Already crowned the Florida Winter Tour Rotax Junior champion in 2012 and the United States Rotax Max Challenge Grand Nationals and Rotax Pan American Championships Senior Max champion in 2013, Floridian Oliver Askew added another major championship to his resume in 2014. Taking on the Formula Kart Production’s Florida Winter Tour with the potent Ocala Gran Prix squad, Askew put together a string of six podium results including four main event victories to claim the title as well ensure a spot on Team USA for the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals for the fourth consecutive year.
“I don’t know what to say except that it has been a great season so far,” expressed Askew. “I have plenty of supporters behind me and I can’t thank them enough for all of their help and support. These people are what allow me to race and do the job I need to do. Thank you to all of them and I would especially like to express a sincere and special thank you to Jorge Arellano and Ocala Gran Prix for providing me the necessary tools to win and the opportunity to be successful in our sport. I am truly blessed to know Jorge and be part of such an outstanding program.”
Askew started his 2014 Florida Winter Tour campaign at the Homestead Karting facility in Homestead, Florida with a tremendous effort. Taking Saturday’s main event victory by a healthy margin, the talented youngster came back to the track Sunday to add a second place result. Rounds three and four of the series would take place at his home facility of Ocala Gran Prix where Askew would shine. After narrowly missing both Saturday and Sunday’s pole positions, Askew came to life when the wheel-to-wheel action commenced by taking both main event victories and commanding lead in the overall series championship.
With the final rounds at the spectator friendly Orlando Kart Center in Orlando, Florida, the Tony Kart driver needed a strong result on Saturday to secure the title. Working hard to stay out of trouble and do what was needed, Askew crossed the line with a second place effort and officially garnered enough points to be the 2014 champion. Back to the track Sunday, the multi-time race winner and champion remained true to form as he book ended his 2014 Florida Winter Tour with victories.
“This year’s Florida Winter Tour championship is the result of the hard work and preparation OGP and I have put into the season," added Askew. "I can’t be any happier with the way the team and I have performed this season and now we can carry this momentum towards many other big races this year."
Askew continued, “It is no mistake that Jorge received the Dan Wheldon Karting Ambassador Award this year and I am one example of the many that he has helped in motorsports. With his help, I was provided an opportunity that would not have existed before.”
Oliver Askew would like to thank the numerous sponsors that he has backing him this season. Along with OGP, the Tony Kart driver is supported by new sponsors Sparco USA, SwiftWick and Bell Helmets.
Askew continued, “Sparco USA, SwiftWick and Bell Helmets are new to my program in 2014 and I look forward to helping promote them in the karting industry. Thank you once again to all.”
For more information on Oliver Askew, please visit him online at www.OliverAskew.com. With a new website in the works, please be sure to check back often for a complete redesign outlining several new features and interactions. Please feel free to contact him via e-mail to OliverAskewRacing@gmail.com by phone at 561.459.0420 or visit his personal racing website at www.OliverAskew.com.
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