Bailey back on the box for Round 2 of COA
Round 2 of the Vortex Rok Challenge of the Americas took place n Southern California’s Calspeed Karting Center in Fontana, California.
All eyes were on the GFC team due to the high grip levels and warm temperatures helped their package thrive. Rumors of rain posed another potential threat for drivers and teams.
A torrid qualifying session left Bailey in P12. In a half and half race with damp conditions but slick tires, Bailey put in a strong drive to finish second, which put him starting P2 on the grid for the final.
Due to issues with ambulance availability, the Saturday final was run early on Sunday morning. Bailey chased leader and eventual winner Jake French to settle for his first runner-up finish of the season and GFC newcomer Brendan Ruzbarsky in third.
Qualifying for sunday’s events fared better, where Bailey qualified P5 on the grid. The track conditions appeared to be a bit of a crippling for GFC drivers, where French won the pre-final and Bailey advanced to 4th.
Another ambulance absence meant daylight was running-out. In a quick decision, the organizers decided on a quick 10 lap final in the dark which was quite interesting. Starting 4th, Bailey was all over teammate Cole Shade for the final podium spot, but ran out of time.
“It was a great weekend results-wise for us. The pac was good, we jsut got caught-out by a few things. In sunday’s final, we were set-up for the long-run. So, at about lap 8 or 9 my tires and chassis started to come in. Kind of disappointed I couldn’t get back on the box, but we were all right there with the pace. God is good, I’m looking forward to the season finale in Sonoma, California March 27-30.”
