Scott Barnes is confident the future of the sport on island remains bright after the end of the Bermuda Karting Club National Championship season.

Reflecting on the campaign, Barnes highlighted the growing numbers of additional drivers in each of the seven individual race classes as well as a promising crop of new junior drivers taking up the sport.

The upward trend in participation and the overdue return of street racing in Bermuda with the Lindo’s Grand Prix, has further added to Barnes’s overriding sense of optimism.

“Overall it was a great season and the club as a whole is in the strongest position it has been in since its heyday in the late 1990s,” said Barnes, following the club’s annual awards evening.

“We had 53 karts racing this season, which is the most we’ve had since that time. We also had new members in every class and new juniors getting into the sport, which is massively important for us.

“It was also amazing to end the season on a high with the street race returning. It was really cool and hopefully we can make it an annual event.”

The ceremony included a total of 16 individual awards with Barnes himself recognised not only for his double title triumph in the L206 Senior and Stock Shifter classes, but also as senior highest points scorer and with the Milestone award to mark his landmark of winning a total of 21 championships.

There was also treble celebration for Tanner Corriea, who was crowned as the overall Junior Cadet champion, high points scorer and rookie of the year, pipping Will Dunkley, who had the consolation of being named most improved driver.

Roman Wilkinson and Stephen Corrado were crowned Tag junior and Senior champions respectively, Kenneth Harrison scooped the L206 Masters title and Blake Horseman picked up top honours in the KZ Shifter class.

The most dominant driver award went to Jason North, while Chris Smith and David Malpas were the recipients of good sportsmanship awards.

Jeff Sousa and Gloria Malpas were recognised with the president’s award.

“We had some great racing this year and all of the champions were well deserved,” added Barnes, who has stepped down from his role as president after three years, with North taking up the role for next season.

“I’d like to thank our membership, Rubis Energy Bermuda, our main sponsors, and St John Ambulance – we couldn’t race without them.

“On a personal note, there was also a big milestone for myself in becoming the only driver to win more than 20 championships, making it 21 with the L206 Senior and Stock Shifter classes, which I’m really proud of.

“I will be looking to step back next year to help concentrate on my team and also help some of the female drivers to develop and get into the sport. I want to give back a bit more and really help the younger drivers develop.”