Derek Wargo has enjoyed a standout two-week stretch, showcasing speed, determination, and international podium success across two major karting events: the Cup Karts North America (CKNA) Grand Nationals in Indiana and the Tillotson T4 Nations Cup in Spain.
CKNA GRAND NATIONALS – New Castle, Indiana
Two weekends ago, Derek Wargo traveled to New Castle Motorsports Park (NCMP) to compete against nearly 90 drivers in the prestigious CKNA Grand Nationals.
After a pinched fuel line resulted in a DNF in Heat 1, Wargo rebounded with consistency in the remaining heats, positioning his #2 Ferguson / Nupi / Pontchartrain Compkart 4R in the 28th starting position for the main event. On Sunday, Wargo delivered an impressive drive through the field, climbing from P28 to 13th by the checkered flag, and turned heads along the way.
“If it wasn’t for the Heat 1 mishap, I feel our CompKart 4R had a chance to win,” explained Wargo. “Sometimes the racing gods aren’t on your side and this weekend the luck was against us but so thankful to compete in these types of events.”
Adding to the excitement, Wargo teamed up with Timmy Tech, his mechanics, and his father on Saturday night to enter the second annual “Out of the Box Challenge.” Starting 16th on the 20-kart grid, the team charged through the field to claim victory, making Wargo only the second champion in the event’s history.
TILLOTSON T4 NATIONS CUP – Valencia, Spain
This past weekend, Wargo traveled to Valencia, Spain, as part of TEAM USA, after earning his ticket at the Lorain, Ohio, Kartplex courtesy of McCrone Motorsports.
Representing his county and following a full day of practice, Wargo turned the seventh-fastest lap in qualifying out of 52 competitors representing 37 countries. He then started his heats from third and fourth in the heat race flight format, finishing consistently in the top-five with results of first, second, third, and fourth, securing P3 on the grid for the Final.
In the world final, Wargo delivered a brilliant drive, finishing second overall and celebrated on the World Championship podium for TEAM USA. His performance helped TEAM USA secure third place in the Nations Cup—a strong result on the global stage.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Derek Wargo’s Racing schedule remains busy as the 2025 season winds down:
- Rotax RMC US Trophy Final – October 17-19
- Superkarts USA! (SKUSA) SuperNationals – November 12-16
- World Karting Association (WKA) Daytona Kart Week – December 27-30
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
In 2026, Derek Wargo will partner with Drive Your Line LLC, Motorsports Talent Development, and TLM Racing as he begins his transition from karts to cars. Under the guidance and professionalism of David Tuaty, Wargo will begin pursuing his FARA license and gain valuable seat time in F4 and GT2–3 machinery, signaling his next step in his motorsport.
To keep up to date with Derek Wargo’s journey, please follow him via his social media channels:
Instagram: @DerekWargoRacing_
Facebook: @DerekWargoRacing
For additional information, please contact RTD Media & Management at 317.270.8723 or via email to Mike@RTD-Media.com.
Photo Credit: Derek Wargo Racing