Scott Barnes Eyes Podium In Vegas Event
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Karting driver Scott Barnes will look for a third successive podium finish in the Shifter Masters class at the Skusa SuperNationals in Las Vegas, starting on Wednesday [November 8].
Barnes achieved his best finish at the SuperNats, the most prestigious karting race in North America, last year, finishing third, having placed fifth in 2021.
The 39-year-old will be among a stacked field of 47 drivers, including Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia, a former Formula One driver, Joe Ruch, who won the Stars Championship Series title this year, and five-times Skusa Pro Tour champion Jordon Mussler.
Racing for Ohio-based Magik Kart USA, one of the strongest teams in North America, Barnes has claimed three podiums in ten appearances at the annual event.
“This is my biggest race, you’re up against drivers from all over the world; it’s the best of the best,” Barnes told Bernews.
“This the most competitive field I’ve raced in for a long time. The top 15 could all be fighting for the podium.”
Although Barnes is taking a break from racing locally, he was in fine form at the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix in Quad Cities in Illinois/Iowa in September, winning the Open Shifter and Shifter Masters classes.
He also came second in the Ignite Masters 206, third in the Ignite Senior 206 and fifth in the Ignite Senior 2.
“It’s going to be hard; I haven’t been in a kart since Rock Island,” Barnes added. “I know I can dust the rust off fast, though.
“I’ll get a lot of seat time on Wednesday and Thursday before we start racing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”
Barnes is sponsored by Butterfield and Vallis, representing the Powerade brand, Pryde Motorsports and Simpson Motorsport.
