Scott Barnes was left content despite enduring mixed fortunes competing in the Rock Island Grand Prix.

Fresh from his second-place finish in the Skusa National Pro Tour Series at the New Castle Motorsports Park, in Indianapolis, the 36-year-old – along with David Barbosa and Marc Tucker – headed to Illinois in search of silverware in the largest street karting race in North America.

Racing in seven different classes – five in the 206 category and two in the Shifter category – Barnes enjoyed a promising first day of qualifying claiming two victories, two second places, two third place finishes and a fifth, determining his place on the grid for each respective class the following day.

Ultimately he was not able to capitalise fully on his strong qualifying efforts, coming away with two second-place finishes, a third and a fourth, as well as failing to finish two races due to a broken chain and clutch issues.

However, the Bermuda Karting Club president was able to wrap up the event on a high note, claiming victory in the final Margay Ignite Senior 2 race.

“Saturday was one of the best qualifying day I could have asked for,” said Barnes. “It set me up great for Sunday and I felt I had a legitimate shot at wins in all races in those classes.

“I definitely should have had four wins at the end of the day but Sunday just didn’t entirely go my way.

“I had a few bad starts and that meant I dropped back and had to try and battle through the pack, which on a track like that isn’t ideal.

“I was feeling disappointed with how the day was going but I managed to end with a win in the final race which helps. It was great to get that victory and I felt like I redeemed myself. It’s always great to bring home a win from an event like this.

“Overall I was pleased with how the weekend went as a whole. To come away with a race victory and two second-place finishes is pretty good. I can’t wait to go back next year and challenge for multiple victories again.”

Barnes also hailed the efforts of his compatriots, who gave good accounts of themselves competing in three different classes in what was their first appearance at the event.

“It was cool to have David Barbosa and Mark Tucker out there with me,” he added. “They had some tough races but enjoyed the experience none the less.

“They improved with every race and that’s all you can ask for in their first time racing at the event. It is a very hard track to race on, particularly your first time, because there really is no room for error.

“They are both are exited to head back next year and I can’t wait to see their improvement. It was great to have three Bermudians racing at the event and I’ll be pushing to have even more next time.”