Something a bit different - Kart racing

[JSPhoto]

Today was New Castle Motorsports Park's end of season race. Things kicked off at noon, and I was stranded 30 miles away at a late starting volleyball game, then after finally escaping at 2pm I get caught up in traffic for 1 1/2 hours so I finally arrived around 4pm! It's normally a 30 minute drive but the state decided to tear up the I-70.

Upon arrival I get signed in quickly and head out to the track. The first person I see tries to grab me for some photos but I have to find my boss first. Find him, and he has his camera aimed at 2005 Indy 500 winner and IRL champ Dan Weldon... I quickly blast a couple as well, but, unlike the boss I brought my flash so I can use my 28-300 on the overcast afternoon .They had just gone past the halfway point of the race when I got there so I was in for some fun still.
Those little karts are fast, and I'll admit I wanted to jump into one and take off for a little ride.... quess I'll have to wait for media day next year As it turned out Dan Weldon and teammate Mark Dismore Jr, son of track owner Mark Dismore were leading the race. Scott Dixon was driving one of my friends karts (the one who wanted photos) and when Scott took over at the wheel for the final time he didn't last long as the kart died with 3 laps to go in the 200 mile enduro event. The team of Weldon and Dismore Jr. won the race with Weldon finishing driving duties.

Photos:
#1: not sure who driver is... just liked it
#2: Dan Weldon just prior to final run
#3: Mike Lewis USAC driver getting thoughts together before his final run
#4: Mark Dismore Jr. at speed in the winning kart.

JS