Team USA Enjoy Downtime Before Rotax World Final
press release
While some drivers are preparing for the biggest races of their lives, several team members started their preparation with downtime in the exciting country of Italy. Hosted by Ocala Gran Prix, Team USA drivers enjoyed three full days in the land of food and wine by touring different towns, enjoying great food and several sessions in rental karts at the La Conca facility
“I can’t explain the time that we have had so far,” expressed Ocala Gran Prix’s Jorge Arellano. “Everything is running smoothly, American families are enjoying themselves and we even managed to get all of our luggage and tools on the first trip. It is going to be a great week of bonding but now it is time to get serious.”
Well a minor delay in one flight set back the Saturday schedule of Team USA members, the crew hit the ground running when arriving at the hotel with a fabulous dinner at Le Tagghiate. Followed up with a night out on the town a much needed night of rest was in order to begin to prepare for the week.
Sunday would provide team members with a full day at the track racing rental karts. With drivers and crew completing nearly 1000 laps in total, they began to learn the ins and outs of the fast and tricky La Conca facility as well as registered and checked in for the event.
“While the track is incredible, the facility is truly something else,” stated Nick Neri. “With a full service restaurant, snack bar, soccer fields and a paddock that is second to none, the excitement for the event is growing. This is a great opportunity for all of Team USA’s drivers.”
“I can’t wait to get started,” stated Sam Beasley, the second place finisher at the US Rotax Grand Nationals. “We had a good look at the karts and the whole CRG, Sodi and Haase karts setup and it is something different. It doesn’t even compare to what we have at home.”
Sunday’s festivities were followed by a six course dinner at Cantina Del Conte hosted again by Jorge Arellano. With a crew of over forty attending dinner, a six course meal was in order in one of the premiere establishments that Lecce has to offer.
“This is some of the best food I have ever eaten,” stated United States technical inspector Josh Smith. The food is great and the wine is good.”
Female pilot Ashley Rogero added, “I have never been so full in my life. Thank god we have another day of rental kart racing tomorrow; it will help me work off some of this meal.”
“Jorge and OGP have been very gracious with the renting of a fifty person bus to get us around the area,” expressed Mitch Carey. “It helps keep everyone together and work as a team, not to mention makes it easier to get a group together for dinner. I’d personally like to thank Jorge for his hospitality.”
Monday provided another full day at La Conca with track walks, setting up of the Team USA pit area as well as more rental kart action. With more and more drivers on site, the tension is mounting for the Olympic style event.
Arellano added, “While it has been fun, it is now time to begin to get serious. We have setup team dinners at the hotel restaurant for the rest of the week to ensure our drivers get back to their rooms and to bed early. By the time Tuesday morning comes around, we will be in full race mode.”
Tuesday will begin with the kart draw for all competitors while practice sessions start Wednesday morning. Thursday afternoon will see qualifying for more than 250 competitors with wheel-to-wheel action starting Friday morning.
