In only his second year running the prestigious Formula Kart Productions Florida Winter Tour (FWT), and first in the highly competitive Rotax ranks, 12-year-old Parker Chase continues to show improvement in the Rotax Mini Max category. Recently taking on 37 international drivers at the second stop of the Tour, the #199 Tony Kart entry ended his weekend on a positive note and will now look to the FWT finale in Ocala.
Only racing since April 2011, Chase has been able to prove himself in the ultra-competitive Mini Max class during 2013 FWT action. Taking to the Homestead Karting Complex, located on the grounds of the Homestead-Miami Speedway in late February, Chase would compete in the grueling three-day schedule for rounds three and four.
On track Friday for two qualifying sessions, which set grids for Saturday and Sunday's prefinal races, Chase got caught up in traffic during both timed sessions. Unable to get the necessary draft or a clear lap at the 7/10-mile permanent sprint circuit, Chase would be forced to start his wheel-to-wheel action deep in the pack, placing 24th for Saturday and 28th for Sunday.
Able to show his true speed and talent once racing action got underway, Chase encountered troubles due to his bad qualifying position in Saturday's prefinal. Falling back to the tail of the field, Chase powered back in the day's final, going from 32nd all the way to finish a strong 17th. Sunday's prefinal saw the rising talent pass ten karts to finish in 18th before falling back to 21st in the final. Despite the overall results, Chase continues to stay positive and is looking toward the final rounds in Ocala in just a few weeks.
"Overall it ended up being a very good weekend," explained Parker. "We learned a lot and are looking forward to finishing the Florida Winter Tour in Ocala."
Chase will hit the Ocala Gran Prix facility in Ocala, Florida March 22-24 for rounds five and six. Parker would like to thank his engine builders AM Engines and Ogden Racing Engines, his mechanic Noel de Leon, his sponsors Enertech Resources, Chase Racing and CH Motorsports, his teammates Max Hewitt and Dominic Tesoro, as well as his Dad, Mom and sister for all their support.
For more information on Parker Chase, please visit www.chaseracing.com.
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