Keel won his way into the Invitational event with a victory at the Pan-Am in Mini Max (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 – GoRotax.com Driver of the Month presented by eKartingNews.com – is based off a similar program the leading karting website offers each month, focused on the United States ‘Rotaxians’. Each month, the staff at MAXSpeed and EKN will determine one driver to profile who promotes Rotax and karting in general in a positive fashion, along with standing out on-track. Each driver’s accomplishments will be highlighted, in addition to getting to know the Driver of the Month.

Hard work and determination is always something to admire of any athlete of any sport. It is not something that can be taught, it is something that lives within us. As the sport of karting evolves, we continue to see this drive within some of the youngest competitors, willing to go the extra mile to achieve their goals. For the youngest competitors of Rotax Max Challenge program in the United States, the biggest goal of the season was to compete at the Micro & Mini Invitational event, held in conjunction with the Rotax Grand Finals at the NOLAMotorsportsPark in New Orleans.

Through their home USRMC programs, drivers qualified to be part of the 36 driver roster in each category. The United States Rotax Grand Nationals, Challenge of the Americas, Can-Am Rotax Max Challenge and Florida Winter Tour also gave away tickets to this prestigious event. The final chance for drivers to earn a spot was at the Pan-American Challenge at NOLA on October 10-13 by claiming the victory. Among those looking for the ticket was Florida driver Aidan Keel. The Andersen Racing driver traveled to New Orleans with one goal in mind…victory.

Keel was among the contenders from day one, qualifying third. Rain came into the NOLA area, giving the Mini Max drivers a tough battle against the elements for the opening heat race. Keel would place seventh, and improve each time out the following day to end up fourth and second. That put him toward the front of the prefinal on Sunday.

Aidan would lead all but the opening lap to score the pole position for the main event. After leading the first two laps, Keel was dropped back in the top-five but fought his way back forward after the halfway point. Keel led a group of drivers back to the lead pack and found himself in the second position. Trailing Sting Ray Robb, Keel set himself up for a last lap maneuver. Robb ran a defensive line heading onto the long straight for the final time, which slowed his momentum. Keel was able to power past him, and have the line into the final corner. He held the lead to the checkered flag to score the victory and race his way to his own ticket to the Invitational event.

Keel would go on to finish fourth at the Micro & Mini Invitational as part of the Rotax Grand Finals on November 10-16 at the NOLA facility, one spot short of the podium. For 2014, Keel is set to move up to the Junior level full time, set to race the Florida Winter Tour, North Florida RMC, most likely the US Rotax Grand Nationals and Pan-American Challenge. Keel will travel across the Atlantic to take part in the fierce Rotax Euro Challenge events as well.

GoRotax.com Driver of the Month Presented by eKartingNews.com
October 2013 – Aidan Keel

Aidan Keel

Bio

Born: May 13, 2001
Hometown: Plant City, Florida
Parents: Ryan and Christy Keel
Siblings: Ian, my twin
Height/Weight: 4’9″ / 65lbs
Education: Seventh Grader at Williams IB Middle School
Job: N/A

Racing Resume

Chassis: Birel
Engine Service Center: Supertune USA
Sponsors: Keel and Curley Winery, Two Henry’s Brewing Company, Andersen Race Park
United States Rotax Max Challenge Home Series: North Florida Rotax Max Challenge
Years Karting: 6
How did you get started in karting? My Grandpa used to drive karts, he took me to Andersen Raceway to drive a kid kart, and I loved it.
What has been the high point in your racing career? Winning Pan American Challenge this year and earning a ticket to the Micro & Mini Invitational as part of the Rotax Grand Finals
What are your goals in racing? Race Cars
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Physical, Aggressive and Smart
2013 Accomplishments: Pan American Win, FKCS Series – 2nd place in Mini Max and Cadet Sportsman, North Florida Rotax Max Challenge – 2nd place

Likes

Favorite Track: NOLA Motorsports Park and Monticello Motor Club (Florida)
Favorite form of professional motorsports: Formula 1
Favorite karting driver: Ben Cooper
Favorite professional driver: Aryton Senna
Favorite website: gamestop.com
Favorite movie: The Avengers
Favorite actor/actress: Robert Downey Jr.
Favorite music/group: Dubstep
Favorite vacation/activity spot: The Florida Keys
Favorite food: Sushi

The Real Deal

What do you do when not at the track? Play video games
What are your goals outside of karting? Excel in school
What type of street car would you like to drive? Lamborghini Aventador
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? My dad’s driving
What is your favorite aspect about racing in the Rotax Max Challenge program? The competition

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