Scott Barnes is targeting further podium delight when he returns to the track in the Skusa National Pro Tour Series at the NOLA Motorsports Park in New Orleans from tomorrow.

Fresh from claiming a second-place finish overall in the Skusa Winter Tour Championship in Florida last month, the 36-year-old is aiming to get off to strong start in the Masters Shifters class in the first two rounds of the six-round series.

However, the Bermuda Karting Club president, who will be representing Harden Motorsports, is well aware of the task in hand, with a stronger field set to take to the track.

“Whenever I go into a race, my target is to win,” Barnes said. “However, it will be a little harder to do so here, as it’s a bigger class and will be a harder fight.

“To even podium in the Pro Tour against what are the best racers in North America would be huge.

“There will be some of the same guys who competed in Florida, but there will be more competitors and a better standard. I’ve heard a couple of former champions are coming back, so I will definitely have to earn a podium.

“I’ve driven around the track, but I’ve never raced it. Because of Covid-19 we weren’t allowed to race last year. It’s definitely one of the most physical tracks I’ve come across, but I’m really excited to get back out and race in the Shifters.”

Despite his impressive overall display in the Winter Tour, Barnes was left disappointed not to have taken top honours after being pipped to the title by main rival Freddy Rhemrev.

In an attempt to go one better this time around, the Bermudian will be competing with a new chassis; a move he feels could prove pivotal in his quest for glory.

“It will be the first time that I’m racing on the new chassis and I’m really excited about that,” he added. “Hopefully, it proves a big difference to the old one I drove on in Florida in the Winter Tour Series.

“A new one can be really important to a driver because the older ones don’t always respond and co-operate as you want them to.

“Obviously, that’s not an excuse for the disappointment in my performance in Florida, but I know the big difference a new chassis can make.

“Hopefully, it will prove to be like day and night compared to the last time I was on track.”