Looking to kick-start his 2014 karting season, Floridian pilot Tyler Gonzalez would head to the Homestead Karting facility on the grounds of the Homestead-Miami Speedway for the opening round of the Formula Kart Productions Florida Winter Tour (FWT). Competing in the ultra-competitive TaG Cadet division before making the switch to Rotax Mini Max, Gonzalez would show speed in his AM Engines powered AM Chassis on his way to an impressive podium result.
“Tyler drove great. A podium and a pair of top-ten results is a great way to start the season,” explained father Alberto Gonzalez. “We will work hard in the coming weeks to gain more speed and be able to challenge for the win.”
Progressing through Friday’s official practice session near the top of the time charts, Gonzalez would show his speed on Saturday morning qualifying fourth out of a strong field of 32 competitors. Utilizing two heat races to set the grid for the afternoon’s main event, Gonzalez would improve in both coming home with a pair of third place finishes. Holding station throughout out the day, Gonzalez battled with the leaders early in the main event but would have to settle for the third step on the podium.
Back to the track on Sunday, Gonzalez would be in for a little bit of a tougher challenge, as his qualifying session did not go well. Only able to circulate the tricky Homestead Karting facility with the eighth quickest time, the up-and-coming driver would start his both of his heat races from outside row four.
Looking to move forward, Gonzalez would stay out of trouble but have some fierce wheel-to-wheel battles that would hinder his forward progress. Battling hard, Gonzalez would score seventh and sixth place results in his heats before taking a seventh place finish home in the main event.
Gonzalez added, “We had high hopes for Sunday but qualifying really put us behind the eight ball. It was a great learning weekend for Tyler.”
With no time off, Gonzalez will be back on track this weekend in his Rotax powered AM Chassis. Competing in the Rotax Mini Max ranks after moving up from Micro Max, Gonzalez will have his sights set on the front of the field. Official practice will take place on Friday morning before qualifying Friday afternoon. Wheel-to-wheel racing action will commence Saturday morning. Check out www.FloridaWinterTour.com for up-to-date news, information and results.
Tyler Gonzalez would like to thank all of his supporters their continued support. A special thanks to Ariel Castro of AM Engines, AM Engines Racing Team, his mechanic Bo, Tony Tesoro and Superior Coating Systems.
For more information or sponsorship opportunities on Tyler Gonzalez please contact Alberto Gonzalez at 407.466.9083 or via e-mail to superiorcoatingsystems@yahoo.com.
For more information on AM Engines, AM Chassis and the AM Racing Team, please contact Ariel Castro via e-mail to Info@AMEngines.com, by phone to 786.271.9052 or visit them online at www.AMEngines.com.
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