|
 |
|
 |
| March 29, 2012 News |
| GoRotax.com Driver of the Month Presented by eKartingNews.com - February 2012 - Oliver Askew |
| |
 | Askew dominated the FWT Rotax Homestead weekend, driving like he owned the track, sweeping both rounds contested
(Photo: Ken Johnson - studio52.us) |
Thanks to the new partnership between MAXSpeed Group and eKartingNews.com, a monthly program has been devised to promote outstanding drivers in the Rotax Max Challenge. The new program - the GoRotax.com Driver of the Month presented by eKartingNews.com - is based on a similar program we offer each month, this time focused on the United States ‘Rotaxians’. Each month, the staff at MAXSpeed and EKN will select one driver who promotes Rotax and karting in a positive fashion, in addition to displaying outstanding on-track performance.
Honored as the first GoRotax.com Driver of the Month presented by eKartingNews.com, Oliver Askew is a perfect example of growth within the Rotax Max Challenge. Askew started out at the club and regional level, as he honed his skills near his home before breaking onto the national scene in 2011. Qualifying and racing toward the front of the field throughout the season, Askew earned a spot on Team USA to compete at the Rotax Grand Finals in the United Arab Emirates. Now, poised to return to the national squad once again, Askew solidified his chances at the Florida Winter Tour title with a double-win weekend in February at the Homestead Karting facility for rounds three and four of the international Rotax Max Challenge event.
Following a victory at round two in Palm Beach, near his home in Tequesta, Florida, Askew laid down a perfect weekend in Homestead. Qualifying on the pole position on Friday, a pinched nerve in his neck nearly kept him from competing on Saturday. Once at the track, his actions behind the wheel of the Ocala Gran Prix Tony Kart did not show it. Establishing an early lead in the Prefinal and Final, Oliver checked out from the field in both races (2.7-second victory in main event) to score the wins to complete the first half of the sweep.
Askew continued where he left off on Sunday with another stellar performance. Earning the pole position in qualifying from Friday, Askew led the field to the green flag in the Prefinal, driving away from the field as they battled for second. Scoring the win, Oliver repeated the same feat in the 20-lap main event, this time stretching out to a near seven-second advantage. The weekend sweep was the first in series history for Rotax Junior, which has seen numerous talented drivers compete over the many years.
Less than two weeks ago, Askew locked up the Rotax Junior FWT championship with a podium finish and drive from the back to the top-10 on Sunday, earning the title by 45 points over Dutchman Jordi Van Morsel. Watch for Oliver at the North Florida Rotax Max Challenge this summer and later at the Rotax Grand Nationals where he will look to contend for his first national title.
 | GoRotax.com Driver of the Month - February 2012 - Oliver Askew
(Photo: Ken Johnson - studio52.us) |
Oliver Askew
Bio
Born: 12/12/96
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Parents: Anthony and Pernilla Askew
Siblings: Hanna Askew
Height/Weight: 5’6’’ / 115 lb.
Education: Florida Virtual School - 9th grade
Job: Racing for Ocala Gran Prix
Racing Resume
Chassis: Tony Kart, Racer EVRR
Engine Service Center: Ocala Gran Prix Rotax
Sponsors: Ocala Gran Prix, Tony Kart/OTK, Race Tech Development, K1 Racegear, GO Designs, Coastal Performance, Mom & Dad
United States Rotax Max Challenge Home Series: North Florida
Years Karting: some local/club races since age 9, state and nationally for the last three years
How did you get started in karting? My dad took me out to PBIR to drive the rental karts for my birthday and I have been hooked ever since.
What has been the high point in your racing career? 2012 Florida Winter Tour Rotax Jr. Champion
What are your goals in racing? To become a professional race car driver.
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Calm, consistent, and aggressive when needed.
2011 Accomplishments: Represented USA at Rotax Grand Finals Al Ain, UAE, Florida Winter Tour- 2nd, FKCS Rotax Jr. - Champion, FKCS TaG Jr.- Second Place, Rotax Nationals- 34th to 7th, North Florida R-Max - Champion
Likes
Favorite Track: Ocala Gran Prix
Favorite form of professional motorsports: Indy Car or V8 Supercars
Favorite karting drivers: Gary Carlton and Alex Speed
Favorite professional drivers: Dan Wheldon RIP, Sebastian Vettel, and Dale Earnhart Jr.
Favorite website: http://www.oliveraskew.com
Favorite movie: Senna Documentary
Favorite actor/actress: Adam Sandler
Favorite music/group: Skrillex
Favorite vacation/activity spot: Grandma and Grandpa’s house in Sweden
Favorite food: Dinosaur Eggs, and grandma’s pancakes
The Real Deal
What do you do when not at the track? Hanging out with friends, fishing, going to the beach, playing ping-pong and riding my bike
What are your goals outside of karting? To become a professional race car driver
What type of street car do you drive? VW Jetta
What type of street car would you like to drive? Nissan GTR
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? Losing races, and spiders
What is your favorite aspect about racing in the Rotax Max Challenge program? The Rotax program is the most competitive, well attended, and most organized kart racing series on the planet |
|
|
Go Top
|
|
|
|
|
