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Race Report: Shawano, WI - WKA Written By: Karam Racing SHAWANO, WI - (June 18th, 2007) -- Sage Karam captured two of the coveted World Karting Association Grand National Eagles over the weekend. Sage won Championships in both the Yamaha Junior Sportsman class and the Cadet categories. Sage is now leading in all classes of Triple Crown National Championship run. The week was amazing, eventful, challenging and rewarding for the 12-year old driver. Sage’s dad, Jody, said, “I saw Sage overcome the pressure and distractions of media cameras/interviews, a serious accident that ended him up at the hospital, a ruined AR28Z chassis and the concern of an undelivered HPV engine. He is an amazing person, I am so proud of him. We are so fortunate to be with such a quality team like MRP. The Birel Cadet chassis truly is the finest available – period. I can’t understand why anybody would have their son or daughter on anything else?” Troubles began Friday when Sage’s Fleming HPV engine never arrived at the track. The engine got lost in shipping and Sage had to try a marginal practice engine. During practice, contact was made and Sage experienced his first accident in eight years of racing. The kart flipped and trapped Sage within it. Upon EMS examination, it was determined to take Sage to the hospital for shoulder, hip and hand injuries. Sage insisted on competing on Saturday as he attempted to bring his Cadet National Championship streak to 10 consecutive victories. During morning practice, Sage found himself in the identical situation on the track that landed him in the hospital; he immediately made the pass without hesitation and was back to his championship style. He competed in the Yamaha and won his first Grand National title on the weekend. In the cadet final, Sage demonstrated respect for his opponent and refused to attempt a less than clean pass for the win and had to settle for second place. The second place points clearly bolstered his run on the overall National title. On Sunday, Sage’s engine builder, Doug Fleming decided it was in Sage’s best interest, to approve an offer on an HPV for Sage to use. “ I had a problem setting up the HPV and Doug just felt it was better to go with one that was already set up to run. It meant a lot to me that Doug let me use the Adkins engine,” claimed Sage. During the pre-final, while in battle for 3 rd place, another driver clearly hacked down on Sage and ended his race. This meant that Sage would have to start in 24 th place for the feature and possibly end his goal of four out-of-four podiums. Sage diced his way through the field and put on a classic Karam show. He passed 19 karts and finished 5th in the feature. The podium goal was still alive! Sage clearly illustrated the dominance of the Fleming powered Birel chassis. The chassis has more National wins than any other chassis. “I feel the Birel chassis is the best. I am very happy for my teammate Killian Bloat who won his 2nd National podium this weekend. Killian and Gresham Wagner are the best 9-year-olds in the country in my opinion. I am happy that they are on my team. My dad and Tim Lobaugh work real hard with the Cadets and the benefits are clear,” claimed Sage. Sage breezed his way to another cadet title in the feature just about locking-up the championship. Next up for Sage will be the Stars of Karting event at Salt Lake City, Utah. 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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