Ignite Race #4 Features Firsts For Drivers

14 Sep Ignite Race #4 Features Firsts For Drivers

The first Kartplex race since May’s Ignite Mega Weekend, Ignite Race #4 mixed things up for drivers with a backwards layout featuring short Turn 1 and extended Turn 3. It also turned out to be a lucky track for several competitors, with more than one first-time winner in the day’s finals.

One such driver was newcomer Paxton Cowden, who came out swinging to win his first Kartplex Kid Kart Honda start. Joining him on the podium were Jack Mayer (second) and Rhett Johnson (third). Cowden’s victory also signaled a first for Mayer this season – his first time off the top step of the podium in 2021.

Up next was Legend class, where an early incident took out perennial favorites Craig Loddeke and Greg Mefford, making way for Jimmy Miller and Scott Blind to battle it out. Both drivers were seeking their first-ever wins, and Blind ended up ahead of Miller after a last-lap pass, with Darryl Cooney (third) rounding out the top three with his first podium finish.

Junior driver Reid Sweeney made it four races, four wins for the 2021 season. Also four-for-four in podium finishes was second place driver Isaac Wells. Jaiden Beckman was another first-timer, with her first 2021 Ignite podium in third.

Master class featured a trio of familiar faces doing what they do best – racing at the front of the field. Brandin Moore is now the proud owner of a hat trick with his third win in a row, followed by James Newbold (second) and Blaine Finnegan (third).

Aidan Liber added his name to the list of drivers with a win this season, with fellow Rookie class competitors Tyler Johnson (second) and Carter Riddle (third) also making it into the top three. These drivers have been consistently strong this season, with three podiums apiece so far – more than any other Rookie in their class.

Greg Mefford returned to the front of the field late in the day, this time in Heavy class which he won ahead of 2020 iDrive Heavy champion Rick Neal (second) and Dennis Wilburn (third). This is Neal’s third time on the second step of the podium in four races – it’ll be interesting to see if a little more time and experience can help him reach the checkered flag in first place.

The final class of the day was also the largest – with 18 karts in the Senior field, there were a lot of fierce competitors battling it out for the win. In the end, Adam Crepin came out on top, while Avery Schwalm matched his #2 kart with a second place and Trevor Eggemeyer rounded out the podium in third.

For full class and event Ignite Series results, visit the 2021 Results and Point Standings webpage. To view session results from Ignite Race #4, check out Gateway Kartplex on Speedhive.

Recap by Rose vonHatten.