There were plenty of points on the table at the final round of the CAN-AM Karting Challenge, hosted at the Pat’s Acres Racing Complex in Canby, Oregon. With 150% of points and one long weekend of racing, there were multiple scenarios for the final championship standings and the tickets to the Rotax Grand Finals.
For Canadian Jason Leung, he had one goal in his mind and that was to stay ahead of fellow Canadian Marco Kacic. With championship leader Hannah Greenemeier already qualified for the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals, the race was for the vice-championship would also determine who was going to Portugal.
Through the heats on Saturday, Greenemeier dominated to increase her points lead while Leung stayed ahead of Kacic and American Cooper Becklin to increase his chances.
Rain loomed on Sunday but the PreFinal was raced on a dry track. Once again Greenemeier stayed out front and drove away with the win while Leung held on for second, with Becklin third and Kacic fourth. Looking at the points standings and the small number of entries this weekend, it was enough to confirm that Leung was untoppable.
On the grid for the Final, rain began to fall and the Juniors all switched over to rain tires. Kacic opted to switch gears and when the karts hit the track, it showed.
Light rain fell at first and then no more rain. The track dried up and throughout the main event, Greenemeier and Kacic traded the top spot until the track really dried up, giving the advantage to Kacic. Steering the race the victory, it was too little too late as even with the win and Leung finishing third, the final standings showed Greenemeier on top, Leung second and Kacic third.
The Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals will take place this November in Portimao, Portugal. Team Canada will look to defend their RMCGF Nations Cup title from 2016.
