Next Level Karting rolled into Round 9 of Phoenix’s K1 Speed Challenge GP with high hopes and a hungry lineup of drivers—and by the end of the week, our team had delivered a podium finish in every single category! From juniors to the adults, our drivers showed exactly why Next Level Karting is one of the strongest forces on track.
Junior GP – McGowan vs. Stern: A Battle at the Front
The day kicked off with the Juniors, and development driver Rigby McGowan set the tone early by putting his kart on pole position during qualifying—grabbing not only the best starting spot but also an extra championship point.
When the race got underway, Rigby looked untouchable at the front, but teammate Eli Stern had other plans. Charging through the field with smart, calculated passes, Eli closed right onto Rigby’s bumper and made it clear he wasn’t settling for second. The two traded attacks and defensive moves in a thrilling display of race craft that had spectators glued to the action.
When the checkered flag finally waved, it was Rigby who came out on top, with Eli crossing the line just inches behind for a 1-2 finish. Another win extended Rigby’s championship lead, while Eli’s drive proved his ability to fight at the sharp end of the grid. A perfect start to the weekend for Next Level Karting!
Teen GP – Myers Powers Through the Pack
Over on the Teen League side, Travis Myers started in 4th position. The opening lap was pure chaos as karts jostled for position into Turn 1, but once things settled down, Travis’s pace began to shine through.
Lap by lap, he worked his way forward, making clean, decisive overtakes to grab 3rd place and set his sights on the runner-up spot. A few laps later, he executed the move for 2nd, capping off a brilliant recovery drive. His determination and smooth race craft earned him yet another Next Level podium.
Adult GP – Double the Drama, Double the Results
Later in the week, it was time for the Adult GP, and the stakes were high. After two intense rounds of qualifying, Conner Vickers secured a spot in the top 3, while Giovanni Perez-D’Amico had more work to do, starting from 9th in the A Main.
When the race began, Conner delivered a calm, consistent performance, holding his ground and crossing the line in 2nd place to claim another podium for the team. Meanwhile, Giovanni put on a show further back in the pack. With aggressive yet precise moves lap after lap, he clawed his way through the field, slicing past opponents to finish a strong 4th place. Both drives solidified Conner and Giovanni as top contenders in the championship hunt, and their points haul helped strengthen their push for a coveted national transfer spot.
A Weekend of Podiums
Across three categories, Next Level Karting secured podium finishes in every single one—an incredible achievement that highlights the strength, skill, and teamwork of our drivers. Rigby, Eli, Travis, Conner, and Giovanni all showcased what it means to race with heart and precision, pushing themselves and the team forward in the championship fight.
With Round 10 just around the corner, the momentum is on our side. We’re excited to see how our drivers continue to raise the bar and bring home even more hardware for Next Level Karting!
