The Bermuda Karting Association roared back into life this weekend as clear, sunny skies replaced the severe winter weather that had previously halted the season. At a bustling Bermuda Motorsports Park, a formidable field of 42 drivers took to the track for Race 10 of the Bermuda Rubis Energy Karting Championship, delivering a day of high-octane drama and strategic racing.
In the L206 Senior class, the grid was bolstered by the arrival of newcomer Stephen Flood, though it was a familiar face who dominated the opening exchanges. Jason North showcased his veteran experience by claiming victory in the first two heats. He was followed closely by a consistent pack of Owen DeCosta, Robert Wheatley, and David Barbosa. However, the third heat provided the day's first major upset as Wheatley broke North’s streak to take the chequered flag, leaving Barbosa to settle for second while Harry Dunkley and Chris Smith filled the remaining top spots.
The TAG Senior Division saw a masterclass in dominance from Nathan DeCosta, who proved untouchable by sweeping all three heats. While DeCosta checked out at the front, the battle for the podium was fierce. Ryan Burgess and Blake Horseman fought tooth and nail for second and third in the early races, while Jorja Thomas remained a constant threat throughout the afternoon with a pair of podium finishes. Jonah Moniz added to the excitement with strong third and fourth-place efforts in the opening heats.
Junior racing was equally compelling in the TAG Junior category, where a three-way battle for supremacy emerged. Alondro Albouy was the standout performer, recovering from a tough start to win both the second and third heats. Tanner Correia had set the early pace with a victory in Heat 1, while Syah Pedro and Jonathan Linberg provided consistent pressure on the leaders throughout the day.
The KZ Shifter class, featuring 17 high-speed karts, provided some of the most intense wheel-to-wheel action of the weekend. Ryan Rebello and Chris Ricca were the models of consistency, finishing first and second respectively across all three heats. The final step of the podium, however, was a revolving door of talent. Jason Correia took third in the opener, Stephen Corrado claimed it in the second, and David Selley rounded out the day with a third-place finish in the final race.
Experience was on full display in the KZ Masters category. Jason DeCouto delivered a flawless performance to secure a hat-trick of wins, leaving the rest of the field to battle for the minor places. Rian Lindo and William Dunkley traded second and third-place finishes throughout the afternoon in a display of high-level tactical driving.
The Cadet class provided a glimpse into the future as the club welcomed two new young prospects, Miguel Cabral and Mason Sousa. Despite the new arrivals, it was Tanner Correia who swept the category with three dominant wins. Jacob Garrett remained his nearest challenger with three second-place finishes, while the debutants Cabral and Sousa acquitted themselves well to finish third and fourth respectively.
As the championship moves into its final stages, the return of optimal racing conditions has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season.
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