CHICO, Calif. — Logan Seavey won Kyle Larson’s Outlaw Kart Showcase Presented by BRANDT for the second consecutive season on Tuesday night.
With the victory, Seavey becomes the first repeat winner in the event’s short history.
Other winners during this year’s Showcase were Caden Kvapil in the 250 Intermediate Class and Trevor Grimes in the Box Stock Class.
The 50-lap Open feature went green with 14-year-old driver Dawson Hammes on the front row alongside Bricen James.
With 35 karts starting the main event, the first few laps saw a couple of accidents as everyone was eager to gain as many positions as possible before the field spread out. As the race wore on attrition began to take its toll on some of the drivers in the field. World of Outlaw’s driver Paul McMahan only got one lap in the books before retiring his kart to the infield early with engine troubles.
Tyler Seavey was a contender in the top five early on only to have his kart slow on lap 23 putting him out of the race as well. Other notables to encounter issues in the main event included Shane Stewart, Kyle Larson, and Matt Dibenedetto as they all retired early due to accidents. Dawson Hammes was a pleasant surprise this week as he put together a great performance that saw him lead the opening laps of the event.
The pressure from Logan Seavey though proved to be to much as Seavey was able to get past the youngster early on in the race. Once Seavey got up front it looked as though no one had the kart to challenge him. Colby Copeland had other ideas though in his No. 5RJ kart. Copeland, who was the inaugural Champion of this event, made a hard charge to the front of the field in the final 10 laps.
The charge by Copeland caused Seavey to get his elbows up and change up his line to protect the race lead. As the two approached slower traffic, they raced side by side at times with Seavey always coming away with the edge.
As the white flag went in the air, Seavey got a little breathing room over Copeland and used it to his advantage as he drove away down the back straightaway. Logan would cross the stripe just over a half-second ahead of Copeland and would pick up the big $6,000 payday.
It was a great drive for Colby Copeland after starting in the 14th position, coming up just one spot short. Early leader Dawson Hammes held strong in the top three, racing beside some of the best in the business. Hammes looks to have a bright future ahead of him if he can keep the speed he showed this week.
Bricen James is always one to keep your eye on at these races. James came home fourth in his No. 13 kart. Whenever there is extra money on the line you are sure to see him near the front of the field. Chase Hill piloted his No. 1c kart into the top five after rolling off from the 18th starting position. Hill would cross the line a very respectable fifth.
Official partners of Kyle Larson’s Outlaw Kart Showcase Presented by BRANDT include: BRANDT, ENEOS, Abreu Vineyards, Bianchi Farms, NASCAR, iRacing, DC Solar, QRC Factory Karts, Red Bluff Yamaha, Priority Aviation, Swimming Pool Perfections, Bundy Built Motorsports, Ron Gorby’s Howard Johnson Lima, Ohio, Hoosier Racing Tire, Sonoma Raceway, Sacramento Kings, Elk Grove Ford, All Star Performance, Oakley, Howard Tarter for the David Tarter Memorial, Chuck Wolf Sand and Gravel for the Tyler Wolf Memorial, Chico Truck and RV, Finley Farms, Probilt Construction, Straight Up Performance, Northstar Concrete Pumping, Garth Moore Insurance and Financial Services, Randall Race Parts, Kaeding Performance, Kevin Sharrah Designs, Roseville Precision, AIC Amerikote Coatings, Fast Four Media, Light Up The World Beverages, College Cyclery, MANCAMP Motorsports, Tillack Enterprises, Arizona Open Wheel Racing Museum, Lary’s Good Time Garage, and MAJ1K Motorsports.
ABOUT BRANDT - A leading agricultural company, BRANDT consists of three divisions—Specialty Formulations, Retail Agronomy and Dealer Support—serving growers around the globe. Founded in 1953 by Glen Brandt and his sister Evelyn Brandt Thomas to help Illinois farmers adopt new and profitable technologies, the company has experienced aggressive growth under the leadership of President and CEO Rick Brandt. Innovation, technology and strong customer service are a few of the core beliefs that drive BRANDT today. BRANDT’s focus is providing the products and services that give growers the best opportunity for maximum return while building a stronger, healthier and more abundant food supply.