The 2010 karting year wrapped up with the opening event of the 2011 season for the World Karting Association with the running of the annual Daytona KartWeek at the Daytona International Raceway. The George Kugler/Bridgestone Manufacturer’s Cup Series opened up the next edition of the series at the event with a recorded breaking 700 entries at the two-day event. For a number of years now, the Sportsman (ages 8-12) divisions have been the most competitive races event after event. Daytona was no different with the five classes offered, totaling 221 entries. At the front of all five fields was Canadian Grant Quinlan as he fended off a number of challengers over the course of the event. In the end, he would record four feature wins and a runner-up finish to earn the EKN Driver of the Month for December 2010.

The first day of competition included three classes - Cadet Sportsman, Yamaha Sportsman Heavy and Komet Sportsman. Quinlan started off with the Cadet pole award while placing third in the other categories, missing out on the pole position by 0.033-seconds and 0.091-seconds respectively. Quinlan went on to go three for three in the Prefinals, scoring the win in each to start on the pole for the main events. The Cadet victory was a battle between he, Kyle Tilley and Emerson Reed with Quinlan taking the checkered by over two-seconds in the end. After falling to second in the first lap, Quinlan led the remaining laps of the Yamaha feature for win number two by 0.139-seconds at the line. In the Komet main, Quinlan led across the stripe for the majority of the race until he fell to third at the checkered flags but was moved to second following penalties.

On day two, Quinlan completed an event sweep in the Cadet Sportsman division with another pole, Prefinal and Final win while leading all 20 race laps. After earning his third pole position of the event, Quinlan finished second in the Yamaha Sportsman Lite Prefinal. After shuffling back to fourth on the first lap, Quinlan knifed his way back to the point by lap eight. Leading to the checkered flag, Quinlan wrapped up his fourth victory of the event.

The impressive part of Quinlan’s accomplishment was the fact it was only the second visit at the Daytona track for the recently-turn 12 year old. Quinlan was a challenger in the championship chases last season and now leading three of the four point standings, the Canadian is sure to be in the hunt once again this year.

December 2010 EKN Driver of the Month - Grant Quinlan

Bio

Born: December 4, 1998

Hometown: Windsor, Ontario

Parents: Todd and Jen

Siblings: Tommy and Calvin

Height/Weight: 95 lbs.

Education: 7th Grade - St. Peters Catholic School

Job: none

Racing Resume

Chassis: Birel

Engine/Engine Builder: Adkins / Fleming

Sponsors: Birel America

Series You Compete In: WKA / Midwest / MRP / FWT

Years Karting: 6

How did you get started in karting? My Dad raced when he was young (No body work - LOL)

What has been the high point in your racing career? This year so far

What are your goals in racing? To go to NASCAR level

In a few words, how would you describe your driving style? Be successful and consistent

Funniest moment at the race track? When the engine builder’s excuse that it was slow “because the kart is ‘Hucklebuckin’.”

Likes 

Favorite Track: Michiana Raceway Park

Favorite form of professional motorsports: NASCAR

Favorite karting driver: Gary Carlton

Favorite professional driver: Kyle Busch

Favorite website: none

Favorite movie: Home Alone

Favorite actor/actress: Tom Hanks

Favorite music/group: Bon Jovi

Favorite vacation/activity spot: Race track

Favorite food: Pasta

The Real Deal 

What do you do when not at the track? Play hockey

What are your goals outside of karting? None

What type of street car do you drive? School bus

What type of street car would you like to drive? Camaro

What are your pet peeves or things that irritate you? Braggers

What do you think could be done to improve the sport of karting? Equality

What are your favorite aspects about the sport of karting? The competition

December Driver of the Month - Honorable Mention:

- Sam Beasley: WKA Daytona KartWeek - Four Senior Wins

- Mason Chelootz: WKA Daytona KartWeek - Two Senior Wins