Closing out their second round in the state of Arizona, the 2015 Rotax Challenge of the Americas wrapped up the fourth race of the six round championship at the PKRA karting facility just north of Phoenix on Sunday. It was another perfect day of weather, mainly sunny with only a few clouds and cool breeze to keep the temps in the low 80s.
The fourth race of the championship helped determine the title races as some confirmed their status up front while some others tightened up the gaps before heading to the championship finale in Sonoma, California next month.
In Rotax DD2 a dismal four-kart turnout provided some of the best racing of the weekend as Tucson winners Sabre Cook (CRG USA/CRG) and Michael Ilavia (J3 Competition/COMPKART) were joined up front by karting veteran Matt Jaskol (PSL West/CRG) and the three put on a show in every session on track.
In Saturdays main event Cook was able to fend off an early race battle with Ilavia to cruise to the win while on Sunday it all came down to the final laps.
Ilavia got out to a big jump at the start to claim the early lead, but within two laps both Cook and Jaskol were hot on his heels. Driving defensive very early Ilavia managed to lead the first half of the race, until Jaskol first made his move on Cook for second, and then a few laps later took the lead in the tight corner eight with Cook following him through. But Ilavia battled back the following lap and a brush up between the two was all Jaskol needed to pull away and become the third different race winner thus far. Cook regained second from Ilavia before the finish line and set the tone for the finale.
Cook leads the way but both Ilavia and Jaskol are still within striking distance for the championship and the ticket for the 2015 Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals.
