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| April 06, 2012 |
| Driver News: Austin Versteeg Finishes Gatorz Challenge of the Americas with Strong Results |
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 | After recently wrapping up the Florida Winter Tour series, Austin Versteeg ended his second winter series this past weekend in Fontana
(Photo: Cody Schindel - Autosports Media Group) |
Rookie junior driver Austin Versteeg recently wrapped up his second series in 2012 as the Sandy, Utah resident took to the CalSpeed Karting Complex in Fontana, California for the final round of the west coast Gatorz Challenge of the Americas. Heading into the finale on the strength of a strong showing at the closing round of the east coast's Florida Winter Tour, Versteeg looked to finish off just as strong. A title was also on the line for Versteeg, as three podiums in previous events had the rising talent third in the Rotax Junior championship standings. With stiff competition and a challenging 15-turn, 3/4-mile circuit, the title was not in the cards for Versteeg, but don't count out his talent for future success in the junior karting ranks.
Versteeg started off his Fontana campaign with a solid fifth place run in Saturday's qualifying session, and worked to keep his PSL Karting / CRG near the front of the 22-kart strong junior field. Falling back at the start of the prefinal, Versteeg worked back up to sixth after the 17-lap race concluded. The final was much the same for the 12-year-old karter, as Versteeg would wrap up his day with another sixth place result.
Sunday saw Versteeg start his day further down the running order, as a time of 48.844 in qualifying put him 11th on the grid for the prefinal. A superb start saw Versteeg up to seventh the first time past the stripe, with a battle brewing for the sixth place with a fellow competitor. By lap 13, Versteeg was able to get the edge to bring home a sixth place finish in the pre-main. Taking to the track for the final time in 2012 Gatorz competition, Versteeg held his position for the opening laps of the final and was able to come home with a solid fifth place finish by the time the checkered flag had flown.
With his third place podium finish in race two in Tucson, as well as double podiums from the Phoenix round and his solid Fontana results, Versteeg claimed the fourth place in the overall Rotax Junior class championship. A mere 55 points back from the champion, Versteeg's accomplishments from the Gatorz series have made him a junior driver to watch for the rest of 2012. Having come close to not only his first win, but also the overall title, it remains just a matter of time before Versteeg tops the blocks for both race wins and championships in his rookie season in the junior ranks.
Versteeg will continue to utilize off weekends for testing and training at the brand new Nola Motorsports Park in New Orleans, Louisiana. As the newest and largest track in North America, the Nola Motorsports Park will offer full Rotax/CRG support for Versteeg as he builds his strength and race craft to take on the challenging junior ranks in 2012.
Austin races with the generous support of PSL Karting / CRG, ULV race gear, Activa Technology and Nola Motorsports Park. For more information on Austin Versteeg, please visit http://www.AustinVersteeg.com |
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