Quinlan Starts 2011 Season With Four Wins
press release
After an impressive 2010 season that saw young Grant Quinlan stand atop the podium multiple times in the World Karting Association Manufacturers Cup and come up just shy of the National Championship, Quinlan kicked off his 2011 season in style, scoring an impressive four victories and a runner-up finish in the five classes he entered in this years Daytona Kartweek event.
Above: On track in Daytona, Grant Quinlan delivered four victories, and a runner-up finish in the five classes he entered (Photo by: Sean Buur - Go Racing Magazine)
The Manufacturers Cup travels to the famed Daytona International Speedway annually, and this year saw the entry-list reach 700, the largest WKA event in history and for Quinlan, this meant many new competitors. A challenge he welcomed with open arms.
“I really enjoy racing at Daytona. The track is about maintaining momentum and that suits my driving style,” smiled Quinlan (pictured right with NASCAR star Jamie McMurray who also competed in the WKA Kartweek races at Daytona) upon returning to him home. “To win four out of five races really surprised me, but it was just one of those weeks, everything was just perfect.”
The unique event falls every year between Christmas and New Year meaning this years races would be held on a Wednesday and Thursday instead the usual weekend format. After a full day of practice on Tuesday December 28, Quinlan was ready for action.
On day 1, Quinlan took to the track in three classes, Cadet Sportsman 1, Komet Sportsman and Yamaha Sportsman Heavy. Qualifying on the pole-position in each of the three classes, the day started out great for the youngster. Dominating each of his heat races as well, Quinlan was a on a tear and looked unstoppable.
Lining up for his first feature race of the day, Quinlan grabbed the holeshot and left the remainder of the field in his dust as he cruised to an easy victory in Cadet Sportsman 1. Shortly after, Quinlan earned his second victory in as many starts when he out-dueled his closest competitor in a race-long battle in Komet Sportsman. Battling for third victory of the day, Quinlan once again got out front early from his inside row one starting position, but fell victim to contact in the final corner, resulting in an eventual runner-up finish.
“It was a great day. Everything seemed to just work all day,” continued Quinlan.
Day 2 witnessed Quinlan take to track in two more classes, Cadet Sportsman 2 and Yamaha Sportsman Lite. Continuing his blistering pace, Quinlan earned another pole-position in Cadet. With his consistent pace Quinlan once again pounded fast lap after fast lap in the Cadet final to pull away and take the victory, showing he is serious about seeking the National Championship in his final season as a Sportsman driver.
In his final race of the weekend Quinlan was roughed up a little bit on the start of the Yamaha Sportsman Heavy final. Falling back to fourth, Quinlan inched his way back to the front and by lap five had regrouped himself to his familiar position out front. However unlike in Cadet, Quinlan would have to earn this one. Losing the lead as he exited corner one of the final lap, Quinlan held tight to the leader. Unable to make the pass down the back straight, Quinlan completed an impressive over-under maneuver as he exited the final corner to edge his competitor at the stripe.
“The last race was definitely the best of the weekend,” continued Quinlan. “I had a lot of fun this week and I want to thank my competition, they put up a great effort all weekend. It’s very rare to have an event like I did and I’m very proud of my accomplishments. I have to thank MRP Birel America, Fleming Engines, Adkins Engines and everyone else who supported me this weekend. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
The next round of WKA action is in March as the series travels to Kershaw, SC for round two of the five-race National Championship. With his stellar weekend, Quinlan leads the points championship in three of the four classes he will compete in this year.
