Race Report: Wampum, PA - WKA

Written By: Karam Racing

WAMPUM, PA - (July 25th, 2007) -- 4 out of four podiums for Sage! It was an up-and-down weekend that tested the kid. Sage Karam went into the World Karting Association’s Nationals at BeaveRun Raceway leading two classes – HPV Junior Sportsman and Cadet. After the weekend was over, Karam came out leading all three of the Junior Sportsman classes!!

Sage spoke bluntly about the weekend: “I knew we’d be tough in Cadet. The Birel cadet chassis is almost unbeatable. I made a strategic mistake during the first cadet feature on the last lap and didn’t want to push too hard for the win and risk not locking up the championship. So, the second place finish locked up the Cadet National title for me and my team – MRP. I had some carburetion problems with my Yamaha and managed to finish in fourth place, which put me in the National points lead.”

“Sunday was a tough day because we were so fast but got bit with bad luck in cadet. With the title locked up, I knew I could drive relaxed and not be concerned with points. We even went with old used tires! I got caught behind some traffic in qualifying which hurt. But, the big reason we didn’t do too well was because my dad shimmed the brakes and the axle flex on the infield caused the brake shoes to rub against the disc. But it really isn’t that big of a deal where you qualify. In the pre-final we were off to a great start and then the ignition broke on my engine. It was the first engine malfunction we had all year! So, I had to start the feature in last.”

“I cranked it up on the start and by lap three, I passed half the field and was in 14 th place. My dad bet me that I couldn’t finish on the podium, so I really wanted to show him. So, I set the track record and was fastest by over 3/10 ths of a second! Oh yea, I podiumed from last place.”

All Sage needed to do was finish in the top three and he’d walk out still leading the HPV Junior Sportsman Championship. Sage went into point conservation mode, but still was racey in his 2 nd place finish.

“MRP and Doug Fleming are the reasons we are leading the championships. Tim and Chris Lobaugh, Doug Fleming (engine guy) and my dad will not be outworked by any other team”, added Sage.

Sage will be testing all next week before competing in the Stars of Karting National Championship in Shawano, Wisconsin.

For more information on Sage Karam please visit www.SageKaram.com.