Scott Barnes Clinches Skusa Pro Tour Title
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Karting driver Scott Barnes wrapped up the Shifter Masters title after a superb showing in the final two rounds of the Skusa Pro Tour SummerNationals in Indianapolis at the weekend.
Barnes trailed his Maranello Kart USA team-mate Joe Ruch by 33 points heading into rounds five and six at the New Castle Motor Sports Park.
He made the perfect start, completing a clean sweep on Saturday by finishing in pole position in qualifying to earn much-needed bonus points and winning the pre-final and final.
He led the overall standings going into Sunday and clinched the title after Ruch missed out on the qualifying bonus points.
Ruch qualified in second, with Barnes in third, meaning the Bermudian was guaranteed the title before the pre-final and final.
Barnes came second in the pre-final but was penalised for being slightly outside his box on the starting grid, slipping him down to sixth place.
He climbed to second place in the final, finishing behind Ruch.
“I brought home the championship – that’s the main thing,” Barnes told Bernews.
“It was championship or bust, and I did what I needed to do, and got the double podium.
“I also had Bermudian Jeff Sousa helping out [as a mechanic], and I have to thank my team, Maranello, and Carblos Racing Engines.”
It was Barnes’ second Skusa Pro Tour title and seventh title in the United States.
Barnes is sponsored by Butterfield & Vallis, representing their Powerade brand.
