EKN Trackside: Cup Karts North America Grand Nationals 4 – Preview

World record as nearly 300 entries set to compete at Briggs & Stratton ‘Runoffs’ in New Castle

A record is to be set this weekend as the Cup Karts North America hosts the Grand Nationals 4 at the New Castle Motorsports Park. Online registration closed Monday with a record total of 296 entries for the seven Briggs & Stratton 206 categories set to compete on October 2-4 in New Castle, Indiana. This total is 15 more than last year’s event, with more anticipated to enter trackside before karts hit the circuit Friday morning. The event has the feel of the ‘Runoffs’ with drivers from all over the United States at the local, regional and national level taking part to be one of the seven champions for 2020.

New Castle Motorsports Park ‘Configuration 43’

The event begins Friday, October 2 with unofficial practice with the day ending with qualifying. This move is new for 2020, with the official timed session moved one day early to Friday. Competitors not able to be trackside will have a ‘Late Arrival Qualifying’ session Saturday morning. The Qualifying session will set the grid for the opening heat race. Heat #1 results set the order for Heat #2, with those results determining the grid for Heat #3. The detailed schedule for the weekend has not been confirmed, however, there is thought of splitting at least one of the classes to the flight group format featuring A,B,C,D heat groups (AvsB, CvsD, AvsC, BvsD, AvsD, Bvs.C). Heat points are the calculated for all drivers to set the starting order for the Final in all categories.

All of the racing will be done around the New Castle Motorsports Park ‘Track 43’ configuration. This is the same layout as the last two years of the Grand Nationals, which is mostly the ‘National’ layout. Instead of driving down to the I-70 corner, competitors will negotiate the ‘Monza’ section and the ‘Cutoff’ between the two long straights to bring the track to roughly 9/10 of a mile.

Throughout the weekend, several prizes will be handed out to competitors of the Cup Karts North America Grand Nationals 4. Over $25,000 of product have been accumulated thanks to the many series and event sponsors. Prizes will be awarded based on finishing positions as well as door prizes throughout the entire weekend.

eKartingNews.com will be broadcasting the entire event through the EKN Live page – www.ekartingnews.com/live2 – and through the Race-Monitor app. Catch the audio from qualifying, three heat races and the main event with CKNA announcer Dave MacIntyre joined by karting legend Randy Kugler calling the action. CKNA is working with ISC Sports Network to broadcast the main events from Sunday. Live on CKNA Facebook, ISC Sports and CupKarts.com will be video feed of the action from New Castle Motorsports Park.

Elmer Edmonson won both the Briggs 206 Medium and Heavy divisions inside IMS for Battle at the Brickyard (Photo: Amy Hollowell)

The largest category for the 2020 CKNA Grand Nationals 4 is the CIK Medium division. The class has a record 73 drivers set to battle, in what will likely be a class split up in the A,B,C,D groups after qualifying. Defending race winner Jordan Prior is among the Canadians unable to return to New Castle this year with the USA/Canada border still closed to general traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Four of the top-10 from last year were Canadian, whoever the remainder of the top finishers are returning. Among them is David Vasquez (VLR) who was runner-up, RIGP winner Jordan Bernloher, Comet Kart Sales Garrett Adams (Eagle) and CKNA CIK Heavy champion Ethan Dietrich. Big names are among the record field, including two-time Battle at the Brickyard winner Eric Jones of KartSport North America along with his teammate from the old RoboPong days Jacob Donald. 2019 SKUSA Pro Tour Pro Shifter 2 champion Race Liberante (Race Factory) is replacing the over 40 HP and five gears to the Briggs 206 powerplant for his first CKNA start. Team Nitro Kart won three main events last year, and bringing two big guns in Ashley Rogero and Hayden Jones. A number of Briggs standouts are in the field including 2020 two-time Battle at the Brickyard winner Elmer Edmonson (MGM) and 2020 CKNA Champions Cup title winner Mick Gabriel.

Many of the same drivers in Medium are racing in the new CIK Light division that was added for the 2020 season and Grand Nationals 4. A total of 46 entries will fight to be the inaugural race winner. Former CKNA Grand Nationals winners Justin Wishard, Colin Warren and Alexander Searle (Margay) are doing double duty, in addition to Corey Towles, Evan Stamer (Margay), Scott Kleman (Coyote) and Matthew Mockabee.

