The sun was shining as the racing portion of the Florida Winter Tour ROK Cup got underway as much warmer temperatures greeted those in attendance at the Orlando Kart Centre after a very chilly few days of testing.
While the category lost a few of the big names from the opening round in Homestead, the competition was still very stellar with the likes former Formula 1 drivers Rubens Barrichello (Ocala Gran Prix/TonyKart) and Nelson Piquet Jr. (Piquet Sports/TonyKart) at the wheel along with a handful of hopeful karters as well.
Barrichello continued to show great pace, earning the pole-position in Qualifying followed by a great battle with Piquet in the PreFinal.
Piquet grabbed the hole shot in the Final and the two immediately broke away while Milan Dontje (PSL Karting/CRG) and AJ Myers (Checkered Flag/PCR) held positions three and four.
Barrichello was able to track down and put the pressure on Piquet Jr. only a couple laps in, making his move to the lead with ease. Although Piquet Jr. tried to keep up, his pace was no match for Barrichello’s as the Brazilian went on to step up to the top of the podium after finishing second at both Homestead races. Piquet Jr. and Myers completed the podium while Daniel Formal (Piquet Sports/DR Kart) and Dontje completed the top-five.
