After 12 rounds of highly-competitive Briggs and Stratton racing action, the final round of the 2019 TRAK series arrived. Weather conditions changed ahead of morning practice, leaving everyone quite confused about what tires to run. Daniel and his PRO teammate (all carrying R2ENDALZ decals on their karts) decided on rain tires, as the risk wasn’t worth the reward. Although Daniel finished the session 9th, he kept it out of the wall, unlike some slick tire runners.
Though there was still some moisture on the circuit, the right choice for qualifying was to put on slicks. Daniel was lined up alongside Webster, Ploder and Knight, ready for a good qualifying session with the ability to run in a pack, but his plans were curtailed by a flat right rear tire. The problem was discovered while waiting on grid (not on track) and PRO’s mechanics could change the Vega tire and get Demaras out in time to qualify, only missing 2 laps. Daniel struggled with the conditions and the tires from two different sets, and qualified last.
Daniel knew he had work to do in the prefinal, and was determined to move up the pack. A good getaway from the green flag, and some quick thinking as the #389 of Jordan Prior hit the wall in turn one allowed Daniel to make up places. A spin from the leader and some wheel to wheel racing and Demaras found himself in 7th, six places up from his starting position.
After passing the #385 Kart and being passed by #409, Daniel went for a last lap lunge on Chad Webster in turn 9. The slippery asphalt on the inside meant Demaras couldn’t get good traction out of the corner, and ended the prefinal a solid P7.
The Final did not go as well for Daniel. After being jumped by Zach Boam at the start, Daniel simply couldn’t make any overtakes as he had in the PreFinal. As the tires overheated, and the kart began to oversteer, Demaras was hit from behind in Turn 5, sending home over the kerbs, and briefly caused him to be high-centred as he slid along the concrete, his tires not making contact with the ground. Demaras salvaged a To p10 finish in the final race of the year. Unable to make up any positions Daniel finished the final race of the year
Two years ago Daniel would’ve killed for a top 10 finish. Now, he wants more. Though the season may not have ended perfectly, Daniel saw massive improvements throughout the 2019 season, with many exciting moments.
“Tough way to end the season. We were quick at times, at other times we were not. The final didn’t go my way, but I did get to have some fun in the pre-final. Big congratulations to my teammate Chad for taking his second consecutive win today. I am satisfied with the 2019 season, and I hope to come back stronger in 2020.”
Daniel Demaras, PRO
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