Scott Barnes hailed a podium-laden outing at the at the World Karting Association Daytona Kartweek last week.

Making his fourth appearance at the fabled Daytona International Speedway, Barnes got off to an encouraging start in his first outing on the sprint track in a 206 kart.

Having settled for a tenth-place finish in the Senior standings after a disappointing qualifier, Barnes made amends in the Masters field, battling his way to second and sealing his first podium and trophy of the week.

“It was a great start to the week,” he said. “That kind of set the mood moving forward and it felt good to start on a positive note.”

The second day of competition got off a frustrating start, with engine issues forcing his retirement in the Stock Honda class. However, the best was yet to come for Barnes on the legendary track over the final two days.

Overcoming the setback, the island's top driver sealed another podium place, finishing second in the KZ Shifter Open class, before going on to seal victory in the Masters class of the 206 division.

That was followed with an even more pleasing victory on the final day as Barnes — in his rebuilt stock shifter kart — came through a mammoth field of racers to take the chequered flag, clinching his second top spot on the podium.

“To finish up with two race wins and two second places was amazing,” Barnes added. “It’s always my aim when I race overseas to bring back some hardware with me and so to have four trophies to bring back is great.

“This is my fourth year racing at Daytona and it just keep getting better. It’s such a legendary track and to be able to get some race wins there is pretty amazing.

“The final day had around 100 karts combined in one race and so to be racing nose-to-wheel in big packs like that was pretty cool.

“I’ve come away having added two more race wins and I was really pleased to come away on a positive note overall.

“I have to say a huge thank you to Brian Bulhoes. He came away with me and helped tune in my karts; it was a huge help.

“I’d love to try to get more Bermudian drivers to come out this year and do some overseas racing.”

Barnes will attempt to build on that momentum when he takes to the track again next weekend in the Skusa Winter Series at the AMR Motorplex in Homestead, Florida, representing Harden Motorsports.

The series consists of two rounds — the first from Friday to Sunday, and the second in February, consisting of two pre-final races and two finals in each.

“Hopefully I can keep the momentum going in Florida,” he said. ”As always I’m looking to get another win and get the new year off to a good start.“