Australia’s most decorated karter, David Sera, has handed out some gongs from the recent Las Vegas Super Nationals, plus offers constructive feedback for the event organiser.
By Dave Sera, Kart Class
SuperNats: The Winners & Losers
The 27th edition of the SKUSA SuperNats took place at the Las Vegas Speedway last weekend.
With over 500 drivers competing from around the world, we’re looking at the winners & losers across the event.
Winners
• Kart Chaser broadcast
Make no mistake, the coverage from the Kart Chaser team is world-class and has drastically improved the attention karting gets online. No other series worldwide comes close to what Kart Chaser produce. Whether it’s the on-track action, or the interviews with drivers, the team gets to know drivers on a personal note giving families and people watching online a new perspective on karting.
• Joe Turney
After experiencing heartbreak at the FIA World championships earlier this year, Turney has been on a tear since racing in the USA from 2023. Winning both KA Senior & X30 beating over 130 different drivers across the two categories is incredible. The Kart Republic driver builds to his impressive karting resume
• The Layout
I didn’t drive the circuit, but from what I could see, this circuit was an improvement from last year. Not only did it provide close racing, with the traditional long straights leading to big slipstreams. But it was more technical this year allowing faster drivers to gain an advantage in the technical section, whilst still allowing multiple overtaking opportunities per lap.
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• the KZ final
Considering many drivers voiced their opinions of not being able to pass early in the week, the KZ final turned it on for viewers (both trackside & on the broadcast). Drivers racing for big prize money & the prestigiousness, Morgatto put it all on the line when attempting to take the lead over Markus Kajak. Unfortunately for both of them the Turn 1 incident sent both drivers into the barriers and put Daniel Vasile into the lead holding off former winner Pedro Hiltbrand to win.
Losers
• Viewing
Unfortunately, the viewing from being at the circuit was terrible. With the way the circuit was shaped, there simply wasn’t enough grandstands around the circuit to watch the action. The barriers don’t help, as it can be hard to see some sections, but with the two grandstands trackside being at a similar part of the track, families & mechanics were limited with what they could see.
• Missing the Strip
This was my first event at the Speedway & having previously raced at the Rio & the Westgate casino, this year didn’t have the same buzz. Put the exact same event in a random city, and it would be great. But having experienced racing under lights with the strip in the background, this year lacked the excitement of previous years. I’m not sure it’s possible to get back to the Rio or a parking lot in town, but the SuperNats to me needs to get back there.
• The Format
In recent years, the Australian karting scene has removed morning warmups. People weren’t overly excited about having them taken away, as any mechanical issue would now be found in a heat race or final. But after two days of practice, if drivers & mechanics can’t get it together, that should be on them. The SuperNats saw both a morning & afternoon group, so by time we saw warmup sessions for both, it adds an extra 3 hours to the day. Considering the Saturday program saw drivers do one 7-minute warmup, and a 10-lap race, that’s a very expensive day for 17 laps on track. Give drivers an extra 1-2 races and families will see a better value for money.
That’s a wrap on my favourite karting event on the calendar. It was great to see many drivers & families who’ve supported our Kart Class programs over the years. I also had the opportunity to reconnect with many friends I’ve met over the past decade racing in the USA and I’m excited to get back for the 2025 edition.
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