Turner Brown won in his USPKS X30 Junior debut at the Ohio Grand Prix (Photo: EKN)

In a continued effort to highlight the many outstanding performances by drivers around the country, eKartingNews.com is proud to introduce the ‘Driver of the Month’ program. Each month, the staff at EKN will determine the one driver who stood out above the rest and give the viewers a chance to know exactly what they accomplished and who they are.

One of the topics that have been going on in the 2023 season is the lower numbers in the X30 Junior division at the national level. The category has had an influx of new drivers and seen the competition level increase. Among them is Junior rookie Turner Brown.

The California driver was a provisional Mini Swift winner at the SKUSA SuperNationals 25, only to have the win taken away because of a tram line infraction. Brown began the 2023 season competing in the 100cc categories on the year, joining Speed Concepts Racing full time. While showing speed throughout the season, there was no notable results heading into the month of July. It was then that Brown added the X30 Junior class to his weekend schedule at the SKUSA Pro Tour SummerNationals at New Castle. Turner swept the opening round on Saturday for victory in his debut.

Brown took that momentum into the United States Pro Kart Series Ohio Grand Prix, held on August 25-27 at the Motorsports Country Club of Cincinnati Kart Plex. Brown was making his USPKS debut in the X30 Junior division. Qualifying did not go as planned for Brown, placing seventh in the session and missing pace to be with the quick drivers. He and the SCR crew regrouped and found the speed Saturday morning. Brown drove up five spots to second in the opening heat, posting the fast lap of the race. It was another five-position gain in Heat #2 to place runner-up result before driving his Redspeed chassis to third in the final heat. Those results put him on the outside of the front row, alongside three-time winner Ernesto Rivera.

The 20-lap main event began with Brown jumping into the lead after opening lap battles. He and Enzo Vidmontiene were able to break away from the field. Brown led for much of the race until Vidmontiene took over the position on lap 17. As they received the two laps to go signal, Brown made his move for the lead. With the two exiting the second corner, Vidmontiene raised his hand and slowed after losing his chain. This allowed Brown to run unchallenged to the checkered flag to claim his first victory at USPKS in his X30 Junior debut.

Brown also recorded a runner-up finish in the KA100 Junior division that weekend, his best result in the category on the season. In recent results, he is coming off another strong debut making his first start in the Junior Max division at the Rotax Max Challenge US Trophy Final. Turner was among the top contenders all weekend, bouncing back from a chassis rebuild after an opening heat incident. He led during the main event, however, missed out on the podium by finishing fourth.

August 2023 EKN Driver of the Month – Turner Brown

{Photo: Studio52.us)

Bio

Born: July 27th, 2011
Hometown: Alamo, California
Parents: Nicole and Ryan Brown
Siblings: Sloan, Caroline, and Palmer Brown
Height/Weight: 61 inches / 87 lbs.
Education: Seven Hills School / 7th Grade
Job: None

Racing Resume

Chassis: OTK Redspeed
Engine/Engine Builder: Speed Lab Engines and P1 Engines
Sponsors: Flavor Insights, Pickett Racing, Offset, Speed Lab, Speed Concepts Racing, P1 Racing Engines
Series You Compete In: I race in many of the the national series in the US which include USPKS, SKUSA Pro Tour, and ROK Events. We just did our first Rotax event and loved it.
Years Karting: 2.5
How did you get started in karting? My grandfather Greg Pickett (SCCA Hall of Fame) and cousin, shifter driver Hunter Pickett
What has been the high point in your racing career? I achieved my first national win in my first X30 race this past July on my birthday weekend.
What are your goals in racing? To become a driver in the big leagues, IndyCar, NASCAR, or even Formula 1
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Aggressive and I don’t wait around behind people.
What was the funniest moment at the race track? Getting pie in my face on my birthday. I love hanging with friends and making jokes on the grid.

Likes

Favorite Track: Musselman Honda Circuit in Tucson, Arizona and SuperNats 25 temporary track in Las Vegas
My favorite form of professional motorsports: F1 and IndyCar
Favorite karting driver: My cousin Hunter is a pro shifter. My favorite competitor is Ernesto Rivera, for his clean racing and sportsmanship.
Favorite professional driver: Max Verstappen
Favorite website: Probably eKartingNews to catch up on all of the new news in karting
Favorite movie: Talladega Nights
Favorite actor/actress: Will Ferrel
Favorite music/group: Open to any music, but especially love rap
Favorite vacation/activity spot: Bahamas
Favorite food: Rigatoni Pasta or chicken tenders

The Real Deal

What do you do when not at the track? Play some golf, ski as well as practice on my simulator with friends. I also have four dogs that keep me company when I am home.
What are your goals outside of karting? To become a good winner and good loser What app or game do you play right now? iRacing on my simulator at home
What type of street car would you like to drive? Porsche GT3
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? My mom yelling at me for nothing
What could be done to improve the sport of karting? Less penalties, let us race!
What are your favorite aspects of the sport of karting? How unique, dangerous, and interesting it is. Once you get bit by the bug, you can never go back!

August 2023 Driver of the Month – Honorable Mention:

– Enzo DiGennaro: USPKS Ohio Grand Prix – Micro Swift Winner

– Keagan Kaminski: California ProKart Challenge – KA100 Junior Winner

– Austin Olds: Route 66 Sprint Series – KA100 Junior Winner

– Ernesto Rivera: USPKS Ohio Grand Prix – KA100 Junior Winner

– Alex Stanfield: Texas Sprint Racing Series – KA100 Senior Winner

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