SKUSA: Birel racers SuperNationals Thursday notes

Birel SKUSA SuperNationals Qualifying Report

LAS VEGAS, NV (November 15, 2007) Birel racers are making up a solid contingent this weekend at the MG Tires Super Nationals XI presented by Mazda in Las Vegas, NV this weekend. The event will be held at Sam Boyd Stadium and feature top Birel pilots from across North America. Several Birel pilots have shown strong qualifying runs during Thursday's "shifter" & "TaG" qualifying sessions.

In SuperPro, SKUSA's premier category of professional shifterkart racers, Alex Speed (MRP-Birel AMERICA) clicked off the third fastest time in the 46-kart group. Raphael Matos, 2007 Champ Car Atlantic Champion, also set a quick time, placing him in the 8th position overall aboard a Birel. Nick Halen (MRP/DPK Birel) logged the 31st fastest time.

The 40-kart G1 class, made up of drivers over 35 years of age, saw Doug Cox qualify 5th. The Coral Gables, FL driver is a past Florida Winter Tour champion in this class.

In S5 competition, Austin Newmark from Sierra Vista, AZ showed his experience behind the wheel of the S5- Birel package as he laid down the 3rd quickest lap of the qualifying session, only .007 out of the 2nd position. Littleton, CO's, Jack Bradley steered his Birel to 6th.

The all-new S5 class is designed for the junior category and uses the same stock Honda engine package as the S3 & S4 class, with the addition of an exhaust restrictor and a two-hole airbox.

In the TaG (Touch and Go) categories, Birel drivers looked strong throughout practice and qualifying.

Wes Phillips (MRP-Birel) sits in the 4th position in the 39-kart Rotax Senior class, followed by Birel drivers, Zach Woodsford and Kenny Maler in 9th & 10th.

Birel pilots swept the top-3 in Rotax Masters qualifying with Paul Bonilla, Andy Seeseman and John Crow taking the top positions. Keith Karr was 7th. Carl Freese was also 7th in the 31-kart TaG Masters qualifying session.

Stay tuned for more Birel updates from the SuperNationals XI as the events begin to get underway.

-credit: mrp motorsport