It was the opening round of the 2023 United States Pro Kart Series (USPKS) and the first of three of the next four weekends at the Orlando Kart Center for Canadian Anthony Martella. Taking on the USPKS program this weekend with Speed Concepts Racing, Martella was hopeful to learn the track and fight for race wins and podium results in the talent-filled X30 Pro Junior category.
“I had a tough qualifying and it really put us behind all weekend,” expressed Martella. “With a tough field and a talent level that is so high, it is very hard to drive to the front without already being there. Definitely learning along the way and all of these experiences will help me in the future.”
With two days of practice and a different format from years past in the USPKS program, the SCR driver entered Friday afternoon looking to fight for the pole position, but it was a disappointing result in qualifying for Martella. However, the never give up attitude of the young Canadian broke through when the wheel-to-wheel racing began. Looking for three solid heat races to help propel him toward the front of the starting grid for Sunday, the SCR driver finished seventh in heat one and tenth in heat three after a disappointing classification in the second heat race on Saturday.
“It is not going to be easy tomorrow, but we have the pace to run in the top-five and will be starting 15th,” explained Martella. “We can win from there. We just need to make it through the opening lap and have lady luck on our side.”
Martella took the green flag from inside of row eight and was racing with drivers he should not be. Much faster than the karts around him and quickly moving forward, the multi-time podium-winning driver was taken out by a fellow competitor.
Martella continued, “Disappointing to end the weekend the way we did but ready for next week where I have a shot at a pair of championships at the Florida Winter Tour.”
With the USPKS event behind him, Martella has shifted his focus to the ROK Cup USA Florida Winter Tour where he has a shot at a pair of championships. Currently sitting fourth in the point standings in ROK VLR Junior, Martella has positioned himself in the second position in ROK Junior with only one event remaining.
Martella added, “The goal is easy next week. Win the race and we win the championship. Let’s see what happens. A huge thank you to NIN Transport for their continued support. I look forward to the rest of 2023 working alongside them in our growing partnership.”
For more information on Anthony Martella and Martella Motorsports, please contact Tony Martella via email at Tony@SkilledLabourOfCanada.com or by phone to 647.564.0874.
Photo: Studio 52