PR: Maranello North America Claims 3 Victories and 7 Podiums in ECKC Season Opener

It was superb start to the season for Maranello North America as the team full of 18 drivers took part in the opening round of the Eastern Canadian Karting Championship at Goodwood Kartways. After two days of racing action, team drivers claimed three victories and seven podium appearances with every driver showing their potential all weekend long.

Headlining the results was Micro-Max racer Marcello Paniccia who dominated the category, winning both Finals in convincing fashion. A third victory for the team came in the hands of John Cariati in the Rotax DD2 Masters category on Saturday.

Maranello karts also stormed to the podium in Rotax DD2 courtesy of Fred Woodley’s second place effort and Fernando Taveres third place result in DD2 Masters on Saturday, along with Jordon Prior finishing third in Briggs & Stratton Junior and John Cariati finishing third in DD2 Masters on Sunday.

Marcello Paniccia celebrates his Sunday victory (Photo by: Cody Schindel / CKN)

It is also noteworthy that Connor Pritiko qualified on the pole-position in Briggs Junior Lite on Saturday in his Maranello debut. In addition, Mackenzie Clark started the Briggs & Stratton Junior Final from the pole after winning the PreFinal and pulling double-duty he also qualified third overall in Mini-Max. Barnes qualified second in Briggs Junior on Sunday and Fred Woodley was crashed out while leading the DD2 Final on Sunday.

Overall all drivers on the team showcased their talents on a weekend where the competition was the highest.

Trevor Wickens, Maranello North America Team Manager:
“I couldn’t be happier, what a weekend! Someone jokingly said ‘we came, we fought, we conquered’ but the reality is – we worked hard, we tested, we went back to work, and we tested some more. We coached, we developed and now we can breath easy that our hours of effort paid off. At least until next round. I’m extremely proud of all my guys. Marcello (Paniccia) had a career weekend and literally dominated. Jordan, Mac and David were incredible in Briggs Jr. showing that our team work in the tent carries onto the track as well. Our DD2’s were fast and always at the sharp end. It was just a fantastic week, not often can you leave the track and say literally every driver under the tent had a chance at a podium. For me this is the largest accomplishment of the weekend.”

Interested in joining Maranello North America for 2016? Race team positions are still available for the remaining Eastern Canadian Karting Championship rounds and all other major Canadian events. Contact trevorwickens@gmail.com or stop by the team office in Hamilton for more information.

Mackenzie Clark (626) along with Maranello teammates Jordon Prior (689) and David Barnes (602) started the Briggs Junior Final with three drivers inside the top-5 (Photo by: Cody Schindel / CKN)