Scott Barnes lived up to his expectations after securing a podium finish competing at the Skusa SuperNationals in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Bermudian finished fifth among a formidable field of 19 drivers in the final of the shifter masters class at the championship, which was held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway from December 2 to 5.

He completed the 24-lap race in 18 min 04 seconds, with a fastest lap time of 44.2 seconds, after starting from seventh position on the grid.

“The goal was to get a top five podium finish, so I was super excited to get onto the podium,” Barnes told The Royal Gazette.

“I have to thank my team in the United States, Harden Motorsport Group, my tuner Cody Beck, Gloria and David Malpis for their support in Vegas and from Bermuda my sponsor Butterfield & Vallis.”

Barnes was among a large gathering of international competitors showcasing their talents at the premier event.

“This race was the season finale of the national season, the Super Bowl of Karting in the United States,“ he added. “Over 500 drivers from all around the world come to Vegas every year to race SuperNationals.

“This is the biggest race of the year for Karting in the United States, so it was awesome to run in the top of the field in my class.”

The 37-year-old finished seventh in a time trial which determined his starting position in the three qualifying heats leading up to the final. Points accumulated from the series of heats then determined his position on the starting grid in the final.

“We ran top five speed all week and flashed signs of top three speed at times,” he said. “I was able to get a fifth in the first heat but I got a push back bumper penalty, so I fell to sixth, then a sixth in the second heat and an eighth in the third heat. It would have been a fifth but four laps to go I had an engine failure and just hung in and finished eighth.”

Joey Wimsett claimed the shifter masters title after taking the coveted chequered flag in a time of 17 mins 56 secs.

Meanwhile, Barnes has enjoyed numerous success competing internationally this year having produced a string of victories and podium finishes on the way to finishing second in his class in the 2021 SKUSA Pro Tour National Championship.

“Last year I was the SKUSA Pro Tour National champion so to follow that up with the second this year was good,” he said.

The experienced driver is now keen to build on his momentum when he competes at the Daytona Kart Week to be held at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida from December 28 to 30.

“I’m feeling pretty confident heading to Daytona in two weeks,” he added. “Last year at Daytona I got two wins and a second, so I’m ready to go back and compete for some more wins and podiums.”