TYLER THOMAS SCORES PODIUM AT SUPERNATIONALS

Source: Tyler Thomas Media Relations
Date: 12/01/2008

Team Top Kart USA and Tyler Thomas Motorsports pilot Tyler Thomas scored a second place podium result at last weekend’s Superkarts! USA (SKUSA) SuperNationals held on a temporary circuit adjacent to the RIO All Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. With the podium result, Thomas proved that he will be one of the drivers to beat in 2009 TaG Junior competition in all series of competition.

After looking very good through the test days leading up to the event, Thomas was close to the top of the time charts in Thursday’s official timed sessions. Working with tuner Mike Maurini, the duo worked on a good qualifying setup to ensure up front starting positions for the three heat race format.

After turning a solid 43.897 lap in qualifying, Thomas could be seen fifth on the time charts out of a field of 49 as he would look to begin his quest towards SuperNationals glory. Lining up fifth for the start of each heat race, the Tulsa, Oklahoma pilot would look for consistent race finishes to ensure an upfront starting position for the main event.

Looking to make his presence felt throughout the heat races, Thomas went on to win the second round of heat races after being shoved wide on the last lap of the first heat race while leading to finish a solid sixth. The third and final heat race saw Thomas run very strong but an incident causing a red flag ruined any chances of victory. During the red flag, Thomas was collected in a separate incident that destroyed the front end of his Top Kart. Working late, the Thomas crew replaced all bent and broken components in search for victory on Super Sunday.

Lining up inside the second row for the main event, Thomas made the most of his starting position and exited corner one in the third position. First run down the back straight and the Oklahoma resident was on the move as he progressed forward to P2. Running with the leader for a few laps, Thomas eventually took the lead before the half way mark but lost it three laps later. Another red flag then followed as all the junior drivers were brought to a stop on the front straight. Understanding that it was going to be a short four lap dash to the finish, Thomas would have to work quick as he would re-start in the third position.

With three laps remaining, Thomas moved into the second position and set his sights on the leader. Running quicker lap times than his fellow competitor, Thomas began to eat into his lead. Looking like he had a shot on the last lap, the eventual race winner drove a defensive line down the long back straight to secure the win. The young Tyler Thomas did not take any drastic passing action as he played it smart to score his first career SuperNationals podium result at the young age of 12.

“I would like to thank everyone that made this weekend and result possible,” stated Tyler Thomas after the event. “I am looking forward to 2009 and all the racing action we have scheduled. I can feel my first national win is just around the corner.”

Earlier in the day Thomas also competed in the HPV 2 class where he scored a seventh place result. With some unfortunate luck during the heat races, Thomas claimed a fourth, second and 16th place results after retiring from the lead in heat two with a fuel line failure.

Tyler would like to thank his current sponsors for a successful SuperNationals event: Grand Products, Top Kart, Douglas Wheel, Race Tech Development, Woltjer Race Engines, Go Racing Magazine, Remington Investigation, Citizens Security Bank, Ribtect, On Track Promotions, Leatt-Brace, Jamie McMurray Racing as well as Joey Hand and Erik Bartolero from Kartel Motorsports for their support.

Tyler would also like to send an extra special congratulation to all the Kartel Motorsports and Top Kart drivers including S3 Champion Brendan Phinny and S5 winner Devin Mauk as well as IndyCar star Dan Wheldon for a very strong run in the TaG Senior division.

For sponsorship opportunities and more information on Tyler Thomas and Tyler Thomas Motorsports, please contact Mike Maurini at 317.270.8723 or via e-mail at Mike@RaceTechDevelopment.com

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