Checkered Motorsports starts greatly the first round of the F-Series GearUp Challenge

“ We enjoy this series because of its competitive environment and strong focus on driver development – stated the Team owner, Csaba Bujdoso - The team is excited to progress and ready to claim more victories throughout the season.”

Andrew Bujdoso began the weekend showcasing his driving and chassis abilities and continued a dominant performance, placing pole position for the pre-final. Running KZ Shifter and Stock Honda Shifter, he made his presence known on track. Finishing in the top 10 for the pre-final, A. Bujdoso rounded out the KZ final finishing in 15^th in a stacked field of 24 total drivers. The Stock Honda Shifter class also had a strong showing totaling 27 entries. A hard fought battle all the way to the checkered flag, A. Bujdoso was first and Lane second going in to the last few turns of the final event. After contending hard and leading over half the race, A. Bujdoso secured a second place podium finish. During his first run at the technical GoPro Motorplex Kyle Knecht quickly showed his driving experience. Making steady progress throughout the day, he claimed a top 10 finish in the main event. Starting the weekend at the top of the pack, Robert Bujdoso qualified 2^nd, only two hundredths of a second off of the pole position. Jeffrey Neubert made his return to the GearUp series for the second time and early on showed his improvements from his rookie year, qualifying 18^th. Unfortunately, both drivers ran in to minor problems early on causing them to retire.
 
In the Formula 355 class, Braden Eves and Rocco Cannata Jr represented the black and yellow chassis with driving power. Eves qualifying in the second position and Cannata seventh, both drivers made some minor adjustments heading in to the final event. Finishing fifth, Cannata displayed his craftsmanship as he progressed through the last race. Bringing home the team’s second podium finish for the weekend, Eves claimed second in the field of 14.
 
Drivers, Gage Rodgers and Tahlon Yockel raced the Formula Junior class with focus. Yockel was a force to be reckoned with during the final event. After starting in the back of the field, Yockel pushed his way to a 10^th position finish. Rodgers also represented his team with consistency and determination. Qualifying fifth, Rodgers pressed the front of the pack, claiming second place and the third podium victory for Checkered Motorsports.
 
Formula 125 drivers, Tony Ventura and Jason Eiler exemplified steadiness throughout the entire weekend. Ventura shuffled his way from the back to finish 13^th in the final and Eiler qualified 8^th but unfortunately did not finish the final race event.
 
The two youngest drivers of the team, Annie Rhule running in Mini ROK and Sofia D’Arrigo running in Micro ROK are showing the signs of racing influence and driving talent. In Formula Micro ROK, D’Arrigo qualified in the top 10 but was not able to finish strong during the final events due to engine problems in the week. Rhule in Formula Mini ROK, qualified in fourth. Making her way through the front, with only 5 tenths of a second off of the pole position, Rhule was marked with a minor on track penalty costing the young driver a second place finish. Each driver will continue to bring the heat throughout the season. Both quickly showed what the black and yellow chassis girl power is all about.
 
Checkered Motorsports will be supporting the rest of the F-series GearUp Challenge, World Karting Association (WKA), United States Pro Kart Series (USPKS), Superkarts USA! (SKUSA) and the Pittsburgh International Race Complex events for the 2016 series. Transportation, arrive and drive opportunities, driver coaching and tech support/data analysis are available. For questions and dealer inquiries please contact checkeredmotorsports@yahoo.com.