Swann Takes Masters Finale at Barnesville as 2018 Champions are Crowned

 

The final chapter for the 2018 points season for the inaugural Maxxis 4 Cycle Sprint Series could not have been written better, for both the Diversified Plumbing Services LO206 Masters, as well as the Swann family, as veteran Tyson Swann became the 6th different winner in as many races in Masters competition this year, while son Tyler came away with the LO206 All Pro title at Lamar County Speedway in Barnesville, Georgia.

Also taking wins over the weekend, were Jaydyn Wilson in Kid Karts, and Lanie Buice laid claim to the Brads Karts and Parts LO206 Cadet finale. Will Meeler picked up his first win in the Brads Heating and Cooling LO206 Junior category, thus picking up a $250 payday, while Tyler Lloyd took the Andy Jones Motorsports LO206 Senior festivities. The Lloyd Family was again well represented, as brother Aren took the LO206 All Pro win, and younger brother Owen Lloyd won a fierce battle with Lanie Buice to claim the Pro Gas Cadet top honors.

For Tyson Swann, his day started by outdueling previous Barnesville winner Bob Barthelemy from the start, taking the lead from his outside pole starting spot. Barthelemy, along with 2018 Masters Champion Joey Miller, and Brad Farmer, hounded Swann the entire distance, with Swann taking the 20 lap affair. Barthelemy, Miller, Farmer, and Bobby Hill rounded out the top five, in what was the most competitive class in the win column in 2018. Swann joins Barthelemy, Justin VanderZee, Joey Miller, Barry Hastings, and Chris Carroll as Masters winners this year, making for a great 1st season for the class. With his third place finish, Miller claims the 2018 Masters title. Here’s a look at the final top 3, which will be honored at the Year End Awards Ceremony.

1 Joey Miller 325

2 Tyson Swann 308

3 Barry Hastings 249

While the elder Swann had to wait till the end of the day for the win, Tyler Swann chased the trio of Aren and Tyler Lloyd, as well as Jacob Duvall in the LO206 All Pro 20 lap main. The win for Aren Lloyd made him the only repeat winner in this class for the year with 2 wins, as Zach Linsell, Corey Towles, Austin Williamson, and Jason Yarbrough also scored wins in the very competitive class. With a combination of a 1 race edge, and consistency, Swann was able to hold onto the title, the first in All Pro competition. Here’s a look at the final top 3:

1 Tyler Swann 312

2 Aren Lloyd 256

3 Tyler Lloyd 253

Coming into the weekend, all eyes were focused on the Brad’s Karts and Parts LO206 Cadet class. With Cameron Weinberg sporting just a 2 point edge over his nearest rival in Owen Lloyd, a great deal of laps were turned in during the Friday practice session by many of the Cadet drivers, with the bulk of the competitors practicing right up to the edge of dark.  

While Weinberg and Lloyd were focused on their own deal, Lanie Buice was the X Factor. The opening day winner at Jacksonville, as well as the previous winner at Barnesville this season, Buice set out to attempt to leave the field in the dust, thus fighting among themselves. After Weinberg stumbled on the start, he gathered himself up to regain his original second place starting position back. However, once in second, Buice had checked out, with Weinberg peddling hard to catch the female phenom, all the while, keeping Lloyd behind him. In the end, Buice came away with her third Cadet win of the season, with Weinberg, Peyton Bridges, Lloyd, and Lane Littleton rounding out the top 5. With the top 2 spots in the title secured for Weinberg and Lloyd, Brently Miller had his own battle to contend with, trying to hold onto the third and final award spot in the standings. With his 6th place finish, Miller was able to hold off a hard charging Peyton Bridges for the final Year End Awards position. Here’s a look at the Final Top 3.

1 Cameron Weinberg 370

2 Owen Lloyd 365

3 Brently Miller 357

With just a couple races to overcome the end result in his Cadet race, Owen Lloyd regained his composure, winning a spirited battle with Lanie Buice in the Pro Gas Cadet main, with each driver leaning hard on each other in some of the best and most fierce competition of the day. Lane Littleton and Alyssa Vascocu rounded out the running order. While the Pro Gas Cadet served as a Local Option Class for a few races this season, they will join the national class lineup in 2019.

