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Sage Karam Captures two Stars of Karting National Titles Written By: Karam Racing NORMAN, OK - (April 16th, 2007) -- Sage Karam captured two (2) Stars of Karting National titles in the season opening East vs. West event. But, the most remarkable occurrence of the day wasn’t Sage’s wins, it was the adversity he overcame to achieve it. The cold weather on Saturday morning forced the fuel and oil to separate in the fuel line causing Sage’s kart not to run. He completely missed qualifying. Although Sage had to start in 25th place for the two pre-final races, he still managed to pull off two second place finishes which earned him third place starting positions for Sunday’s final events. Sage swept both of the National final events on Sunday storming to victory. He proved the Doug Fleming powered Birel cadet chassis was unstoppable – once again! This is Sage’s 5th consecutive National title aboard a Birel/Fleming combination. Sage is now leading the national points race in the WKA Cadet, WKA HPV and the Stars of Karting National Championships. “I’d like to thank the Lobaugh family for their support. Tim and Chris are the finest tuners in the business. I really like those guys!” Claimed Sage. “ We have a great team with Chris, Tim and Brent (Ebert), they make me feel like family”. On hand to enjoy the victories was Birel’s Ronni Salo and his supprt crew from Italy. “It was an honor to win for Ronni. He gave me the custom Birel jacket off his back after I won!”
Sage’s log - Thursday – Arrived at the track and took care of credentials. Got the tent space organized and layed out the tools and supplies. MRP does a great job of organizing things, so that when you arrive, things go smooth. Set the kart up for rain with Chris. Friday - Decided to sit the first cold early rain practice session out. Got real bored and decided to drive the last 4 sessions. Chris worked real hard at setting the chassis correctly. It felt real good and we were on the top of the charts for the timed 4th and 5th sessions. Saturday – Woke up feeling very excited to start the day and qualify. Ate at Waffle House, as always. I knew we had great horsepower and chassis. Qualifying came and the kart wouldn’t run. The cold temperatures caused the fuel and oil to separate. This meant we had to start in last place for the 2 prefinals. I worked my way back to the front and finished 2nd in both races. I think I did some of my finest driving in those two races. It was very tough, but, I learned a lot about teamwork, a positive attitude and, determination. I met a possible partner from a financial institution. The meeting went really well and I hope things work out. She seemed very nice and interested in me. Dad and I will contact her this week. I also met with Craig, my wheel supplier for the first time. He’s a cool guy and even through 2 hats our way. It’s pretty clear that Douglas Wheels are the only wheel to run in the cadet class! Sunday - Ate at Waffle House and arrived at the track. Ran the wamup and was very fast. I think we can make some noise in the finals today for sure. In the first final, I ran a laid-back race and knew that I just had to stay in position until the right time. I’ve been in this position many times and know what to expect. I made my planned move on the last lap and won the race! My parents and the team were so proud and happy for me! After the engine cleared tech, I realized immediately, that we have to do this all over again in several hours. I feel relieved to know we got at least one championship in our pocket. Dad and Tim begin putting everything back together and preparing the package for the next race. I had a surprise visit from the lady who is the potential partner with us. She saw my win! I was glad that she could see me win. Although she won’t be able to see my second race, at least she got a chance to see me do what I love to do – race. Time flies-by and my dad and I are walking the kart up to the grid for the final race of the day. My dad looks over at me and says he “loves me”. I told him I love him too. It what we say to each other before every race. He asked me if I had fun, I told him “yes.” He told me to just have fun and not concentrate on winning. It’s true, the weekend was a success already. The green flag drops and we’re racing! Things didn’t go according to plan and I was leading the race before I wanted to. I usually am following. I figured I’d just ride this lead as long as I could. I couldn’t believe that nobody passed me. Before I could realize it, the white flag was out – last lap. The driver behind me was starting hitting me very hard…harder than he should have. I almost lost control of the kart several times. I managed to keep the lead and crossed the finish line in first place again!! I had to leave to catch our plane and missed the podium. Dad told me that “it’s alright, winning is reward unto itself”. I guess that true, but, I really would have liked to stand on top of that podium!
Sage would like the thank his sponsors and supporters: Michael Andretti, MRP, Gary, Chris and Tim Lobaugh, Brent Ebert, Rick, Doug Fleming, Grand Products, Noonan Pedal Risers, Bell Helmets, Aplinestars, Orwig Management, SmitHahn Co., L & T Clutches, Strober Building Supplies, and Walters Web Design. For more information on Sage Karam please visit www.SageKaram.com. |
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