2019 FWT Miami 1: Mars promoted to first following Crews bumper penalty in Junior ROK
A wild last lap had Crews climb three spots, pushing back his bumper in the process.
The first 17.5 laps the 18-lap Junior ROK Final was led by pole sitter Luca Mars, who had come under attack on multiple occasions, but had never relinquish the lead as the leaders made it to the final lap. At this point the gloves were off and Diego Contecha (Orsolon Racing / Tony Kart) and Brent Crews (Nitro / Kart Republic) wanted the top spot. With Mars defending, Contecha used some bumper to try and move the Pennsylvanian, unsuccessfully, in the turn four hairpin. Directly behind was Crews, who had now made it into third with a pass on Lucas Staico (Orsolon Racing / Tony Kart). As the lead three made their way into the turn five-six double-left, Contecha again pushed Mars unsuccessfully, but it was enough to leave room underneath for Crews to snake his way through, past both drivers, to take the lead as they exited turn six.
Unfortunately for Crews, his bumper had already been pushed back in a similar situation laps earlier and he would be charged a five-second penalty in post-race tech, handing the win to Mars. More penalties to teammates Staico and Contecha promoted Canadian Mackenzie Clark (Prime Powerteam) to second. Compatriot Justin Arseneau (Speed Concepts / Tony Kart) benefitted as well to get into the final podium spot. Chloe Chambers (Mike Doty / Kosmic Kart) had her best run of the weekend to finish fourth ahead of Staico after his three position driving penalty.