After 10 regular season races, and two semi-final races, the Goodwood CRKC Final was held on Saturday, October 19th. Big crowds were on hand as the best A&D racers converged on Uxbridge to battle one last time in 2019.
Between the cadets, teens and adults, no less than 20 groups competed for racing glory. The event seemed much more like a TRAK race, with all the tents on the paddock. Also, as a special treat, CRKC racers would race in both a pre-final and final race,. Very special.
After two practice sessions and qualifying, the racers headed out for their pre-final. Chris Demaras had qualified a respectable 6th, but with overly aggressive racers trying to make their mark, positional changes were in the cards. Pole sitter Don P was the first victim, being punted off track at the treacherous turn four. The chasing pack caught Demaras in turn 7B, demoting him one spot, before Chris made strong passes to move up to 4th.
The long day took its toll on the equipment. As racers pushed too hard, short-cutting the track (and cutting the grass)) several karts had to be recovered by Goodwood staff Kyle R, Kai D and Chad W.
Chris Demaras and his ‘Group 20’ co-drivers were the final of 40 races held. Like the heavyweight championship fight saved for the end of the PPV special, the 205+ lb category did not disappoint. Dan Dileo threw an extra twist into the afternoon, by adding in the chicane to the Goodwood configuration, only for the final race. Drivers who wanted glory would have to adapt, and fast.
After the customary first lap contact dropped him to nearly the back of the field, Chris made heroic passes into turn four and the chicane, climbing up to 5th place for the final race, earning an extra 8 points for the season.
The goal heading into the weekend was a Top 20 result in the championship standings, and Demaras settled in at 17th overall on Friday Night CRKC drivers. With one pole position and two podium finishes throughout the summer, Demaras was pleased, but not satisfied.
“Was 17th place were I expected to end the season? No. You always want more. I wanted more. But competing against more than 60 talented drivers, podiums and wins aren’t easy to come by. I had some good moments this year…I just need more of them, closer together, more consistently, if I’m going to make a title run next season.”
Chris ‘#16’ Demaras
