Bermuda karting driver Scott Barnes will be aiming to add to his Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix title haul in Illinois, United States this weekend.

The 38-year-old is already a seven-times winner at the event, having added two titles to his collection last year winning the Margay Ignite Senior 2 and the Open Shifter Masters finals.

However, Barnes, who will be competing in eight separate classes across the two-day series, is no less excited to once again test himself at the largest and most prestigious street race in North America.

“The plan is always to go out there and try and win some titles,” he said. “This is definitely one of the races on the calendar that I look forward to the most.

“I first raced here in 2001 and I think I’ve raced every year since maybe once when there was a break because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s always a great atmosphere, the fans are close to the circuit and it’s just a really cool vibe in the downtown area, I’m really looking forward to it.”

While optimistic of his chances of collecting yet more silverware, Barnes is also well aware of the task in hand to do so, having not raced at all since April.

“It’s been a while since I last raced in a kart and so there will definitely be some rust to knock off in the first practice day,” he added. “While racing in eight classes gives me more chance of winning more titles, there is no guarantees.

“It takes a little bit of time to get used to the kart again and also to learn the track. It will also be harder this year as there are only a few opportunities to practice.

“However, it’s like riding a bike. I’ll get back in the swing of things and then hopefully get going straight in the heats and finals.”

Having taken his domestic tally to a record 21 titles at the conclusion of the Bermuda Karting Club National Championships in April, Barnes previously revealed he would look to take a break from racing on island and on focus on competing overseas.

Ahead of a return to the track, Barnes concedes his plans have not changed, as he will be taking the opportunity to help train a crop of up-and-coming drivers in Bermuda.

“The season in Bermuda is due to start in a few weeks and I definitely won’t be competing,” Barnes said.

“My main focus will be competing in these overseas events, but I will be helping to train two new junior female drivers that we have joining for the new season.”