In Kid Kart competition, Jaydyn Wilson checked in for his 5th win in 6 races this season, thus laying claim to the inaugural title. Word is, the Wilson Family may yet have another Kid Kart competitor on the horizon, as early as next year, to challenge the 2018 champion.

For Will Meeler, the best may have come last for the driver in the Brad’s Heating and Cooling LO206 Junior class. While battling Elmer Edmunson the bulk of the season, missing one race this season, placed some distance in the points between he and Edmunson. However, Meeler stepped up his game at Barnesville, taking the $250 to win Money Race, topping Edmunson. In the end, Edmunson took the first Junior title for the series. Here’s a look at the final Junior points.

1 Elmer Edmunson 285

2 Will Meeler 250

In the Andy Jones Motorsports LO206 Senior main, Tyler Lloyd left nothing on the table, taking Fast Time, the Heat, and the Main, picking up his second win of the season, just edging out fellow 2 time winner, and brother Aren Lloyd for the win, and eventual title. Austin Williamson came home third over the weekend, with Jacob Duvall, and local product Nicholas Baxter claiming the top 5. In the final points, Tyler edged Aren by 8 tallies, with Tyler Swann coming home third. Here’s a look at the final top 3.

1 Tyler Lloyd 345

2 Aren Lloyd 337

3 Tyler Swann 314

While the points season is in the books, the best may still be yet to come, as the series will host their first ever Grand National event November 16 and 17 at 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida. Activities will begin with Shootout Races Friday evening, featuring LO206 Cadet, Senior Pro Gas, and LO206 Masters. For the Cadet and Masters drivers, winner will receive $200, with $100 for second, and $50 for third. Senior Pro Gas drivers will run for a $500 to win payday, provided there are 10 or more entries in the field. If so, second will pay $350, with $150 going to third. If the field has less than 10 entries, winner will receive $250, with 2nd getting $150, and $100 going to third. The Senior Pro Gas purse is courtesy of Jerry Yarbrough and Best Transmission.

Following the on track activities, there will be a catered barbecue, with major prizes to be handed out to all drivers in attendance.

Saturday will comprise a full day of racing with practice at 9, qualifying, heats, and mains to follow. Classes that will be competing include:

Kid Kart

LO206 Cadet

Pro Gas Cadet

LO206 Junior

LO206 All Pro

LO206 Senior

CIK LO206 Senior

LO206 Masters

Grand National Awards will be issued to the top 3 in all classes. More information regarding the inaugural Grand National Championship will be coming soon.

On behalf of GoldSpeed USA, special thanks to Lloyd Racing, Brad’s Karts and Parts, Brad’s Heating and Cooling, Diversified Plumbing Services, and Andy Jones Motorsports for their untiring efforts in making the first season for the Maxxis 4 Cycle Sprint Series a great success.

Congratulations to the inaugural champions, top 3, and all competitors, as well as their friends and family who supported the series. We look forward to an even better 2019.

 

       Carroll Shines in Jacksonville Masters Feature Race

Despite adverse heat and  issues with rain, Race #4 for the inaugural Maxxis 4 Cycle Sprint Series claimed its largest kart count of the year over the weekend. The series made a return visit to 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida.

Headlining the winners were veteran Chris Carroll, taking down the $500 prize money in the Diversified Plumbing Services LO206 Masters Feature race for the weekend, checking in for his 1st national win of the season.

Other winners over the weekend included, Tanner Carter, taking 2 wins. First in the Brad’s Karts and Parts LO206 Cadet class. Then returned later in the day to score the win in Pro Gas Cadet.

Jason Yarbrough flexed his muscle in the very exciting LO206 All Pro Class. While Elmer Edmunson kept the win streak alive by claiming his third straight in the Brad’s Heating and Cooling LO206 Junior class. Tyler Lloyd kept his Jax win streak intact, taking his second Andy Jones Motorsports LO206 Senior win in as many visits to Florida.  Jayden Wilson remains the top dog in LO206 Kid Karts.

