The world famous Daytona International Speedway has proven to be happy hunting ground for Scott Barnes.

The Bermudian is among an exclusive group to have achieved glory at the iconic racetrack having secured four podium finishes, including a remarkable three first place runs and a second, in recent years.

He now hopes to build on that impressive track record at the 2021 Daytona KartWeek, where he will defend his pair of titles in the 206 class, and is up for the challenge.

“I am definitely going there hungry to get some podiums and wins,” Barnes told The Royal Gazette.

“To earn a win at Daytona is any racer’s dream. Having a Daytona win on your career is big for a racer.”

The 37-year-old is heading into the event with momentum, having secured a podium finish in his previous outing, competing at the Skusa SuperNationals in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He 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.

Barnes 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.

“I’m feeling pretty confident heading to Daytona,” he added. “But there are a lot of fast drivers there so it’s going to be tough.”

Barnes’s remaining win at Daytona was in the shifter class.

The experienced driver says it’s always an honour to compete at the super speedway, which is home to a number of high profile events, including the prestigious Daytona 500

“Racing at Daytona is such an honour for sure,” he said. “It’s such an iconic track with so much history.”

Barnes will be accompanied in Florida by compatriots Brian Bulhoes, Marc Tucker and Brian Hall, who are also are competing in the same division.

“The four of us will be racing 206 on the sprint track the first two days and on the long road course track the third day,” Barnes explained. “It’s looking like over 40 entries on the 206 senior class and over 20 entries for the 206 masters class.

“I’ll also be racing two shifter classes on the third day.”

Three of Barnes’s four podium finishes at Daytona were achieved at the 2020 Daytona KartWeek.

“Last year at Daytona I got two wins and a second,” he said. “So I’m ready to go back and compete for some more wins and podiums.”

The event will be held from December 28 to 30 in Daytona, Florida.