The CIK Heavy division made its debut in 2019, with Canadian Curtis Fox becoming the inaugural champion. He will be absent from the weekend, opening the door for a second driver to earn the crown. Those not running the Light division from Medium, move up to the Heavy division, including Dietrich, the CKNA Champion Cup title winner and Edmonson who finished in the top-10 last year. Former Briggs Weekly Racing Series title winner Eric Fagan (MGM) ran second to Edmonson at IMS this August and is among the top contenders on the weekend along with RIGP winners Connor Lund, Jeff Scott (IONIC) and Riley Scott (IONIC). Young driver Adam Maxwell of A-Maxx Racing and veteran Pete Vetter (Margay) show the range of ages set to battle in the Heavy class.

Logan Adams is among only two winners from last year defending their victory, gunning for a second in Junior (Photo: EKN)

Nearly 40 drivers make up the CIK Masters division with over half not racing in the 2019 event. Defending winner Nick Tucker is among those not racing in 2020, as the Team Nitro Kart owner is focused on the paddock side of the event. Only two of the top-10 are returning with Jerry Miller (MGM) and Dan Breitenstein. Two-time class winner Michael Welsh (MGM) and two-time Senior Open Heavy winner Grant Zimmermann (VLR) are among those in the field who have won at the CKNA Grand Nationals. Those searching for their first include notable names of Brandon Adkins, Chris Cirillo, Michael Dittmer, Pete Vetter (Margay) and 2020 CKNA Champions Cup title winner Jeff Scott (IONIC). 2019 Battle at the Brickyard winner Steven Kilsdonk (MGM) was the top contender last year until a DNS for rain in the main event. Local drivers Chuck Maitlen (MGM) and Jeff Hill (MGM) add to the list of potential podium challengers. Set for his second start at the Grand Nationals, EKN Managing Editor David Cole returns to the CKNA with LSR Motorsports / CRG Nordam aboard a CRG FS4 chassis.

Nearly half of the Junior field did not race in the 2019 edition of the event, with 48 drivers set to battle this weekend. Returning champion Logan Adams (Comet / Eagle) is set for a third straight year of triumph having won the Sportsman class in 2018. Seven of the top-10 are returning, including James Overbeck, Camryn Reed, Violet Townsend (Eagle), Danny Dyszelski, Camden Gruber (MGM) and Logan Perl. 2020 CKNA Champions Cup title winner Cale Zimmerman (VLR) is the son of two-time winner Grant, looking to make his own history. Reid Sweeney leads the Margay squad in the Junior category, while Austin Olds of A-Maxx Racing is among those making the jump up from the Sportsman division.

Ayrton Grim has a chance to win his third time in the Sportsman division at the Grand Nationals (Photo: EKN)

Ayrton Grim is attempting to become a three-time winner at the Grand Nationals in the Sportsman division. Grim (Nitro Kart) won the opening Final in 2017 and came back to earn victory in 2019. Three others in the top-10 from last year are returning, including US Rotax Grand Nationals winner Ben Maier (Nitro Kart), Jason Noe and Jase Petty. An army of Nitro Kart drivers are in the field, including SKUSA Pro Tour champion Parker DeLong, Spencer Conrad, CKNA Champions Cup title winner Cade Jaeger, 2017 double Kid Kart winner Brady Schad and 2018 Kid Kart winner Jacob Schiable. 26 of the 45 entries did not race in 2019.

A field of eight driver representing five different states make up the Kid Kart field for 2020. Summit Rossiter is the lone returning driver.

Be sure to follow EKN on all the social media platforms for updates, photos and videos from the Cup Karts North America Grand Nationals 4.


