The kick off to the Montana Karting Association’s 2023 season was a high speed success. With lots of great racing and some new faces with some great weather led to some fantastic racing! Race #1 was on the ‘Keith track’ which is a .4 mile technical course. Tracks at MKA are named after the first winner on the track since they started to be named in 2022.
Junior class had a smaller turnout, however the racing was very good and clean. Nolan S. and Gabe G put on a good fast show, and Parker R and Max M had some great battles. The finishing order was Nolan, Gabe, and Parker taking third place. Max brought up the final position in a 4 stroke kart, and put up a great fight for his first race.
Shifter class had returning champ, Keith Smith, Jerry Karr, and Andy Anderson. The heats were full of battles and quite a bit of passing which is rare for shifter. A late incident red flagged the race and ended the main early, seeing Jerry on the top step of the podium, Andy in second, and Keith 3rd. With a couple of more drivers expected in future races, it looks like shifter may be growing again.
Senior tag had a good turnout, and some very fast, exciting racing. As per usual there was lots of passing and some really incredible runs. Driving a borrowed kart, Beau Haeker put down some amazing laps and showed what he could do. However, a little bobble in the main and he was forced down the rankings, but still earned a podium. Chase and Travis Ballenger again took the top steps, first and second respectively by having solid, consistent performances.
With only a week between races, drivers will have little time to prepare, however if the first race is an indication, this should be an exciting season for kart racing. The next race is May 6th, which is after our deadline, race report for that event will be in our next issue. For full standings and 2023 schedule, see http://montanakarting.com