-times winner at the largest and most prestigious street race in North America.
The 38-year-old debuted at Rock Island in 2001 and considers the two-day event in Quad Cities – a metropolitan area on the Mississippi River in Illinois and Iowa – among the highlights of his karting season.
“I love street racing, and this is the best in the US,” Barnes told Bernews. “I want to race against the best street racers in the country, and this event brings out the best.
“It’s always a great atmosphere, and the people are always awesome. It’s a special race.”
Barnes added to his title collection last year, winning the Margay Ignite Senior 2 and the Open Shifter Masters finals. He also finished third in the Margay Ignite Senior 1 and the Briggs 206 Heavy 2 classes.
“I’ve been lucky over the years to get seven wins,” said Barnes, who will race for Ohio-based Magik Kart USA. “Hopefully, I can add to it this weekend.”
The former Bermuda Karting Club president intends to use the heats on Saturday to dust off the cobwebs, having not raced since April.
“I’ll have a short time to knock off some rust on Saturday in the heats before the finals on Sunday,” he said. “It’s all about Sunday’s races!”
Barnes, sponsored by Butterfield and Vallis, has several overseas races scheduled before the end of the year.
