The SKUSA SuperNationals in Las Vegas is living up to its reputation as a pressure cooker of Karting action, and Bermuda's drivers are finding themselves in the thick of the drama. Scott Barnes and Ryan Rebello, competing in the Master Shifter by Freem class, faced a brutal day of mechanical misfortunes and on-track battles.
In Heat 1, Barnes was charging towards a strong finish, holding 11th place with just three laps to go. Then disaster struck! A close encounter with a barrier bent his steering shaft, leaving him wrestling a wounded kart to the finish line. "I always say you need some luck in Vegas," a frustrated Barnes lamented. "We didn't have it today. I drove those last three laps with a bent steering shaft just trying to hang on."
Heat 2 brought a cruel twist of fate for Barnes. Loose wheel nuts on his front right tire turned his race into a nightmare. "Somehow, my front right wheel nuts didn't get tightened," Barnes explained. "The wheel was practically coming off on the out lap! I tried to stop and hand-tighten the two left on there, but it wasn't enough. I got a great start to 9th, but after the first lap, the wheel came loose and spun me, ending my race."
Rebello, who suffered a DNF in Heat 1, fought back with a determined drive in Heat 2 to finish 29th. But with both drivers facing setbacks, the pressure is on for a strong performance in Heat 3. "I need a strong Heat 3 tomorrow," Barnes stated with determination. "I know we have top 10 speed; I just need to put it all together."
Meanwhile, in the KA100 Master by Orsolon Racing Class, Brian Bulhoes showed grit and consistency, finishing 39th in Heat 1 and 38th in Heat 2. He'll be aiming to climb the leaderboard as the competition intensifies.
The SuperNationals is a true test of skill, resilience, and a little bit of luck. Can Barnes and Rebello overcome their challenges and make a charge in the final heat? Stay tuned as the Bermuda contingent battles for glory in the Vegas desert!
|
