FLORIDA WINTER TOUR JANUARY 11-13, 2008 & JANUARY 18-20, 2008 HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY (FLORIDA)

ALEX SPEED AND THE MRP AMERICA TEAM WIN IN THE DD2

Over 230 drivers lit up the 10th edition of the Florida Winter Tour, the event that opens the American karting season and that, all of the insiders consider to be an excellent proving ground for the beginning of the national championships.
Traditionally, the first weekend is dedicated to the Rotax classes while the following week the National categories will be racing.
This aspect has allowed many drivers who don’t normally take part in the brand promoted by the Austrian house to also take part in the Rotax weekend.
It was interesting to see Trophy specialists, like the winner of the World Final Oulelette against national champions of Alex Speed’s calibre. But the race was also the opportunity to see two important names in action on Birel karts: Scott Speed and Pietro Fittipaldi.
The F1 driver has returned to karting with a “spot” appearance in the DD2, while the grandson of the great Emerson Fittipaldi debuted with the Papis-Birel team in the Mini Rotax class. The first day of racing on Saturday was very positive for both of them.
In fact, Scott Speed made 3rd place in the DD2 while Fittipaldi ended in 2nd place in the Mini. Unfortunately, however, the much awaited Alex Speed was forced to withdraw from the DD2. The MRP-Birel America team driver raced on Sunday, winning a neat victory.
Even the young Dore Chaponick was in the spotlight on the 2nd day with his success in the Mini class. Classifications and the complete report of the event is available on ekartingnews.com.