It was a trip to Biloxi, Mississippi for Trackside Karting Services (TKS) for rounds two and three of the Cup Karts North America (CKNA) program. Leaving the event weekend with multiple pole positions, race wins, and podium results, Trackside Karting Services also solidified itself as one of the top teams in CKNA competition earning several one-two finishes in different classes as all of the TKS team drivers earned podium result over the weekend.
TKS entered a pair of drivers in the 206 Junior category as both Ragan Saville and Derek Wargo found their way to the pointy end of the grid finishing first and second over both race days. Saville had a great Saturday earning the pole position and second place result in the prefinal before climbing his way back to the top of the result sheet at the end of the main event. Earning the pole position again on Sunday, Saville fell back to finish third in the prefinal but rebounded in the main event to cross the line second scoring his second podium result in as many days. Derek Wargo was the opposite of his teammate Saville but in a good way. After qualifying fourth and a crash in the prefinal forced him to start from the back of the grid on Saturday, Wargo drove like a seasoned veteran climbing his way through the field to the second position to make it a TKS one–two finish. Sunday saw Wargo qualify on the inside of row two but fall one position in the prefinal to finish fourth. Determined to score the win, Wargo put his head down and drove to the front of the field winning with his teammate just behind for another TKS one-two finish, the second in as many days.
A pair of TKS teammates also did battle in the 206 Cadet class as Kade Kaspar and Aston Wyatt found their way to the front of the field. After qualifying second and winning the prefinal on Saturday, Aston would work together with his teammate Kaspar to break away from the field but cross the line second. Returning to the track Sunday and looking to stand atop the podium, Wyatt started his day with a P2 result in qualifying and a third-place finish in the prefinal. Like the day before, the Wyatt and Kaspar duo drew away from the field and had an epic battle over the final few circuits with Wyatt crossing the line in the second position.
With Wyatt in P2 on both Saturday and Sunday, TKS driver Kade Kaspar was the 206 Cadet driver of the weekend. After qualifying third and finishing second in the prefinal, Kaspar drove to the win on Saturday after the two TKS teammates pulled away from the rest of the field. Sunday saw Kaspar qualify in the top position before finishing second in the prefinal. With him and his teammate Wyatt working together, the pair battled it out tooth and nail for the win with Kaspar coming out on top.
“We have a strong Cadet program and these drivers worked together when they needed to, but battled when they could,” expressed Trackside Karting Services’ Tim Lobaugh. “It is great to see them push one another as this will make them better drivers in the future.”
Robert Arana was in the 206 Sportsman category and was quick all weekend. On Saturday, Arana qualified second and finished up the prefinal in the second position. The final would see the front group of drivers try to pull away and with Arana leading as the white flag flew. With a drag race to the finish line, Arana ended up second by .063 and stood on the second step of the podium. On Sunday, Robert would again end up second in qualifying and maintained that position in the prefinal. The main event saw Robert lead most laps, but just like the day before, would end up just short of winning.
Lobaugh added, “Robert did a great job all weekend long. I’m looking forward to Robert’s first win of the season as I think that will happen soon.”
Trackside Karting Services would like to thank Stewart Racing Engines, GFC, Austin Garrison, and of course the entire TKS team for making this one of the most memorable weekends since Trackside Karting Services’ inception. Finishing first and second in two different classes and having every TKS driver on the podium is something everyone involved needs to be proud of.
Next up for Trackside Karting Services will be the CKNA Spring Nationals where north of 300 competitors are expected.
For more information on Trackside Karting Services or to compete with the Texas-based team, please contact Tim Lobaugh at 269.519.7593 or via e-mail at TracksideKartingServices@gmail.com.
Photo by: Trackside Karting Services