For Carroll, the return by the many time 4 Cycle champion took just a few races to shake off the rust;  finding his way back to victory lane. Following a 2nd place finish at Kershaw, coupled with a 4th at Barnesville, Carroll grabbed the tiger by the tail in the northern Florida heat, taking top qualifying honors and the heat race win, to score his first win of the Maxxis season and $500 payday. James VanDerZee was second, earning a $250, with brother Justin checking in for third, earning $125. Points leader Joey Miller came home fourth, with Brad Farmer rounding out the top 5.

The weekend at Jacksonville was also a comeback of sorts for Tanner Carter. After crashing hard at Barnesville in May, while vying for the lead in the midst of lapped traffic. Carter survived one of the most intense battles of the weekend, involving  Miller, Weinberg, and Lloyd, as the four raced two by two for multiple laps down the Jax backstretch. Carter was able to secure his first Maxxis win of the season. Miller wound up second, with Weinberg, Lloyd, and Peyton Bridges rounding out the top 5.

With Pro Gas Cadet also being added for the weekend, Carter strapped on a different motor, and proceeded in a race long battle with Owen Lloyd and Lanie Buice.  Carter snared his second win of the day. Buice, Lloyd, and Alyssa Vascocu completed the running order.

With a strong field of LO206 All Pro drivers didn’t disappoint the crowd on hand. Local product Jason Yarbrough making an impressive late race charge to take his first win of the season. The top 5 remained nose to tail throughout the event, with Yarbrough securing the win over Sean Meier, Corey Towles, Tyler Lloyd, and Matt Mayes.

Elmer Edmunson continued his winning streak in the Brad’s Heating and Cooling LO206 Junior class. Despite the domination in the Junior class by Edmunson in the win column, the wins are getting harder to come by. Points leader, Will Meeler, was right on Edmunson’s heels for the finish, with newcomer Dylan Amundson, a very strong Florida hotshoe, coming home in third.

With the Maxxis 4 Cycle Series event tied into a North Florida Kart Club points event, many additional locals found their way into the Andy Jones Motorsports LO206 Senior field. However, it was Georgia driver Tyler Lloyd, who kept his Jax win streak alive, taking the second win in as many races at the famed track. Jacob Duvall, a teammate to Lloyd, came home second with Caylyn Brown registering a solid third place run. Local driver, David Hazard, raced his way to a fourth place run with Tyler Swann rounding out the top 5. Locals made up the next 4 positions, with Richard Sadler, Scott Wentz, John Morris, and Stephen Gale 6th-9th, while Aren Lloyd and Andrew Maldonado rounded out the 11 kart field.

In Kid Kart competition, Jayden Wilson kept his winning percentage at .1000, taking his 4th win in as many events in 2018.

With his win in the LO206 Senior class, Tyler Loyd keeps Comet Eagle atop the ongoing Chassis Standings for 2018, with 7 wins. Tanner Carters win makes Razor a close second with 6 victories. Coyote is now on the board as well, and right in the hunt with 3 wins, all in one weekend by Chris Carroll, Elmer Edmunson, and Jason Yarbrough.

Comet Eagle: 7

Razor: 6

Coyote: 3

MGM: 1

The next event for the Maxxis 4 Cycle Sprint Series comes quickly, as the program heads to Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina on July 14 for Stop #5. The LO206 Cadet drivers will be back in the spotlight, running for a $250 top prize, with $150 for second, and $100 going to third.

For more information, be sure to log on to the Maxxis 4-Cycle Sprint Series Facebook page, or go to maxxiskartracing.com.

 

Towles Sweeps Two Mains in Barnesville Debut

The calendar may have said Mother’s Day weekend. But the temperature felt like the 4th of July. The Maxxis 4 Cycle Sprint Series made the first of two stops at the legendary Lamar County Speedway in Barnesville, Georgia for Race #3 of the season.

Much to the surprise of many, successful racer, Corey Towles, was making his first appearance at the historic facility. And like most other facilities, Towles took no time to master the legendary track, taking both LO206 Senior class presented by Andy Jones Motorsports  and LO206 All Pro class.

Towles swept the top qualifying honors in Senior competition early in the day, then added on by winning the heat race, to take the pole for the evening main. Towles won the main under the lights, finishing ahead of Tyler Lloyd, Aren Lloyd, Austin Williamson, and Tyler Swann. With his second place run, Tyler Lloyd now leads over brother Aren by a slim one point margin as the season reaches the halfway point.

