August 30, 2008

Rock Island Grand Prix Report

Two Podiums for Evolution Karting at Rock Island Grand Prix

Evolution Karting made its inaugural appearance at the 2008 Rock Island Grand Prix as a team and came away with two podium finishes at the prestigious event in the streets of Rock Island, Illinois. Cole Mathewson finished third in the King of the Streets class behind Alex Speed and Derek Crockett. Jason Lee also finished a strong third in the 125 Masters Shifter class behind Texan Colin Lynn and fellow Hoosier Shayne Shipley.

In King of the Streets qualifying, Alex Speed scored the pole position followed by Kyle Wiegand and Derek Crocket. The fourth through six positions on the grid were all Evolution Karting CRGs. Cole Mathewson took fourth on the grid, with his Dad Kurt Mathewson fifth and teammate Jason Lee sixth. In the race, Alex Speed and Kyle Wiegand checked out from the pack until Wiegand pulled off with a broken chain. Behind the top two, Derek Crockett and Cole Mathewson had a tremendous battle for third that turned into a battle for second when Wiegand dropped out. Crockett pulled out to a three-kart margin for second with Mathewson on the third step. Kurt Mathewson started the race but retired for the day after 3 laps due to pain from a rib injury initially suffered a couple weeks prior, but aggravated by the bumpy Rock Island streets.

With Kurt Mathewson on the sidelines, Jason Lee was the sole Evolution CRG in the Master Shifter race that turned out to be one of the most highly contested races of the day. Colin Lynn scored the pole followed by Shayne Shipley and Jason Lee. At the start, Lynn jumped into the lead while Shipley held off Lee into turn 1. The trio would run away from the pack but not from each other. Lee got by Shipley after a few laps and looked like he could go after Lynn , but his tires started to go off a little allowing Shipley to slide back into second. Shipley then chased down Lynn and did manage to get by Lynn to take over the lead with two laps to go, however, Lynn was able to get back past on the last lap and to take the win. All three podium finishers were powered by Swedetech prepared motors, - one TM, one Pavesi and Maxter!

Another highlight of the weekend was team partner Garrick Miller making a rare appearance and finishing the 125 Master Shifter event in a very respectable ninth place.

For information contact:
Kurt Mathewson
kurtM@evolution-karting.com

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