Scott Barnes expects a degree of ring rust when he races in the opening weekend of the Skusa Superkarts USA Pro Tour at New Castle Motorsports Park in Indiana today.

The six-race series, featuring the best karters in the United States, has been consolidated into back-to-back weekends as opposed to three weekends because of Covid-19. All races will be held at New Castle Motorsports.

Barnes, who dusted off the cobwebs during qualifying yesterday, travelled to Louisiana in March for the series opener before it was suspended because of the pandemic. He has not raced since.

“They have added an extra day to try and fit the six races in, so we will be racing on Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” Barnes said. “I raced [in New Castle] about ten years ago and can still picture the track, although they will be changing the layouts.”

Barnes, who will compete in the Shifter Masters class for Indiana-based Harden Motorsports Group, expects to have far less seat time under his belt than his rivals.

“Unfortunately for me the US returned to racing a couple of months ago so a lot of these guys will have an advantage,” said Barnes, the new Bermuda Karting Club president. “I’m still pretty confident, though.”

Despite the disadvantages he faces heading into the opening race today, Barnes still believes he is capable of finishing the series on the podium.

“I want to podium in each race and I’m still looking for a top three in the championship overall,” he said. “I’ll be looking to knock the rust off pretty fast.”

Several protocols have been implemented to allow the series to take place amid the pandemic, including compulsory mask wearing outside of the pit area.

“Everyone will be social distancing as much as possible,” Barnes added. “They have also cancelled the driver’s meetings; that will now be done virtually.

“It’s easy to social distance once you’re on the track and the helmet is on!”