The LO206 All Pro main was a mirror image of the Senior competition, with Towles checking in for his second win of the night, topping Tyler Lloyd, Aren Lloyd, Austin Williamson, and Tyler Swann. Swann now leads the All Pro points by 41 over Aren Lloyd, with Tyler Lloyd and Williamson the top four in the standings.

After winning the season opener in Jacksonville in the LO206 Cadet class presented by Brad’s Karts and Parts, Buice struggled in race #2 at Kershaw. In race #3, Buice got her mojo back, taking down her second Cadet win of the season and earning $250 payday, An additional $75 from Lloyd Racing was added to the purse, bringing Buice’s total winnings  to $325. Owen Lloyd continued to maintain his consistency in the class, coming home second, for a $200 payday. Brently Miller earning $140 for his third place finish. Lane Littleton also earned $35 for fourth place, with Peyton Bridges rounding out the top 5. Lloyd now holds a slim one point margin over Cameron Weinberg. Brently Miller and Lanie Buice just four points back. Bridges rounds out the top 5, only nine points in arrears.

Elmer Edmonson made it two wins in a row in the LO206 Junior class presented by Brad’s Heating and Cooling, topping points leader Will Meeler. Edmonson made a clean sweep. Edmonson looks for redemption as he returns to Jacksonville,  the only track on the series that has escaped him to date. Meeler currently holds a 41 point edge over Edmonson after three races.

People say, “It only takes two karts to make a race.” The Maxxis Kid Kart confirmed this saying over the past weekend. After two races, young Jaydyn Wilson has steadily gained confidence and increased driving ability.  Jaydyn was able to use those tools against newcomer, Milo Chiecchio. While the pair ran under the lights for the first time, the Barnesville course threw its challenges at the young duo. Many times throughout the races one would stop on the track if the other spun out, allowing for the other to recover and make it a race. This show of sportsmanship continued into the main event. Whether it was by accident or plan, the actions of these two young drivers sent a resounding and spirited message to those who watched the event. While young Milo claimed the win, it was clear on this night, there were two winners in more ways than one! Special thanks to the parents of these fine young drivers for providing wonderful entertainment and true sportsmanship to the crowd that was proud to watch them.  

The LO206 Masters class presented by Diversified Plumbing topped the evening off with a spirited four kart battle for the lead. Troubles in turn one late in the event, spread the field out. After taking down the club event earlier in the day, veteran, Bob Barthelemy, showed his prowess on the Lamar County Speedway surface, taking his first Maxxis win of the season. With his second place finish, Miller holds a slim three point edge over Hastings, with Tyson Swann just 12 points back in third.

In the ongoing battle for chassis supremacy, Razor scored three wins, thanks to Buice in Cadet, Towles in Senior, and Barthelemy in Masters. Towles gave Comet their third win of the year with his win in All Pro action. Here’s a look at the updated Chassis Standings:

Razor: 8

Comet: 3

MGM: 1

A special thanks to Steve and Stacy Roberts of Roberts’ Kart Shop for providing awards and $50 to each of the top qualifiers.

With the third race in the books, the series makes a return trip to 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida. The LO206 Masters Class will run for a $500 to win payday, second place cashes $250, and $125 going to third.

Additionally, the series will add a Pro Gas Class for the LO206 Cadet competitors. Drivers will run through the same process as the points classes, 3 rounds of practice, qualify,  heat race, and main event. Since this is a Local Option class, competitors will not be required to come to qualifying with a new set of Prime tires. Entry fee will be set at $20.

With a return to Jacksonville, which also hosts several 2 Cycle classes, local drivers are welcome to attend and be part of the Jacksonville program, which serves North Florida Kart Club latest points race.

For more information on Race #4, as well as any info on the Maxxis 4 Cycle Sprint Series, contact Buddy Long at buddy@goldspeedusa.com.

Lloyd Cashes in at Kershaw

 

After finishing in sixth place at the Season Opener,  Aren Lloyd of the LO206 Senior class presented by Andy Jones Motorsports, decided it was time to step up in a big way.

