Bermuda’s Scott Barnes has delivered a masterclass in clinical driving to put himself in prime position for silverware at the final round of the 2026 ROK Cup USA Florida Winter Tour. Competing in Palmetto, Florida, the veteran karting standout overcame a steady start to sweep the competitive sessions and emerge as the man to beat in the ROK Shifter Masters division.
The weekend began with a calculated morning practice session on Friday, where Barnes posted the fourth-fastest lap with a time of 44.285 seconds. While he trailed the early pace-setters, the performance served as a vital reconnaissance mission before the high-stakes heat races got underway. Once the lights went out for competitive action, the Bermudian found another gear, showcasing both raw speed and defensive composure across the Florida circuit.
In Heat 2, Barnes surged to the front of the field to claim a commanding victory, completing the fifteen-lap contest in a total time of 10:39.864. He mirrored that clinical efficiency in Heat 3, navigating a slightly slower track surface to secure another first-place finish with a total time of 10:48.340. The back-to-back wins provided a significant psychological edge over his rivals heading into the penultimate stage of the weekend.
The momentum showed no signs of slowing during the Pre-Final. In a longer sixteen-lap encounter designed to test both stamina and machinery, Barnes was once again untouchable. He crossed the line in 12:22.530 to secure yet another victory, ensuring he will start from the most advantageous position on the grid for the championship-deciding final. As the tour reaches its crescendo, all eyes will be on whether the Bermudian can complete the clean sweep and secure the prestigious Florida Winter Tour title.
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