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FIRSTKART.COM: SHAWANO REVIEW "Sullivan enjoys strong weekend of action" Brownsburg, Indiana -- July 16, 2008 -- FirstKart.com race team members James Michael Sullivan and Kevin Monteith traveled to Shawano, Wisconsin for the East division ...
Edited: Dec 3, 2009, 8:36 AM
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FIRSTKART.COM: SHAWANO REVIEW
"Sullivan enjoys strong weekend of action"
Brownsburg, Indiana -- July 16, 2008 -- FirstKart.com race team members James Michael Sullivan and Kevin Monteith traveled to Shawano, Wisconsin for the East division finale of the Snap-on Stars of Karting presented by IndyCar series. Though no podiums were garnered, both drivers ran strong with Sullivan battling with the lead drivers throughout the weekend.
Competing in the ultra competitive Junior Intercontinental A (JICA) division, both Sullivan and Monteith had a successful Friday test day as they fine tuned their chassis and motors. Looking for the speed to run at the front, both drivers would battle hard in Saturday morning's qualifying session.
With sunny skies moving towards the facility for the start of the important 'Gatorz Pole Qualifying,' both drivers were feeling confident of a top ten position. Sullivan succeeded in his quest as he qualified his First Kart package in P6 while Monteith struggled with some carburetor issues to come home 22nd.
As the heat races began both Sullivan and Monteith were looking to improve their positions to score strong results and set up a good starting position for both finals. The rookie Sullivan did exactly what was needed of him as he finished fifth, seventh and 11th to setup a solid fifth place starting position. Canadian pilot Kevin Monteith continued through the first heat with a motor issue before being involved in incidents in the final two heat races. With a fast kart, Monteith would be forced to start both finals from the 29th position.
Having a career weekend so far, Sullivan was looking to continue the momentum throughout both main events. When the green flag flew in final one Sullivan quickly began to advance forward as he moved into the fourth position. Racing in one of the most aggressive classes in the nation, the Colorado pilot was passed and relegated down to just inside the top ten before the start of the white flag lap. Circuiting the USA International Raceway (USAIR) for the final time, Sullivan got caught up in an incident that happened right in front of him in which he couldn't avoid, eventually classifying him in the 25th position.
Looking for a better run in the second final, Sullivan stayed with the lead group early. Battling hard with the top ten, Sullivan would race with divisional champions, national champions, race winners and point leaders but came up just short at the finish scoring an 11th place finish.
"This was a break through weekend for James Michael" stated team Principal Tony Ventresca "James Michael and his father James have a clear understanding of the team concept. This understanding and commitment got us through a trying first part of the season to now being back where our team belongs, at the front. We also want to thank Hi-Rev engines for being an important part of this performance"
Multi-time Canadian champion Kevin Monteith was looking to turn things around for the finals and at the start of the first feature, things looked promising. Monteith advanced forward from his 29th place starting position to inside the top 15 before finishing just inside the top 20. Looking to better his result in final two, Monteith was involved in a second lap incident that severely effected the handling of his First Kart. Never giving up, the Ontario, Canada pilot drove until the end of the event finishing on the lead lap.
-credit: firstkart.com
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