In a continued effort to highlight the many outstanding performances by
drivers around the country, eKartingNews.com is proud to introduce the ‘Driver
of the Month’ program. Each month, the staff at EKN will determine the one
driver who stood out above the rest and give the viewers a chance to know
exactly what they accomplished and who they are.
The 2010 karting year wrapped up with the opening event of the 2011 season
for the World Karting Association with the running of the annual Daytona
KartWeek at the Daytona International Raceway. The George Kugler/Bridgestone
Manufacturer’s Cup Series opened up the next edition of the series at the event
with a recorded breaking 700 entries at the two-day event. For a number of years
now, the Sportsman (ages 8-12) divisions have been the most competitive races
event after event. Daytona was no different with the five classes offered,
totaling 221 entries. At the front of all five fields was Canadian Grant Quinlan
as he fended off a number of challengers over the course of the event. In the
end, he would record four feature wins and a runner-up finish to earn the EKN
Driver of the Month for December 2010.
The first day of competition included three classes - Cadet Sportsman, Yamaha
Sportsman Heavy and Komet Sportsman. Quinlan started off with the Cadet pole
award while placing third in the other categories, missing out on the pole
position by 0.033-seconds and 0.091-seconds respectively. Quinlan went on to go
three for three in the Prefinals, scoring the win in each to start on the pole
for the main events. The Cadet victory was a battle between he, Kyle Tilley and
Emerson Reed with Quinlan taking the checkered by over two-seconds in the end.
After falling to second in the first lap, Quinlan led the remaining laps of the
Yamaha feature for win number two by 0.139-seconds at the line. In the Komet
main, Quinlan led across the stripe for the majority of the race until he fell
to third at the checkered flags but was moved to second following penalties.
On day two, Quinlan completed an event sweep in the Cadet Sportsman division
with another pole, Prefinal and Final win while leading all 20 race laps. After
earning his third pole position of the event, Quinlan finished second in the
Yamaha Sportsman Lite Prefinal. After shuffling back to fourth on the first lap,
Quinlan knifed his way back to the point by lap eight. Leading to the checkered
flag, Quinlan wrapped up his fourth victory of the event.
The impressive part of Quinlan’s accomplishment was the fact it was only the
second visit at the Daytona track for the recently-turn 12 year old. Quinlan was
a challenger in the championship chases last season and now leading three of the
four point standings, the Canadian is sure to be in the hunt once again this
year.
December 2010 EKN Driver of the Month - Grant Quinlan
Bio
Born: December 4, 1998
Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
Parents: Todd and Jen
Siblings: Tommy and Calvin
Height/Weight: 95 lbs.
Education: 7th Grade - St. Peters Catholic School
Job: none
Racing Resume
Chassis: Birel
Engine/Engine Builder: Adkins / Fleming
Sponsors: Birel America
Series You Compete In: WKA / Midwest / MRP / FWT
Years Karting: 6
How did you get started in karting? My Dad raced when he was
young (No body work - LOL)
What has been the high point in your racing career? This
year so far
What are your goals in racing? To go to NASCAR level
In a few words, how would you describe your driving style?
Be successful and consistent
Funniest moment at the race track? When the engine builder’s
excuse that it was slow “because the kart is ‘Hucklebuckin’.”
Likes
Favorite Track: Michiana Raceway Park
Favorite form of professional motorsports: NASCAR
Favorite karting driver: Gary Carlton
Favorite professional driver: Kyle Busch
Favorite website: none
Favorite movie: Home Alone
Favorite actor/actress: Tom Hanks
Favorite music/group: Bon Jovi
Favorite vacation/activity spot: Race track
Favorite food: Pasta
The Real Deal
What do you do when not at the track? Play hockey
What are your goals outside of karting? None
What type of street car do you drive? School bus
What type of street car would you like to drive? Camaro
What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you?
Braggers
What do you think could be done to improve the sport of karting?
Equality
What are your favorite aspects about the sport of karting?
The competition
December Driver of the Month - Honorable Mention:
- Sam Beasley: WKA Daytona KartWeek - Four Senior Wins
- Mason Chelootz: WKA Daytona KartWeek - Two Senior Wins
|