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| November 09, 2012 |
| Team News: Franklin Motorsports/Merlin USA - SKUSA SuperNationals XVI Preview |
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With the biggest race of the year just around the corner, preparations are complete and the journey has begun for the Franklin Motorsports/Merlin USA squad. Final stop for 2012 is the holy grail of karting, the SKUSA Super Nationals in fabulous Las Vegas. Six drivers will be representing the Merlin brand in three of the four TaG categories.
Brandon Lemke, a top driver in the WKA sportsman rank will be making his TaG 60 debut at Super Nats 16. With a strong test weekend in the books with the Vortex power plant Brandon looks to make some waves and continue his 2012 winning season. He bagged a WKA national title this year as well as closed out the Mid-Western season picking up a cool 5K at the ROBO Pong event this fall in New Castle, IN.
The TaG senior category will play host to 4 Merlin drivers next weekend. The youngest pilot is Zach Hawley of Fond Du Lac, WI. Hawley is wrapping up his first season in TaG where he picked up a W in the Route 66 series along with multiple top 3 finishes. Hawley also showed good speed throughout the WKA Man Cup series during his rookie season in senior competition. The J & H Controls/Pickart’s Radiator Service sponsored driver will be piloting his LM30V2 with a Franklin prepared Leopard engine package.
One of Merlin Nations most colorful drivers and top contender TJ Koyen will be returning to Vegas for a shot at Super Nationals glory. A consistent front runner throughout the Midwest, Sun Prairie, WI native Koyen looks to repeat the speed he showed in Utah at the Summer Nationals. The Oktane Visual/Kartlift entry will be sporting an extreme black and gold graphics kit for the event. As the Super Nats TaG hard charger winner from 2011 we look to see some wicked go-pro footage from this seasons event. Koyen will be tossing around his LM30 with a Franklin prepared Leopard engine package. Keep an eye out up front for the dominative driver with the gold shoes. Track Koyens progress on Twitter @TJ_Koyen.
Piloting the 08J from Springfield, IL is 2012 WKA Leopard Grand National Champion Colton Ramsey. Ramsey has put together a solid season with some top results along the way. This will mark his first start at the Super Nationals event. A product of the Route 66 Karting Series, Ramsey has honed his skills through 100cc competition and became a legit contender in TaG events in WKA Man Cup competition this season. Ramsey will also be aboard a LM30 chassis utilizing a Comet prepared Leopard engine. With a set of broad shoulders and many recent hours at the gym, Ramsey is prepared to put the team on his back if needed next weekend.
The final Merlin TaG entry is Jamie Sieracki of Oconomowoc, WI. The aging driver makes his first start at the Super Nationals in TaG competition. With limited starts this season, Sieracki hopes to carry the momentum from a podium finish at the SKUSA Summer Nationals in Utah. Powered by a Franklin Leopard, Sieracki has swapped the wrenches for the helmet in hopes of a solid, all in one piece finish.
Arguably the most popular driver of Merlin Nation is the TaG Masters entry Brian McEvoy. Traveling in from Brookfield, WI McEvoy looks to continue his quick pace in masters competition. McEvoy will be piloting a Franklin Leopard powered LM30 in the big show. The Super Nats is one of his favorite events and he has quickly enjoyed the thrill of barrier racing. Coming off a top five in Utah, McEvoy will be aiming for a podium to cap off 2012. Keep up with Brian’s status via Twitter with Brian McEvoy @UnkleRico (PG-13).
In attendance with the drivers will be a top level cast of mechanics and coaches. Special thanks to George Sieracki, Mark Coats, Tim Koyen, Chad Krueger, Bill Lemke, Mark Hawley, Steve Welk, Troy Hottmann and Rick Fulks.
Franklin Motorsports is a Wisconsin based karting operation. With a 12000’ facility Franklin Motorsports offers a variety of products as well as a large service department for your needs. Franklin Motorsports specializes in Merlin Racing chassis as well as Tillett Racing Seats, Iame Leopard services, Driveline products and more. As always arrive and drive programs are available for select events. Please visit http://www.franklinkart.com for contacts and more information. |
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