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Race Report: 1/13/08 - Florida Winter Tour Homestead, FL By: Karam Racing HOMESTEAD, FL - (January 15th, 2008) -- Sage Karam made his Junior class debut this past weekend at the Florida Winter Tour. Sage competed for the first time, in the Rotax Junior class. The class had close to 70 entries! Sage learned a lot on Friday during the practice session. “There were moments when I was frustrated during the practices, but, I never looked back to the cadet class. It was a great experience and I’m glad I attended, “ replied Sage. Karam decided to move up to the Junior ranks one year early, despite, his small stature, at only 78 pounds. “I was concerned with Sage’s small size, but his large presence on the track makes up for it,:” said Sage’s dad, Jody. “It was the first time I missed one of Sage’s races. He really handled the trip alone quite well. I was impressed the way he flew to Miami and returned by himself, without incidence. He’s demonstrating maturity on and off the track”. Sage had clutch problems in qualifying and couldn’t run the complete session. The DNF forced Sage to start at the back of the 68 kart field. With only 28 making the main feature, he’d have to finish in the top 12 of the Last Chance Race to get into “the show”. Sage would start in 28th position for the LCQ. He used his usual moves to pummel the field and earn an amazing 6th place finish! (Some drivers just have it!) This meant that Sage would make the feature and start in the 24th spot. By the end of Saturday’s feature, Sage finished a rewarding and surprising 12th place! An excited Sage commented, “I was really pumped to pass over 50 karts and finish in 12th place. I can’t believe how well things ended up. Mike Giessen worked very hard for me. Tim and Chris Lobaugh continue to give me the finest Birel equipment. Garry Lobaugh has done so much for me, I can’t thank him enough. I know team MRP was proud of my day. Passing karts is fun. Cadets was boring. I’d always run in second (cadets) all race and pass the guy in front on the last lap. The speed in Juniors is so much more exciting”. Sage suffered engine problems during Sunday’s feature while running in 10th place and was forced to not finish. “I want to finish every race, but sometimes this happens. I have a lot to learn and am willing to work hard at it”, replied Sage. “I’m looking forward to racing JICA next weekend and advancing on my Rotax finishes”.
Sage would like to 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, On Track Promotions, and Walters Web Design. For more information on Sage Karam please visit www.SageKaram.com. * Please note that Karam Racing refuses to expose and exploit the names of minors in their press-releases and website content. We would hope that the same discretion is extended to us, by our fellow racers. As a minor, we request that any photos, videos or mention of Sage Karam utilized in website content, receive written permission first. |
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