Daniel and Chris headed up to Goodwood for a CRKC event, a busy night with 12 groups of 8-10 drivers. The regular crew like Nathan Powell and his dad Don Powell were present, so it was going to be a battle for the Demaras racers.
Daniel was quick, setting solid times, but getting stuck behind slower traffic, Daniel only managed to qualify 3rd.
With the NASCAR Pinty’s Series running support for the Honda Indy Toronto on July 13th to 15th, professional racecar driver James Vance arrived at Goodwood to have some fun and race in the CRKC race. The driver of the No.1 CBRT Dodge Challenger arrived with pals James French from the IMSA Sportscar Championship and SCCA Pro Racing Mazda MX-5 Cup racer George Jackson.
While Vance was quick, French was taking his friend’s new NASCAR gig to heart, bumping other karts, and even climbing up on the rear bumper of a competitor during practice.
All the regular CRKC drivers wanted in on the NASCAR style fun. Multi-kart pile ups were the result to too much excitement and not enough patience, as the track workers really earned their money!
Chris ran most of the day at the tail end of the pack, but made up a position with an inside pass at the hairpin. The 6th place finish gave Chris three points in a championship hunt that may already be over for him. Now it’s just racing for fun.
As for the professional racers, George Jackson impressed with his 3rd place finish, matching James Vance on the day, but sportscar superstar James French took off from pole position to earn an uncontested win in his race. The Wednesday night regulars just didn’t know who they were up against!
However, it was young Daniel who stole the show. After being coached by James Vance early in the season, and seeing him in the PRO karting team tent on many weekends, Daniel wanted to show what he could do. Starting from 3rd place, Daniel made a pass on the first lap, not letting the leader get away. Daniel stayed close behind the pole sitter until the final lap. Through the chicane, Daniel had a run approaching turn 8. Daniel stuffed his kart down the inside of turn 7, as his competitor tried to close the door. But it was too late. Daniel was ahead as they drag raced to turn 6, where Daniel held the outside lane to take the lead, and the win.
The Demaras Auto Racing Team has racked up 5 wins in CRKC so far this year. With a few days off from karting, Daniel and Chris look forward to seeing James Vance racing in this weekend’s NASCAR Pinty’s Series race at Exhibition Place.