Bermudian karting driver Scott Barnes launched his 2026 ROK Vegas campaign with a resilient fightback in Nevada, bouncing back from torrential hail in opening qualifying heats to secure a front-running finish.
Barnes, competing in the fiercely contested ROK Shifter Masters category at the annual ROK Cup USA showcase, navigated treacherous conditions on the temporary circuit outside the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.
The opening heat descended into chaos when severe weather rolled across the circuit. Caught out on dry slick tyres as heavy rain turned to hail, drivers struggled for grip across the asphalt. Barnes held his nerve through the low-visibility melee to nurse his kart home in sixth place, limiting the damage in volatile track conditions.
With the worst of the weather clearing ahead of Heat 2, the Bermudian produced a sharp response. Barnes carved his way through the pack, showcasing clean racecraft and decisive overtakes to take the chequered flag in second place, securing vital championship points ahead of the weekend’s remaining rounds.
"Salvaged some points in the second heat after a crazy heat one in the pouring rain and hail on slick tires," Barnes said afterwards. "Two more races to go."
Barnes will look to carry that forward momentum into the remaining heats as he aims to secure prime grid position for Super Sunday's championship final.
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