Scott Barnes conceded he was left disappointed despite claiming a second-place finish overall in the Skusa Winter Tour Championship.

Having made an encouraging start to the championship last month, in which he claimed second and first-place finishes, Barnes returned to Florida in pursuit of Masters Shifter class title glory in the final round of racing.

Just as it had proved last month, Barnes, representing Harden Motorsports, found class leader Freddy Rhemrev as his main rival, with the two battling it out for supremacy on the track and in the standings.

However, despite a valiant effort, the 36-year-old Bermudian had to settle for successive second places behind Rhemrev in both races to ultimately finish as the championship runner-up.

“It was definitely mixed feelings for me finishing up the Winter Series,” said Barnes, the island’s top driver. “Obviously I went into the championship trying to win it and I felt like we could.

“My main competition was on his home track so had the advantage, but I felt we were getting faster all the time and by the time the races came we were up to speed and had enough to win the championship.

“I think that extra seat time and knowledge of the track really proved to his advantage overall, and he was able to beat me in the first final.

“The second final I was leading but some bad driving from myself gifted him the opportunity to pass me and win the second final and the title overall.”

Despite his disappointment, Barnes attempted to reflect on the positives of another outing in the United States and testing himself on a technically challenging track.

“These are easily up there with two of the toughest sprint tracks I’ve raced on in the United States,” he added. “Physically and technically, they are very challenging tracks.

“In the final round I finished up with two second places and I was left feeling disappointed. However, looking at the championship as a whole, I managed to get three second places and a first, so I have to be grateful for that.

“I’m always thankful to represent Bermuda and the Bermuda Karting Club, and I’m grateful to Butterfield & Vallis who have come on as my 2021 international racing sponsor.”

Barnes will not have to wait long to make amends, as he prepares to compete Stateside once again in the Skusa Pro Tour, kicking off in New Orleans.

“I’m looking forward to brushing this weekend off and putting it behind me and look forward to the next challenge of the Pro Tour in New Orleans,” Barnes added.

“In Florida I was on an older chassis, which I think proved the difference, but hopefully I’ll be on a new one for that race, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what I can do out there.”