Wharton outduels Zilisch in KA100 Junior

In an impressive runaway from the field, Aussie James Wharton and American Connor Zilisch had set the stage for the final lap very early in the 20-lap KA100 Junior main event. Both drivers had taken their turn out front, but neither could breakaway from the other.

As the final lap commenced, Wharton and Zilisch drove side by side nearly the entire way from turn two to turn six, but ultimately Wharton had the inside advantage into turn six. Zilisch tried to set up for the over-under, but had went a bit too wide, putting his outside tires into the dirty part of the track, losing too much traction to make a solid effort.

Wharton drove the rest of the way to the win, as Zilisch tried to go under Wharton at the line but fell short by just .034.

Over eight seconds behind was the fight for third, which saw Kaden Wharff (Top Kart USA) prevail over Dylan Christie (MDR / Kosmic) and Bryson Morris (Comet Kart Sales / Kart Republic)..

Multiple-time heat winner, Luca Mars, continued to fall down the order as the race went on, finishing a disappointing 10th. It was not the race he and his team had expected after leading something like 30 of the 36 laps in the three heats.