North Encouraged By Lindo’s Doubleheader
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Jason North, the Bermuda Karting Club president, said he would like to turn the Lindo’s Doubleheader Race Weekend into an annual event.
The inaugural two-day competition was held at the Bermuda Motorsports Park in Southside, St David’s, last weekend, and despite the final day being affected by wet and windy weather, North believes the event has potential.
“We had our challenges with the weather; it’s something we’ve had to deal with all season,” North told Bernews.
“The first day [on Saturday] went well, the schedule went to plan, the weather held out, and we got a decent crowd.
“We expected our biggest crowd on Sunday, but, unfortunately, it was blowing 40 to 50mph winds, so we started early to try and beat the rain rolling in later in the day.
“We almost got through all the classes before the rain came. We couldn’t hold the presentations but will likely do that on the next race day.
“I would love to see this become an annual event and again have the Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Association and Drag Racing Association onboard [with exhibition races].”
More than 40 drivers, including Canadian karting driver Mario Gill, competed in seven classes – Cadet, Tag Junior, Tag Senior, L206 Senior, L206 Master, Stock Shifter and KZ Shifter.
Drivers accumulated points from four heat races over the two days.
Nathan DeCosta won the Tag Seniors; Roman Wilkinson claimed victory in the Tag Juniors; North triumphed in the L206 Seniors; David Barbosa was the standout driver in the L206 Masters; Tanner Correia took the Cadets; Ryan Burgess won the Stock Shifters; and Gill secured the KZ Shifter title.
“It was a track no one had driven on before, which made it more competitive,” North said. “It was very competitive throughout all the classes. In some cases, four or five drivers were challenging for victory.”
North particularly enjoyed the KZ Shifter class battle between Gill, Ryan Rebello and Blake Horseman.
“Mario had his way on Saturday, winning both heats,” North added.
“Not making excuses for him, but he was sick on Sunday, but Ryan came on strong and won the third heat, and Blake raced superbly well in a rainy fourth heat and was the deserved winner.
“That was cool to see. Ryan and Blake gave Mario a hard time!”
Proceeds from the event will be donated to St John Ambulance.
