Michael Kinney
NORMAN — Almost anyone who enjoys racing recognizes names like Kurt Busch, Mark Martin, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt. They have garnered fame, accolades and success on the NASCAR circuit for years.
However, before most of them ever touched their first high powered race car, they got their start in something just a little smaller. The go-kart was the first vehicle many of today’s top drivers learned top handle at a young age.
The pinacle of go-kart racing in the united states is the U.S. Rotax Grand Nations, which will be held this week at the Oklahoma Motor Sports Complex in Norman.
“This event will be a huge draw for those that are any type of racing or sports fan and any age,” said Lauren P. Lorenzen of Frontier Country Marketing Association. “This sport is in fact where a lot of NASCAR, Indy and Formula 1 Drivers get their start.”
The event starts Thursday with the finals taking place Saturday. Organizers are expecting 200-250 racers, who will compete in six different age-grouped classes.
The Oklahoma Motorsports Complex has hosted other prestigious karting events such as the SKUSA World Finals and the Stars of Karting Race of the Americas. But in the 10 year history of the U.S. Rotax Grand Nations, this will be its first time in Norman.
“Norman is home to the 70-acre Oklahoma Motorsports Complex, which is an ideal location for the race itself,” Lorenzen said. “The 70-acre complex features a 7/10ths of a mile track with 13 turns for drivers to navigate. Also, Norman is centrally located for most racers and has attractions for families to experience while they are in town for the karting event, such as the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and Andy Alligator’s Fun Park. Norman also has world-class accommodations such as Sooner Legends Inn & Suites and a variety of excellent restaurants.”
The Rotax series is based around the Rotax kart engine. Five of the six classes use the Rotax FR-125cc engine, which allows racers to reach speeds close to 100 M.P.H. And the Grand Nationals allows the best races from around the country to compete at a high level.
“If you have never seen a kart race, you will be amazed at the ages and skill of the drivers and just how fast these karts really move,” Lorenzen said. “It is a very exciting, fast-paced atmosphere that any age can enjoy. Even if you have seen a race before, the excitement will definitely keep you interested.”
Of the more than 200 competitors expected to race this week, three of them make their home in Oklahoma. That includes 12-year old Blake Berryhill, who is the son of Brett Berryhill, owner of the Oklahoma Motorsports Complex.
This will be a special week for the elder Berryhill. Not only is he hosting the biggest go-kart race in the country, but he gets to see his son chase the Grand National title on his home track.
The winners of the top three classes at the Grand Nationals in Norman will travel to Egypt to compete at the Rotax Max World Finals against similar winners from 60 countries. So there is a lot riding on the outcome Saturday.
“The Grand National is actually the National Championship for these racers,” Lorenzen said. “So, think of this race like the Big XII National Championship for football or basketball.”
