Race 1 TSRS - Speedsportz

Race Report: KA100 Texas Sprint Racing Series - SpeedSportz (Feb. 21-23, 2025)

By Afton Willander

This weekend was definitely one to remember- or maybe to forget I am not sure just yet. It was my first time racing in the KA100 class in TSRS, and the weather was brutal—cold, rainy, and the track was super slick. I knew I was up against some fast drivers, but I was ready to learn and push myself.

Qualifying

Qualifying didn’t go as planned. We ran the new compound of rain tires and guessed wrong on the tire pressures. They were way too high, and I couldn’t find grip on the wet track. I struggled to get the kart to stick in the corners and ended up qualifying P27. It was frustrating, but I knew I just had to learn from it and keep pushing.

Heat 1

The rain got even heavier in Heat 1, and visibility was almost zero. Rooster tails of water were flying off the karts in front of me, and I could barely see the track. I did my best to stay out of trouble and just focus on finishing. There were karts off the track everywhere. I ended up in P29, which wasn’t where I wanted to be, but I knew I needed the seat time in the rain.

Heat 2

I was determined to do better in Heat 2. I felt more comfortable and started making up some positions. I got up to P18 and was feeling pretty good. But with just a few laps to go, I lost control on the slick surface and slid off into the runoff area. I was so mad at myself, but I got back on track and finished in P25. It was a tough lesson about how tricky rain racing can be.

Heat 3

Heat 3 was just crazy. It was raining even harder, and I literally couldn’t see anything. The rooster tails from the karts in front of me were like walls of water. I was fighting to just stay on track, and then I realized it was just too dangerous. I couldn’t see my braking points or even the corners. I made the decision to pull into the pits because it just wasn’t safe. It was a hard call, but I knew it was the right one.

Main Event

I was pumped up for the Main Event because I wanted to finish strong. The rain was still coming down, but I was ready to give it everything I had. I battled hard and kept it on the track, even though it was super slippery. I crossed the finish line and felt proud that I fought through the tough conditions and learned so much. I went from P31 to P19. P19 never felt so good!

Reflections and Looking Ahead

This was probably the hardest race weekend I’ve ever had. I’ve never raced in the rain before, and I learned so much about handling the kart in wet conditions. Even though the results weren’t great, I know this experience is going to help me a lot in the future. I’m definitely ready to come back stronger and smarter next time.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to Tipton and Drew and everyone at Hi5 Performance. I can’t wait to get back on the track and show what I’ve learned. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to keep pushing myself! I couldn’t have done any of this without my mechanic and coach Nathan Martin who flew in from North Carolina. My Uncle Slade and Papa are the ones who got me to this point and of course my parents and my whole family for all their support.

Stay tuned—sponsor announcements coming!

Race Report: Mini Swift Texas Sprint Racing Series – SpeedSportz

By Jenson Willander

This weekend was good! It was my first time racing in Mini Swift, and I was super nervous but excited too. I knew the other drivers were really fast, but I was ready to go for it.

Qualifying

Qualifying was tough. We were still figuring out the kart and getting used to the track. I didn’t qualify as high as I wanted, but I learned a lot about where I could go faster. I knew I had to push harder in the races. I had the help of my friend, Simon who races Mini in National Events and he gave me lots of encouragement.

Heats

In Heat 1 and 2, I was trying to stay out of trouble and just keep my spot. It was pretty wild out there! I focused on staying smooth and keeping my speed up. I battled with some drivers and felt good about how I did. By Heat 3, I was feeling more confident. I started making more passes and fighting for positions. It was awesome racing so close with everyone! I had a few battles that were really fun, and I was happy with how I raced.

Main Event

The Main Event was insane! I got a great start and worked my way up to P6. I was flying and felt so fast! But then, another kart hit me, and I went off the track into the grass. I was super bummed, but I knew I had to keep going.

A worker helped me to get back on track and I didn’t see any karts ahead of me because I was so far back. I was like, “I’m not giving up!” so I pushed as hard as I could. I kept getting closer and closer, and finally, I passed them! It felt so good to catch up after getting knocked off. I was proud that I didn’t quit.

Reflections and Looking Ahead

Even though I got hit off the track, I had so much fun, and I learned a lot. My grandpa came to watch me and that was really nice. My uncle races too and he helped me a lot. Racing in Mini Swift is way harder, but I know I can do it. I can’t wait for the next race to see how much better I can get!

Final Thoughts

Racing this weekend was awesome! I learned how to defend my spot, make passes, and not give up no matter what. I’m excited for the next race—I want to finish even higher!