The Maxxis 4 Cycle Sprint Series rolled into Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, South Carolina this past weekend for Race #2 of the seven race series. Lloyd doubled his chances for success by signing into the LO206 All Pro class. Ultimately, Lloyd hit the jackpot to become first repeat winner of the series in 2018.

The LO206 Senior class presented by Andy Jones Motorsports was the Feature Class for Race #2. Following an early spirited battle between brothers, Aren and Tyler Lloyd;  Aren cruised to the first win for the day, netting the $500 payday. Coming home second was former Junior national champion and Kershaw regular, Austin Williamson. Sean Meier, Jacob Duvall, and Tyler Swann completed the top five finishers. Despite Tyler Lloyd’s sixth place run, the top of the standings are at a deadlock for the series lead with the Lloyd brothers and Sean Meier each at 107 points.

Aren Lloyd’s success continued in the LO206 All Pro class. With $200 already on the line for the winner, accompanied by an additional $250 in purse money, courtesy of Kart City Performance, the battle was again on for the top shelf of the podium. Lloyd’s chief rival in this race would be Meier. The pair ran the entire CMP course side by side, featuring some of the cleanest and most intense racing all day. In the end, Lloyd, was able to hold on for the win, despite a late race off course detour, which also impacted Meier. Fortunately both drivers were able to continue, with Lloyd taking the $250 payday, while brother Tyler was able to slip by Meier and claim second. Meier rebounded for third, with Jacob Duvall and Tyler Swann rounding out the top five. With his fifth place run, Swann inherited the top spot in the All Pro standings.

The continued growth of the LO206 Cadet class presented by Brad’s Karts & Parts, which expanded to 12 entries for Race #2. Following the sensation of  Lanie Buice’s win at Jacksonville in April, Cameron Weinberg took command of the race at CMP. Weinberg swept qualifying, heat, and the eventual 15 lap main. With over a six second lead of Owen Lloyd, Weinberg took home the first place position for Race #2. Following issues in his heat race, Brently Miller charged from the back of the pack, bringing home a hard earned third place finish. Lane Littleton and Peyton Bridges rounded out the top five finishers. Bridges also had issues early in the day, forcing the young Georgia driver to make a similar run from the back, much like Miller. Weinberg’s win, combined with his third place finish at Jacksonville, gives the young driver a three point edge over Lloyd. Race #3 at Lamar County Speedway will feature the LO206 Cadet Class as the Feature Class, will be a one of the best feature race of the season.  Special thanks to Kart Carolina for adding a winner take all purse of $100 to the LO206 Cadet class this past weekend.

Following a rough outing in the Season Opener, Elmer Edmonson rebounded in taking LO206 Junior main event presented by Brad’s Heating & Cooling. Edmunson lead the field each time on the track. Will Meeler followed Edmunson to take the checkered flag in second during the final race. With Meeler’s pair of second place runs so far year, he is holding as the points leader.

For the second event in a row, young Georgia driver Jaydyn Wilson brought his Kid Kart to the event. Wilson gaining more laps, exposure, and further preparing him for competition to come, as Lamar County Speedway is his home track.

LO206 Masters presented by Diversified Plumbing found a past 4 Cycle Champion, Chris Carroll,  rolled out and shook off the rust. For many laps, Carroll began showing signs of the days of old, but eventually succumbed to the hard charging efforts of Joey Miller. Miller was able to claim his first Masters win of the season. The win at CMP for Miller was  a nice rebound after his last lap misfortunes at Jacksonville. Carroll chased Miller across the stripe for second place with James Vanderzee coming in third.

With wins in Cadet, Senior, and Masters, Razor Chassis extended their lead in the season long chassis standings, totaling 5 for the season. Comet, on the heels of Aren Lloyds All Pro win, now have 2 wins for the season; while MGM has 1.

