Round three of the ROK CUP USA showed as one of the most exciting in the series to date. With teams coming from around the world, including the United States, Brazil, Aruba and many others, each class showcased its skill and desire for a podium finish.

The weekend events had over 100 people in attendance, including the drivers and their teams. Round three officially kicked off on Friday morning with practice. However, drivers knew this would be an event unlike any other since this weekend’s official race events would occur at night, under the lights at Palm Beach Karting.

On Friday morning, the drivers and teams began to arrive at the track for warm ups and practice. The Junior ROK class took the track first. With a demanding schedule throughout the weekend, it was evident that each driver came prepared to endure the competition and exciting challenge of the track. Friday evening kicked off official timed practices and three heats for each class. As Saturday morning arrived, the teams got to take some time and enjoy a catered lunch party from ROK Cup USA. The afternoon activities including rock climbing and a dunk tank provided all attendees with the ability to fuel up on delicious catered lunch and refresh before a great day on the track.

The Friday evening race events began with timed qualifying followed by three heat races. The mandatory driver’s meeting, lead by Andre Martins, provided drivers with the necessary information needed prior to racing. Competition showed very early on in the weekend and continued to present itself with strategized driving. Friday’s events welcomed some rain but that did not slow the drivers down.

Saturday’s racing continued after the lunch party and consisted of pre-final and final events. As the sun started to set, the checkered flag was waved for each class including the launch of fireworks. Under the lights, the class podium winners were treated like true champions and were awarded with Italian imported trophies to celebrate their wins.

Starting with the Junior class, the competition was tight. Pulling the podium win with a 0.055 gap, Anthony Gangi Jr. took the top spot again for his class. Enzo Fittipaldi followed behind him and Tyler Gonzalez took third.

Dustin Stross came ready to take the checkered flag and he proved victorious. Taking the number one spot for the Senior ROK class, Stross lead with a 1.365 gap between him and Ryan Norberg who took second. Following in third for another podium win was Luis Jose Forteza.

In Round two, U.D. Ramsey took second place and in Round three we saw Ramsey come back, determined to take the top spot. U.D. took the checkered flag for the Master ROK class. Followed by Miguel Gransaull in second and Gonzalo Aponte with third.

With the largest Mini ROK class in the series to date, all 28 drivers showed up excited and ready to race under the lights this past weekend. Showcasing endurance and skill, each driver gave Round three their all as an athlete. Walking away with first, Lachlan DeFrancesco took the top podium with a 2.437 difference than Alessandro Famularo who walked away with second. The third place finish for the Mini ROK class was awarded to Anthony Famularo.

The Micro ROK class was once again taken by umber 48, James Egozi. As the youngest class on the track, these drivers proved that they have what it takes and finished the weekend strong. Second place in Micro ROK was awarded to Jeremy Fletcher and Lucas Rodriguez took third place.

The Shifter Senior and Shifter Master classes had a large turn out for their classes. While Shifter Senior Christian Lall Dass has been in the front of the pack, this round he earned himself the top podium win for his class. Followed closely by Ben Hankinson and Nicholas Hargraves. In the Shifter Master class, Christian Bartz was awarded first place with his best time of 56.125. Bartz was closely followed by Andres Hoffman in second and Jacob Guilheme in third.

The 2015 ROK Cup USA series will continue on August 15-16 in Jacksonville for Round Four. As the ROK Cup International Finals in Italy gets closer, don’t miss details from ROK Cup USA.

For more information, please visit www.ROKCupUSA.com or email usa@rokcup.com.

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