DeLong captures gold at ROK The Rio in Micro ROK

Arizona resident Parker DeLong (Benik) was challenged throughout the 18-lap final, but got himself out front when it counted to win the hotly contested Micro ROK Final. DeLong looked to be gaining momentum as the week progressed, improving each session over the last. The end of his week garnered a win in his final heat race and he backed that up with the win again in the main event.

Throughout the race DeLong had battled with Caleb Gafrarar (Parolin) and Bernado Gentil (Benik). That lead trio broke away from the field for the majority of the race, swapping positions nearly every lap. Matias Orjuela (VMotorsports / Parolin) found his groove in fourth alone, but able to keep pace with the leaders. Sebastian Garzon (Team Montoya / Tony Kart) too was alone in fifth but had no issue keeping up with the leaders, just a second back.

In an intense final lap, the five karts formed one group at the front, each fighting for the podium. When the dust settled, DeLong had put his machine at the top, followed by Gafrarar and Gentil on the podium. Garzon was able to overtake Orjuela for the fourth spot.