Race #3 for the Maxxis 4 Cycle Sprint Series will be Saturday evening, May 12 at Lamar County Speedway in Barnesville, Georgia.  The series will run the only race of the year. Earlier in the day, Georgia Sprint Karting Association will feature their Club event.  Maxxis 4-Cycle Sprint Series drivers are allowed to compete in the GSKA club even, should they prefer. If so, any Maxxis 4-Cycle Sprint Series drivers can race on Maxxis Prime tires during the Club race, but will not be awarded Club points. As mentioned earlier, the Feature Class will be the LO206 Cadet class presented by Brad’s Heating & Cooling, awarding $250 to the winner, $150 for second, and $100 for third. Additionally, Roberts Kart Shop has sweetened the purse to award $50 to the Fast Qualifiers in Cadet, Junior, All Pro, Senior, and Masters.

 

For more information on Race #3, contact Buddy Long at buddy@goldspeedusa.com

 

A special thank you to Christine Lloyd taking wonderful photos and allowing us to use them!

 

LO206 Cadet Turns Heads and Quickest Lap Times of the Season Opener

The long awaited debut of the newest program in the 4-Cycle Sprint world, Maxxis 4-Cycle Sprint Series, was greeted with the classic, warm Florida weather this past weekend at the famed 103rd Street Sports Complex in Jacksonville, Florida.
With a concept of building the kart count through utilizing the support of the local programs, the Season Opener had a strong substantial group of competitors from across the Southeast. The North Florida Kart Club, Georgia Sprint Karting Association, as well as competitors from Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC, converged on 103rd Street for a crack at the top of the podium.

Headlining winners included Tyler Lloyd, who held off the enduring challenge of Jason Yarbrough, following intently throughout the 15 lap distance in the LO206 Senior class sponsored by Andy Jones Motorsports. The end result featured some local and national 4-Cycle Sprint names, including multi-national champion, Sean Meier bringing home third, Evan Cowen trailed in fourth, and Zach Linsell rounded out the top five. Aren Lloyd, Patrick O’Neal, Jacob Duvall, Matt Mayes, and Caylyn Brown completed the top ten spots.

The fierce competition was not limited to the adult classes. The impressive Lanie Buice turned the fastest lap times of the day and took the lead over her male dominant competition in the LO206 Cadet class sponsored by Brad’s Karts & Parts. With many of the Cadet competitors turned heads as they took to the powerful 1,000 foot backstretch and extremely tight turns in Jacksonville for the first time. Cadets showed skillful driving years above their age throughout the final race. Buice edged Owen Lloyd, Cameron Weinberg, Brently Miller, and Peyton Bridges for the top five. Rounding out the top ten included Logan Buice, Mason Donahue, Alyssa Vascocu, and Carson Weinberg.

In the LO206 Masters main, sponsored by Diversified Plumbing Services, Justin Vanderzee came away with the top honor. In one of the final turns, Joey Miller and James Vanderzee went off course, giving Justin Vanderzee the clear lane to reach the checkered flag. Jerry Yarbrough followed closely behind Vanderzee to take the runner-up honors, while Barry Hastings snared the third spot on the podium. Kevin Medearis came home fourth and James Vanderzee was able to rebound for the fifth position. Joey Miller, Tim Clark, Tyson Swann, Brad Farmer, and Todd Baron finalized the top ten. 

Before LO206 Masters took to the track, one of the many young future hopefuls in the sport, Jaydyn Wilson mastered the 103rd Street oval in the Maxxis Kid Kart competition. From beginning to end, Jaydyn displayed improved confidence and faster lap times with each passing moment on the track. While one of the many benefits to karting is watching great competition and full fields, the heartwarming part of the program is the development and passion of young drivers.

In the LO206 Junior main event presented by Brad’s Heating & Cooling, Alexander Searle came away with the first Maxxis national event win in this class, topping Will Meeler and Elmer Edmunson. Searle turned a quick 40.931 lap time over his competitors.
Zach Linsell took his LO206 All Pro kart to the track to top Tyler Swann for the win and took away a $500 payday from the feature class for the weekend. Swann cashed in $250 for his second place effort.

As the series prepares for Race #2 on April 14th at Carolina Motorsports Park, the Andy Jones Motorsports LO206 Senior Class will be gearing up for the $500 payday. Pre-registration will open on March 28th on maxxiskartracing.com/sprint-series.
The Maxxis 4-Cycle Sprint Series staff would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to all of the families and customers who supported the first event of the season. Congratulations to all the winners of the Season Opener! We look forward to seeing everyone at Race #2 on April 14th.