Provisional CIK Medium Entry List

No. Driver Hometown
4 Adams, Garrett Greenfield, IN
136 Amundsen, Dylan Brooksville, FL
15 Bachmeyer, Jordon St. Louis Park, MN
27 Bernloehr, Jordan Lakeville, MN
233 Briones, Mason Glenbeulah, WI
129 Brough, Nick Mishawaka, IN
100 Cherres, Ruben Tampa, FL
60 Clossey, Jesse Orfordville, WI
16 Cruz, Adrian Fort Worth, TX
25 Dietrich, Ethan Byron, IL
84 Donald, Jacob Jeannette, PA
216 Dunne, Andrew Westmont, IL
157 Dykstra, Paul Rosamond, IL
66 Ebben, Cam Appleton, WI
7 Edmonson, Elmer Lehigh Acres, FL
8 Eggemeyer, Trevor Troy, IL
40 Fiege, Robert Indianapolis, IN
8 Fox, Eli Whitestown, IN
3 Fox, Hunter Saint Petersburg, FL
127 Fulmer, Justin Myrtle Beach, SC
23 Gabriel, Mick Lockport, IL
14 Gunn, Jd South Bend, IN
213 Hagin, Robert Riverview, FL
239 Hanshew, Ethan Glen Rock, PA
307 Hanville, Brennan Franklin, IN
134 Jones, Eric morsville, nc
316 Jones, Hayden Matthews, NC
10 Kalb, Jr., David Aurora, OH
81 Kessler, Colten NEW HOLSTEIN, WI
123 Ksobiech, Nick Big Bend, WI
800 Labhart, Nathaniel Goshen, In
83 Lanyi, Kevin Madison, AL
101 Liberante, Race Pittsburgh, PA
91 Lyda, Pj Plain City, OH
122 Mason, Joseph Springfield, OH
141 Maxwell, Adam Greenwood, IN
30 Meier, Sean Jacksonville, FL
80 Miller, Collin Whiteford, MD
166 Mockabee, Matthew Dayton, OH
11 Moore, Macon Baton Rouge, LA
42 Morgan, Jordan Danville, IN
64 OShea, Sean Royal Oak, MI
181 Ostrom, Drake Milan, IL
11 Overmyer, Tj Elkhart, IN
526 Peri, Hunter Thorntown, IN
615 Perkins, Jed St. Petersburg, FL
59 Pribyl, Jason Glenview, IL
80 Rettig, Brian Springfield, IL
338 Rogero, Ashley
22 Scatena, Vince Excelsior, MN
48 Scott, Avery Quincy, IL
48 Scott, Riley Quincy, IL
38 Seaman, Daniel Big Rock, IL
105 Searle, Alexander Plantation, FL
54 Settles, Clay Nashville, TN
9 Shaw, Geoff Linden, CA
601 Skaggs, Elijah Murfreesboro , TN
89 Skolnick, Zack MIami, fl
644 Smith, Aidan Colleyville, TX
120 Speacht, Chase Leesburg, VA
37 Squires, A.G. Chicago, IL
26 Stahl, Ben Fishers, IN
53 Stamer, Evan Glen Carbon, IL
53 Stephens, Logan Mays, IN
365 Storey, Sophia Solvang, CA
34 Thoermer, Bendix Parkland, FL
0 Towles, Corey Jacksonville Beach, FL
52 Vasquez, David Madera, CA
211 Warren, Colin Naples, FL
33 Westlie, Randy Oshkosh, WI
6 Wilbur, Levi Indianapolis, IN
20 Wishard, Justin Pecatonica, IL
622 Wolfe, Ethan Gainesville, TX

Provisional CIK Light Entry List

No. Driver Hometown
136 Amundsen, Dylan Brooksville, FL
51 Bachmeyer, Jordon St. Louis Park, MN
27 Bernloehr, Jordan Lakeville, MN
73 Braffett, Jayson Willow Park, TX
63 Brown, Carson Joppa, MD
56 Caceres, Ruben Daytona Beach , FL
53 Cassity, Thomas Decatur, IL
16 Cruz, Adrian Fort Worth, TX
631 Darlison, Matthew Louisville, OH
87 De Master, Emily Oostburg, WI
84 Donald, Jacob Jeannette, PA
66 Ebben, Cam Appleton, WI
8 Eggemeyer, Trevor Troy, IL
81 Fandrey, Jerry Oak Lawn, IL
3 Fox, Hunter Saint Petersburg, FL
123 Gabriel, Mick Lockport, IL
11 Garvin, Dustin Centerville, IN
14 Johnson, Loren Stonington, IL
134 Jones, Eric morsville, nc
316 Jones, Hayden Matthews, NC
9 Kleman, Scott Novi, MI
23 Ksobiech, Nick Big Bend, WI
83 Lanyi, Kevin Madison, AL
101 Liberante, Race Pittsburgh, PA
114 Mersberger, Bryce sheboygan falls, WI
8 Miller, Collin Whiteford, MD
25 Miller, Michael Brunswick, OH
166 Mockabee, Matthew Dayton, OH
825 Peri, Hunter Thorntown, IN
15 Perkins, Jed St. Petersburg, FL
65 Preis, Nolan Dearborn, MI
59 Pribyl, Jason Glenview, IL
980 Rettig, Brian Springfield, IL
91 Ruiz, Miguel Keystone Heights, FL
22 Scatena, Vince Excelsior, MN
605 Searle, Alexander Plantation, FL
94 Shaw, Bryce DeWitt, IA
53 Stamer, Evan Glen Carbon, IL
365 Storey, Sophia Solvang, CA
54 Vandermeer, Brandon Monroe, MI
52 Vasquez, David Madera, CA
111 Warren, Colin Naples, FL
33 Westlie, Randy Oshkosh, WI
17 Wheeler, Ashton Donahue, IA
20 Wishard, Justin Pecatonica, IL
622 Wolfe, Ethan Gainesville, TX

