May 4, 2009

EKN Trackside: WKA Manufacturer’s Cup Series - South Bend Saturday Report

Yamaha Sportsman Heavy
Yamaha Sportsman Heavy is the new class added to the 2009 lineup with Jake Johnston (Margay) earning the first pole award for the class. Johnston led all 12 laps in the Prefinal despite heavy pressure from James Bennett (Birel), along with Merlin drivers Aidan Landauer and Kyle Kalish. The opening corner of the 16-lap feature mixed up the field as Bennett and Johnston were among those involved. This allowed Landauer, Kalish and Kyle Tilley (Margay) to break away from the field for a three kart battle for the victory. Tilley sat third as the top two worked together to try and make it a two-kart battle. The race came down to the final lap when the Merlin drivers made contact at the top of the hill going into turn five. That allowed Tilley to slide through to assume the point and go on to take the victory. Landauer and Kalish ended up second and third with John Powers (Arrow) and Johnston rounding out the top-five.