3/18/08 - Florida Winter Tour Ocala, FL

By: Karam Racing

OCALA, FL - (March 18th, 2008) -- Sage’s shocking win in the Florida Winter Tour’s JICA class, was way ahead of schedule! Sage’s constant improvement, was a key component to the victory over the many seasoned teams/drivers.

North America’s winningest junior driver was very excited and had a lot to say. “It was only my third race in JICA and I knew we were getting faster each time out. My dad, Chris (Lobaugh) and Marc (Zartarian of Hi Rev Engineering engines) worked very hard for me. My dad and Chris really made a lot of progress with the new chassis”. Karam is no stranger to chassis development.

Jody, Sage’s dad, was a bit more analytical, “Sage and I understand our role in the MRP program. I think our effectiveness in chassis development was clear in the cadet and Junior Sportsman. The JICA program is a whole new animal. Our intent was to arrive and just make serious progress throughout the weekend. I never expected Sage to win. Sage was competing against his Florida friends that have intense JICA testing time and home track advantages over him. It’s tough with Sage only weighing 80 pounds. He’s the smallest and lightest in the class. But, we’re not regretting moving him up early”.

Sage’s engine program utilizes Marc Zartarian, of Hi Rev Engineering. “Marc’s engines were great all weekend long. I lost one engine on Saturday, due to our mistake, but, Marc just dropped off another one that was just as good”, said Sage.

“I was impressed with the consistency and race craft that Sage demonstrated throughout the weekend”, added Zartarian. “The Karam’s are amongst the hardest working and committed people in karting and the results are showing. “

“I like the fact that Marc is always at the events and isn’t afraid to turn a wrench. Marc is as competitive as us. I also admire that Marc thrives on winning, and detests losing, as much as we do”, said Jody.

On Sunday, Sage turned 5 consecutive identical laps times during the prefinal. “It’s easy to tune a chassis when the driver bangs out that kind of consistency. Actually, that kind of consistency is eerie. The MRP JICA program made huge strides over the weekend. Obviously, Sage is a gifted athlete and he is a pleasure to work with, added Chris Lobaugh of MRP.

“The chassis is new and I think we got a great read on the situation over the weekend. Obviously, there is room for improvement from the driver and chassis, but things couldn’t have gone any better”. Chris is an amazing tuner and a true professional. I like the focus and long-term vision that Chris brings to the table”, said Jody.

“I knew it’d be a good weekend. We found two Waffle Houses in the Ocala area and we ate there every morning. Things always go well when we eat at Waffle House”, said Sage.

Huge, unprecedented, news on the horizon for the young American driver. Keep a close eye out for this one!! The dream is getting closer.

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.