Provisional CIK Heavy Entry List

No. Driver Hometown
110 Bennett, Ryan Crownsville, MD
606 Breitenstein, Dan Miami Beach, FL
11 Brick, Sam Madison, Wi
101 Cherres, Ruben Tampa, FL
166 Cirillo, Chris Seaford, NY
777 Crane, Jason Quincy, IL
10 Davis, Jeremiah North Liberty, IA
25 Dietrich, Ethan Byron, IL
7 Edmonson, Elmer Lehigh Acres, FL
137 Fagan, Eric Columbus, OH
7 Fox, Eli Whitestown, IN
29 Hall, Case walnut ridge, ar
96 Henderson, Jordon Coal Valley, IL
3 Jasperson, Tyler Rosemount, MN
49 Kaszubski, Jacob Oak Lawn, IL
666 Kelly, Chance Plano, TX
98 Kennedy, Sean Grand Rapids, MI
71 Kowalski, John Rochester, NY
12 Kuret, Gabe Orlando, FL
21 Lund, Connor Tinley Park, IL
19 Lyda, Matt PLAIN CITY, OH
13 Maitlen, Eric Richmond, IN
141 Maxwell, Adam Greenwood, IN
41 Osgood, Chris Florence, KY
18 Ostrom, Drake Milan, IL
692 Ruiz, Jorge Savannah, GA
73 Scott, Jeff Quincy, IL
188 Scott, Riley Quincy, IL
121 Scott, Sean South Bend, IN
38 Seaman, Daniel Big Rock, IL
9 Shaw, Geoff Linden, CA
84 Smith, Logan St. Charles, IL
26 Stahl, Ben Fishers, IN
14 Stahl, Kacy Noblesville, IN
425 Vetter, Pete St. Louis, MO
888 Walker, Adam Levittown, PA
651 Wright, Jacob Wayzata, MN

Provisional CIK Masters Entry List

No. Driver Hometown
7 Adkins, Brandon Port Washington, OH
86 Bowen, Rich Glendale, AZ
606 Breitenstein, Dan Miami Beach, FL
102 Cherres, Ruben Tampa, FL
66 Cirillo, Chris Seaford, NY
4 Cole, David Comstock Park, MI
777 Crane, Jason Quincy, IL
21 DeBoever, Joe South Bend, IN
85 Denune, Jeff Indianapolis, IN
77 Dittmer, Michael Davenport, IA
55 Gunn, Stacey South Bend, IN
213 Hagin, Robert Riverview, FL
0 Hill, Jeff Modoc, IN
39 Huss, Tim Waukesha, WI
177 Jacks, Bradly Peoria, AZ
666 Kelly, Chance Plano, TX
151 Kilsdonk, Steven Noblesville, IN
71 Kowalski, John Rochester, NY
14 Maitlen, Chuck Richmond, IN
78 Miller, Jerry Donahue, IA
111 Moraes, Carlos Ypsilanti, MI
145 Nyiri, Jakab Hickory Hills, IL
38 Otterman, Ryan Cedar Lake, IN
454 Overmyer, Todd Elkhart, IN
76 Parkinson, Aaron Boca Raton, FL
0 Paulson, Ken Orfordville, WI
655 Perkins, James St. Petersburg, FL
51 Pike, Larry Seven Mile, OH
3 Raridon, Randy Tonica, IL
124 Rowe, Jason Royal Oak, MI
95 Sandman, Burke Shelbyville, IN
73 Scott, Jeff Quincy, IL
17 Speacht, Charles Leesburg, VA
9 Stephenson, Mike Plainfield, IL
425 Vetter, Pete St. Louis, MO
888 Walker, Adam Levittown, PA
75 Welsh, Michael Eldridge, IA
651 Wright, Jacob Wayzata, MN
108 Zimmermann, Grant Manitowoc, WI

