From the top to the bottom, seemingly every single race series has their own annual “marquee” event. For NASCAR drivers, it’s the Daytona 500. For Indy drivers, it’s the Indianapolis 500. If we’re talking about Super Late Model drivers in New England, it’s the Oxford 250. Veteran NASCAR spotter and local driver Derek Kneeland wanted to introduce a race of its kind for go-kart drivers, giving both local and national drivers on the smaller stage a chance to shine.
Derek joined forces with Steve Perry, owner of LST Motorsports Park, to create the go-kart spectacle which is now known as the DKR 50. A $5,000+ grand prize is unheard of in the go-kart world, hence why competitors travel from far & wide to participate in the event.
21 kart drivers total are anticipated to make the main event. Brian Sullivan, the inaugural race winner, is a former SK Light Modified champion. Last year’s race winner, Mike Perry, is a veteran Champ Kart driver that competes all over the East Coast. Both drivers will be back in the lineup on Thursday, trying their hand at $5,000.
You can also never count LST’s weekly drivers out as Cody Wilson, Darren Miranda, Kyle Lorraine and Joshua Bickford will also throw their hats in the ring, vying for the coveted spot at the top of the podium.
The race was intentionally made a mid-week program, keeping local drivers in mind. In the words of Steve Perry, “It allows racers and fans that couldn’t normally come due to competing at their local short tracks to attend. You will see guys like Austin Teras, Max Cookson, Trevor Sanborn and more walking around and taking in the racing action”. It’s also worth noting that all 3 drivers mentioned got their start in go-karts and are all now decorated veterans in their own right.
On top of the DKR 50, the track will also be hosting all of their weekly divisions as well on Thursday night. This gives drivers from all support divisions the opportunity to shine on the biggest level, possibly of their entire career.
Although Derek Kneeland is unable to physically be at the track due to prior commitments, he will still be there in spirit and has faith that this will be the biggest and best DKR 50 to date. Derek, who got his own start in go-karts, is thankful to Steve Perry and John at JM Builders for jumping on board and making his dream a reality.
“I feel so fortunate that I’ve made it to the top ranks of racing with NASCAR and I’ve always said that when I get there, I would give back and do what I could for short track racing”, he shares.
In addition to JM Builders, Steve would like to thank all lap sponsors, the DKR Match Program and the racing community for being so supportive of the event, helping to keep local short track racing alive and thriving in Maine.
Gates open at 2:00 pm on Thursday, practice starts at 5:00 and the racing action kicks off at 6:30 pm. Admission is just $15 for spectators as well.
Bring the family out to LST Motorsports Park on Thursday, June 20th for the biggest and best karting event of the year, supporting the racing superstars of tomorrow!
-Story by: Amy Worrey, Chasing the Checkered
