Bermuda’s Scott Barnes delivered a masterclass in clinical driving to put himself in prime position for silverware at the final round of the 2026 ROK Cup USA Florida Winter Tour, and on the final day, it all came together. After a weekend defined by his relentless pace, the veteran karting standout proved he could handle not only his rivals but also the elements as the championship reached its crescendo in Palmetto, Florida.
The final day of competition was thrown into chaos following heavy rainfall on Saturday night, which left the circuit in a challenging condition and forced a significant revision to the schedule. With standing water impacting the track, the organizers took the decision to bypass the morning sessions, ensuring the only races completed on the final day were the crucial Final races. This placed immense pressure on the drivers to perform without a warm-up, turning the ROK Shifter Masters Final into a true test of adaptability and nerve.
Starting from the front of the grid following his dominant heat performances, Barnes showcased exactly why he is considered one of the region’s elite competitors. Over the course of 20 grueling laps, he maintained a defensive masterclass while finding enough grip on the drying surface to dictate the tempo of the race. He eventually crossed the line in first place to claim the title, stopping the clock with a total race time of 16:40.100. The victory marks a significant achievement for the Bermudian on the international stage, securing the prestigious Florida Winter Tour trophy and underscoring his status as the man to beat in the shifter kart ranks.
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