Scott Barnes Places Runner-Up In Stars Class
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Karting driver Scott Barnes finished runner-up in the Rok class in his maiden Stars Championship Series after another impressive showing overseas.
Barnes competed in the final round of the series – Night Fight – at the Trackhouse Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina, finishing second in the two heat races on Friday [September 13] before winning the pre-final and coming second in the final on Saturday.
It meant Barnes placed second in the Rok class and fifth in the overall Shifter Masters class.
“It’s my first time racing this series, so I’m happy to come second in my class,” Barnes told Bernews.
“I won the overall [Shifter Masters] final in the first round [in April] and two out of the four finals in the Rok [class]. It’s been a lot of fun; I’m happy with it.
“I was leading the final [on Sunday] until someone went into the back of me and spun me around, which meant I lost a few positions but still managed to come second.”
Had it not been for misfortune in the second round of the series in New Castle, Indiana, in June, when Barnes’ team suffered disqualification for using the wrong tyres, the Bermudian would have been in a strong position to win the Rok class title.
“That DQ really came back to haunt us,” Barnes admitted.
Barnes, who races for Maranello Kart USA, said he hopes to return to the series next year and compete in the faster KZ shifter engine.
“I’d love another go at it next year if I can get sponsorship and my team wants me back,” Barnes added.
Up next for Barnes is the Cup Karts North America Grand Nationals at New Castle Motorsports Park, New Castle, Indiana, from October 10 to 13.
Barnes is sponsored by Butterfield & Vallis, representing their Powerade brand, and Simpsons Motorsports.
