SKUSA SUPERNATIONALS // A WEEKEND IN VEGAS

I just got back from the SUKSA Super Nationals in Las Vegas, and I have to say, I was surprised by what I saw. No, not the skill level or the dedication, the time (and money) invested or the advanced nature of the karts themselves, all of that I expected. What I was surprised by, was the turnout. Drivers from around the world came to Las Vegas to compete in what has become the premiere karting event of the season. Over 400 drivers entered into ten classes, with ages ranging from elementary to senior. The Italians took over one corner of the paddock, while a large turnout of both French and Brazilian drivers were there to show the stateside crowd what the international karting scene has to offer.

The track was setup in the parking lot of the Rio, and the karting crowd in attendance effectively took over the hotel. Large trailers, teams of ten or twelve drivers, tents that rival those seen at Formula car events. The whole thing was somewhat visceral. The smell of race fuel filled the air. Engines howled as they were being warmed pre-race. Father/son teams waited patiently for their turn on track. Long lines for tech inspections, tires and fuel. Mechanics moving quickly through the paddock, a ever present urgency as to ensure all of the drivers saw an opportunity to qualify, to race, to win.

I was on track nearly all day. I watched as the different classes saw their turn to qualify, with pole positions being treated like gold. The track was fast, with three long straightaways, a handful of hairpins and one very quick chicane on the backside. The SuperPro’s proved the most impressive, with more than half the drivers coming from international locations. The field was made up of the best talent the world had to offer, and I was there to see it. 125cc, water cooled, six-speed sequential gearbox karts with a who’s-who of international drivers, the SuperPro’s were the class to watch. Running nose to tail, not giving an inch, the SuperPro’s eat track like I ate my continental breakfast's. Quickly. The karts screamed down the back straight, lifting only slightly as they passed through the chicane. A long sweeping right-hander, and then onto another straightaway. The up shifts are fast, their line, perfect. All in all, what I saw did not surprise me, it inspired me.

With but a few weeks until my own karitng debut, the SKUSA SuperNationals proved one thing to me. Karting is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for the untrained driver. Our misconceptions of karting here in the US may prove to be our biggest downfall in terms of motorsports. Karting has, and will continue to, produce some of the biggest names in racing. What I saw in Vegas was the skill, the talent and the dedication necessary to have a successful career in motor racing. My hat is off to the karting community.

For complete results from the SKUSA SuperNationals, click here // 11.25.2008