2022 ROK Cup USA Florida Winter Tour – Isle Casino – Thursday Report

Daily Report by ROK Cup USA
Photos by: Canadian Karting News

From Around the Paddock
It’s a new race season for ROK Cup Promotions and ROKKERs from across North America have descended on Pompano Beach and the temporary circuit at the Isle Casino for the chance to start off the first ROK championship of 2022. With entries from around the globe despite the ongoing Covid concerns, the ROK Cup USA staff have once again done extraordinary things to put on the best, and most safe event possible. With entries over the 200 mark, the return of 206 and the introduction of the live stream courtesy of our friends at Kart Chaser, the three race Florida Winter Tour program is now underway.

New Layout
The biggest change from the 2021 event to this weekend is the track layout. Listening to the concerns and ideas from teams and competitors, ROK Cup USA staff produced a new layout for the 2022 edition of the event. Working hard to provide a safe, yet racy course, the on-track action during practice today has been plentiful as drivers come to grips with the new layout. It will be interesting heading into Friday as only one day of practice for all drivers leads them straight into qualifying and the first heat tomorrow.

More than 225 Entries
Despite travel restrictions and guidelines from around the globe, the entry numbers have once again topped 225 as fourteen different countries are recognized on the list of competitors. With the biggest class this weekend, Mini ROK, nearing thirty competitors, the future of the ROK Cup program continues to look bright.

West Coast Teams
A few West Coast teams have made the trek east to compete at the Florida Winter Tour as Leading Edge Motorsports and Nash Motorsportz add to the entry totals. Set to compete in the entire series, the two powerhouse operations bring added competition and provide competitors a choice in 2022. Add the Canadian contingent of PSL Karting, Mosport Karting, Prime Powerteam, Racing Edge Motorsports amongst others, the Florida Winter Tour is the most popular winter karting destination.

Live Stream
In the attempt to bring live stream coverage to the Florida Winter Tour in 2022, ROK Cup Promotions has partnered with Kart Chaser to provide video coverage trackside in Pompano Beach. With live stream coverage available on the Kart Chaser YouTube channel, ROK followers can also visit the ROK Cup USA social media pages for direct links once official competition begins.

Return of 206
Another area of concern in 2021 was the lack of the Briggs & Stratton 206 program but the ROK Cup USA staff has fixed that for 2022. Working to provide 206 racers a place to race, 206 Senior and 206 Masters were added to the schedule. With class champions being offered a ROK Vegas prize package, we could see some 206 racers challenge for the top step of the podium in Sin City.

Photo Packages Available
While travel restrictions have hindered a lot of international travel, CanadianKartingNews.com and ROK Cup USA Official Photographer Cody Schindel has made the trip south to the Sunshine State. Offering Photo Packages for each round of the Florida Winter Tour, please see Cody organize your Photo Package or order HERE.

Stay tuned to the ROK Cup USA social media pages for news, information, photos, results and daily reports from the opening round of the 2022 Florida Winter Tour.