Provisional Junior Entry List

No. Driver Hometown
202 Adams, Logan Greenfield, IN
119 Antonosanti, Louie Alliance, OH
291 Barnwell, Boden Palo Cedro, CA
310 Barnwell, Brinley Palo Cedro, CA
92 Bevin, Isaac Louisville, KY
23 Brown, Hudson Joppa, MD
71 Cline, Joey Penfield, NY
16 Cline, Jordan Penfield, NY
10 Colimodio, Luis Pompano Beach, FL
19 Conrad, Sawyer Suffolk, VA
49 Dass, Harbir Solon, OH
88 Dyszelski, Danny Charlotte, NC
82 Fiene, Josh West Chicago, IL
51 Fretwell, Cayden sheboygan, WI
3 Friend, Joey Burleson, TX
15 Graham, Logan Darlington, WI
113 Graybiel, John Flower Mound, TX
24 Gruber, Camden Winchester, VA
180 Henckel, Ashton Rochester Hills, MI
44 Hendler, Isaac Sheboygan, WI
127 Hernandez, Jordan Miami, FL
46 Ianniello, Addison Lewis Center, OH
412 Isaacs, Gavin Irwin, PA
50 Kelly, Brody Arnold, MD
7 Kerr, Jayelynn Holland, MI
10 Kimbrel, Griffin Pana, IL
9 Kimbrel, Lennon Pana, IL
16 Lloyd, Collin Pembroke Pines, FL
110 Loller, Will Elkton, MD
7 Macrander, Mason
27 Mastandrea, Michael Export, PA
15 Olds, Austin Terre Haute, IN
48 Overbeck, James Cincinnati , OH
114 Parkinson, Faith Boca Raton, FL
42 Perl, Logan Kiel, WI
13 Polarek, Peyton Morris, IL
0 Pryor, Carter Caseyville, IL
29 Rached, Ryan Pembroke Pines, FL
809 Reed, Camryn Youngsville, LA
21 Sheard, Kyle Centerville, IN
2 Sweeney, Reid Saint Louis, MO
28 Szuch, Drew Saint Charles, IL
61 Townsend, Violet Ravenna, MI
32 Weir, Christian Naperville, IL
2 Wheeler, Henry Chagrin Falls, OH
414 Wolfe, Caiden Gainesville, TX
45 Zelenka, Bacon Lyons, IL
5 Zimmermann, Cale Manitowoc, WI
Provisional Sportsman Entry List
No. Driver Hometown
17 Ahrens, Quinn Waterloo, IL
43 Andexler, Garrett North Royalton, OH
15 Arbogast, Ty Avon, IN
98 Benjamin, Carson Waterford, MI
45 Chambers, Josey FRIENDSWOOD, TX
416 Clarke, Jared Madison, VA
177 Conrad, Spencer Suffolk, VA
39 Dean, Andrew WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI
1 DeLong, Parker Glendale, AZ
43 Eberhardt, Ari Pittsburgh, PA
99 Eddy, Colin Saint Michael, MN
51 Fister, Cami Pekin, IL
456 Gierke, nash Newbury, OH
21 Grim, Aryton Hilliard, OH
76 Haese, Alex Manitowoc, WI
10 Haight, Ezekiel West Olive, MI
5 Haight, Malachi West Olive, MI
57 Harder, Holden Madison, WI
64 Jaeger, Cade Kewaskum, WI
96 Kiefer, Kolin Effingham, IL
13 Kraus, Jayden MT. WASHINGTON, KY
399 Lindstrom, Cody Twinsburg, OH
467 Maier, Ben Stevensville, MD
475 Malcuit, Isaac Strasburg, OH
48 Masci, Alex Webster, NY
99 Mayer, Lane Arnold, MO
419 McKeithan, Christopher Charlotte, NC
18 Miller, Sydney Whiteford, MD
227 Mull, Layton Lafayette, IN
466 Noe, Jason Madison, OH
142 Perl, Carter Kiel, WI
204 Petty, Jase Oakland, IL
7 Pfeffer, Evan Louisville, KY
65 Schad, Brady Plymouth, WI
421 Schaible, Jacob Cleves, OH
64 Spencer, Kolton RENSSELAER, IN
4 Stoner, AJ Columbus, IN
61 Sunseri, Massimo Carnegie, PA
5 Tarter, Caleb Winchester, IN
29 Trudell, Porter Green Bay, WI
9 Tutwiler, Sam Fishers, IN
299 Underwood, Braylon New River, AZ
71 Wakefield, Christophe Birmingham, mi
19 Warren, Eli Louisville, KY
277 Wooldridge, Adam Richmond, Ky

Provisional Kid Kart Entry List

No. Driver Hometown
78 Baldock, Slaton Kiel, WI
2 Clay, Camdon Panama City Beach, FL
188 Jacks, Riley Peoria, AZ
52 Mull, Cooper Lafayette, IN
23 Rossiter, Summit Marseilles, IL
38 Ruth, Kevin Peoria, AZ
33 Stone, Jaxon Nineveh, IN
9 Underwood, Tyson Peoria, AZ

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