August 29, Round #5 - Race Preview

With the end of summer in sight, Round #5 of the Jim Russell Karting Championship will take to the track August 29th at the Jim Russell International Karting Center at Infineon Raceway, Northern California's premier motorsports facility. The end of summer only sparks a busy fall season as the Rotax Max Challenge competitors start a string of 6 races over a 10 week period. For the first time in 2009, drivers will be faced with the tight and twisty demands of the 0.68 mile REVERSE Sprint layout. The unique configuration presents multiple passing zones, but is a tough test of driver fitness with only a 555 foot straight to gain composure.

The Jim Russell Northern California Rotax Challenge has become one of the nation's largest regional Rotax series with over 20% growth from 2008, not to mention the competition on track is some of the country's best with championship battles in every category.

Micro Max rookies have started to accelerate their learning curves as they've begun to catch up to the more veteran, if you could consider 10 years old veteran, drivers of Michael Michoff and Nicky Hays. Looking for continued growth in the class, Comer and Gazelle-powered cadets have been welcomed to join the Micro Max race group.

Three drivers have been trading the lead spot in Mini Max through the first four races. JR Raczko, Drew Setzer and Harrison Mills are expected to again put on a great show in round #5 as they dice things up in the evenly powered machines. Moving up an age group, expect the Junior Rotax battle to tighten as drivers return to take on last month's winner Brody Zink.

One should expect another tough battle in the Masters class between David Harwin and Donald Durbin, who have been trading out wins this year among a solid group of competitors. In Masters Light, Andrea Delfanti has set the pace, but Mary Beth Wilson and Dolores Mosqueda are two strong women drivers poised to claim a victory at any point. The largest DD2 field in the country saw the points close up last month with a win by Kyle Gimple over David Arnstein, both charging after three-time winner Troy Castenada.

If that isn't enough competition for you, the biggest battle of the weekend will be in Senior Rotax that has seen four different winners in as many races. Nic LeDuc, Wes Philips and Jake Mottaz are all back for Race #5 to challenge last month's winner Jordan Jadallah. Averaging 18 entries, Senior Rotax has provided non-stop fireworks and there are no signs of letting up.

Finding a new home on the schedule, the 80 Shifters joined the Rotax Challenge Saturday program last month. Still seeking his first win among the Grand Masters, points leader Tom Nelson will set his sights on the top spot for round #5. He won't have it easy as strong competition from previous race winners Ahmiel Fried, Mark Stanley and Mark Nason are sure to bring their "A" game. The field will be tough as Masters and Senior 80 competitors will also be on the combined grid for Race #5. Time is starting to run out as the 80 Shifters only have 3 more events to stake their championship claim in the 2009 season.

Registration starts at 7:15 Saturday morning with pre-registration and practice happening on Friday. Two sessions of practice kicks off at 8:15 on Saturday morning, qualify at 11:00 and the afternoon of racing will start at 12:45.

Race day schedule and entry forms available here.