FDM Race Preview // ROK the RIO
It will be a a packed house for FDM at the team’s first official attendance at Rok Cup USA’s Rok the Rio. 9 drivers are set to contest the event in 6 categories. Look for FDM to contend for race wins and podium positions across the board.
First up is a stacked lineup in the 100cc Senior category where FDM will field 4 drivers. This year’s CKT champion Baden Dunn will look to keep the momentum going with a strong result in Las Vegas. Joining him will be the, “always fast in Las Vegas” Everest Fedler. 2020 marks the first year of Everest competing at Rok the Rio, but Fedler is no stranger to the Rio parking lot. Multiple top 10 finishes at the SKUSA Supernationals, and a winning year of racing in Colorado, leave Everest poised for a strong result at the 2020 edition of Rok the Rio. Alongside Baden and Everest will be Jackson Dunn and Nathan Martin, the latter joining FDM from J3 Competition. Jackson, a Challenge of the America’s race winner will have his sights set on a podium result. Coming off an eventful year of 100cc racing across the country, Nathan Martin will undoubtedly be a tough competitor in 100cc competition. Look for this quartette of drivers to make an impact on the big stage in Las Vegas.
Next on the docket is Masters competition where FDM will field two well accomplished veterans in Masters ROK and 100cc Masters alike. British driver and multi-time Rotax GrandFinals Champion Martin Pierce will join FDM competing in Rok Masters. Martin is looking to add a win in Las Vegas to his already impressive resume. Now residing in North Carolina, Martin is competing for the second time in Las Vegas. Southern California driver Travis Lowe is back in the seat, and ready to go for his first time competing in the Masters division. T-Lowe has racked up many race wins across the country in the Senior division, and makes the jump onto a COMPKART chassis in 100cc Masters this year. Look for Travis up front all week long.
In the cadet division, FDM will field two drivers new to the big stage. Our youngest competitor, Rhys Bowman will take the grid in the Micro Rok category. A tough competitor, Rhys is fresh of a championship in CKT competition, and looks to gain experience and momentum on the national level in Las Vegas. In the Mini Rok division, Gavin Whitt will field his first event aboard the COMPKART chassis. Gavin has been consistently fast all year long, securing multiple pole positions in Colorado. Racing in his first national level event, Gavin will fight for a strong result in the stacked Mini Rok category.
Joining FDM from Bailey Murphy’s operation in Phoenix is JR 100cc driver Cooper O’Clair. Cooper is looking to keep the momentum going after winning a “ticket” to Rok the Rio by claiming victory in the CRC Championship. The 100cc Junior category is always toughly contested, but keep an eye on Cooper towards the front of the grid.
All Forward Direction Motorsports will be competing aboard the COMPKART chassis, with engine support from Tru Tech Racing Engines, Woltjer Racing Engines, P1 Engines, and more. FDM recieves direct factory support from J3 Competition and COMPKART. For more information on FDM, COMPKART chassis, and our race-winning program please contact Greg Welch at greg@fdmkarting.com or 720-323-3650. www.fdmkarting.com