Scott Barnes further solidified his status at the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix in Illinois by achieving his tenth win at the largest karting street race in North America.

Barnes claimed victory in the Briggs L206 Light class and secured a magnificent third place in the prestigious King of the Rock.

“I’m definitely excited and happy,’’ Barnes told The Royal Gazette. “Saturday was great, we had great races where we put ourselves in a position to start six races in good positions on Sunday.

“We won a heat race on Saturday, so going into Sunday we were looking good. Going into Sunday, the first race started out badly. I got taken out in the second lap while third and kind of snowballed from there.

“Just a bunch of better luck, wrong place, wrong time type of thing. I was able to get one podium, third place in the biggest class of the day, the King of the Rock 206.

“It came down to the last race where we finished strong with the win. I started on the pole and had a great battle the whole 15 laps.

“It came down to the last lap, the guy passed me on the last lap and I was able to go past him to get the win.

“One win in Rock Island erases all the bad races. It’s so hard to win at this place, so it’s definitely very cool to get the podium.

“The win marked my tenth win at this event over the years, that put me top seven overall. It was a rough day on Sunday, but overall it was a good weekend.”

Barnes had Brian Hall, his team-mate from Bermuda making his debut at the Rock Island Grand Prix.

“I have to thank Corey Simpson for all the help this weekend, and Butterfield & Vallis for sponsoring me, as always,’’ he added.

“I have to also thank Brian Hall, my team-mate for coming out all the way from Bermuda and racing for his first event.

“He did good, he raced two classes, finished every lap, so it was cool having another Bermudian there.”

Hall, a former national cricket player, found the level of competition tough, which forced him to be more resilient.

“It was my first time racing at the Rock Island Grand Prix and the competition level was really high,” he said.

“The track was really bumpy and rough. You had to be at your best the entire time. It wasn't easy racing in the heavy classes, but I stuck to it.

“I kept on going and stayed consistent. I didn't bend or break any part for the entire weekend. My kart had no scratch, that alone is an accomplishment, that’s what everyone was telling me.

“I definitely want to do it again next year, but a bit lighter, not as fluffy. Losing 15-20 pounds will make a huge difference.”