Coming off a solid 8th place performance at the Superkarts! USA SuperNationals XIII in November of 2009, Austin Schimmel (Colorado Springs, CO) arrived in Sonoma, CA looking to start the 2010 season on a high note. The beautiful Jim Russell Karting Center was host to the opening rounds of the 2010 SKUSA Pro Tour SpringNationals. The Pro Tour features an exciting three day format. One full practice day of six on-track sessions, followed by two complete and separate race days.
Schimmel drove his S5 (restricted stock moto) GP well through the Friday practice sessions, getting familiar with the track, and the changing conditions. He ended the day in P3, just four tenths off the top time. Saturday qualifying saw an electrifying battle for pole, with the top four karts covered by less than two tenths. Austin’s best lap was only a tenth off pole and good for third. The top group settled into a rhythm for heats 1 and 2, with Schimmel coming home third in both sessions. In the 15 lap main event, Schimmel took over the second position for the first half of the race, but was overtaken, and came to the checkered flag in P3 once again.
Sunday was a new day and hopes were high in the Rocky Mountain Kartworks GP tent. Schimmel was again just a few tenths off the leader’s pace and qualified third with a 50.92 second lap. Heat 1 saw a steady effort to hold P3, but Heat 2 saw him slip one spot on the eighth and final lap due to developing brake issues. With those issues resolved, the main event turned into what is sure to be one of the most exciting S5 races of the year. The top 4 karts were never more than a second or two apart, swapping positions several times per lap for 15 laps. Schimmel closed in on the battle for the lead, holding P2 and was at the point just briefly. The shuffle on the final lap put him back in P3, with the podium finishers crossing the line less than three tenths apart. Closing the day with a fine effort, Austin could also claim the fast lap of 51.07 seconds.
Finishing the weekend out with two podiums was a great result for Schimmel and the Rocky Mountain Kartworks team. Currently second in season points, Schimmel will look to score well again at the SummerNationals in Shawano, WI.
Next up for Schimmel’s 2010 program is the first round of the new SKUSA Mountain Region’s season in Fountain, CO. The experience gained on yet another temporary circuit will surely benefit the young driver at SuperNationals XIV in November.
For more information and racing updates, please visit his fan page.
