06/12/2007

Clark Sanchez-Figueras at California Speedway

The Figueras-Kart Mini combination once again reached a podium position at this weekend's ProKartChallenge event at famed California Speedway.  This time the Kart Mini driver contested the TaG Senior category driving his Kart Mini Smart Chassis with Rotax power.

The podium result was hard earned.  Arriving for the last two sessions of practiceon Friday due to college commitments, Clark managed to dial in the handling to his liking.  On race day Clark placed the Kart Mini in 4th position, the first Rotax on the grid.  In avoiding a first lap accident Clark dropped back to tenth position but fought his way back to fifth by the end of the 10 lap heat.  The second heat saw him move the Kart Mini-Rotax combo to third, only to be DQ'd at tech for an incorrect slide in the carburetor; his father's mistake.

The final saw him start in last position but he pushed the kart to eighth by the end of the first lap and to fifth by the end of the eleventh.  On the following lap he made the pass for third stick and pulled away to a solid third place finish.

After the race Clark commented on the excellent handling of his kart but mentioned that all was not well with the motor.  The motor developed a strong bog while accelerating up the hill that definitely influenced his lap times and the chance of catching second place.

Clark will next race at the Gatorz Karting Rotax race at Buttonwillow Raceway on June 16th.