Blake finished in 7th place for the 2018 NHKA season despite major mechanical malfunctions at four races including two incidents that required Blake to use a loaner engine. Along with plenty of kart trouble , Blake sustained a concussion after hitting the barriers in Race Nine at NHMS. His recovery required him to rest, take time off from school and caused him to miss out on racing in the final race of the NHKA season. Even with all the adversity that came with the 2018 season, Blake never gave up, persevered and kept a positive attitude. He considered it all a learning experience that will help him in his long range racing goals
Top Ten Finish
Blake finished in the top ten again this weekend for Race Four of the NHKA Outdoor Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. That despite being plagued by engine troubles yet again this week. After qualifying in 4th place, the 90 plus degree temperatures caused a rubber mount that holds on the carburetor to melt and liquify during the pre-finals. That stopped Blake's engine dead on the track and meant he had to start in the back of the pack for the final race. But Blake took on the challenge and made his way up to 8th place passing more than ten cars. Despite this week's engine troubles and a bent axle and broken tie rod in Race Three at Canaan, Blake is taking on the challenges as they come and refocusing his efforts for the upcoming KARTMANIA!
Melted Carburetor Mount
Melted Carburetor Mount
NHKA 2018 Opening Race Day at NHMS
It was an exciting weekend of racing and weather for the opening race day at NHMS. First, a micro-burst on Friday night forced Blake and family to flee their tent and run for their SUV. That's where Blake spent the night. Some trailers were flipped but everyone stayed safe. Only the tent didn't fare so well. Despite the lack of sleep, Blake had a great day of racing. It was his first time out in his new World Formula kart in the World Formula Light class. After qualifying in the top ten , he had some bad luck and lost his engine chain in the preliminary race round. That forced him to start at the back of the pack in the final race. But Blake was able to move from 15th place up to third place. That gained him a spot on the trophy podium. WGBH and NPR were there to catch all the action for an upcoming piece they are doing on Blake and his racing passion.
NHKA Banquet in January 2018
Blake enjoyed a good time and good food at the NHKA Banquet. He was awarded his 2017 Championship trophy for the LO 206 Senior class.
Blake Wraps up season as NHKA LO206 Senior Champion
Blake wrapped up the last race of the NHKA 2017 Outdoor Series with a first place win, making him the overall champion in the LO206 Senior class. While the winning was great, saying goodbye to Blake's NHKA summer racing family until next year is sad. Just want to say thank you to all the great NHKA members and racers who helped Blake and made this a successful fun racing season. Blake will be back at the NHKA next year andmoving up to the World Formula Class. Watch out Hooligans!
Race Nine at Canaan Motor Speedway
As summer comes to an end, the fall colors were showing at Canaan Motor Speedway for race nine of the NHKA series. Blake got the chance to battle it out once again against race director Mike Camarra. This time Blake took the lead in the final lap of the pre-final race to win first place. On the next round, Mike held first. The fall colors were beautiful at the track and Blake had some great photos taken by professional racing photographer B.Stengel of 22photos.net.
Racing History at NHMS
Along with a lot of good racing at NHMS for race eight of the NHKA summer series, Blake got to check out the sites at the New England Museum of Motorsports located right outside of the track. He spent time with some great folks there including Jack and his wife who run the place. If you love racing you don't want to miss this place. After visiting the museum on Friday, Blake got down to business and took first place in Saturday's race.
Learning From The Best
Blake was able to learn some crucial racing skills this weekend when he got the rare opportunity to race with his karting mentor and NHKA Race Director Mike Camarra. Mike was gracious enough to get out on the track with Blake at this two-day racing weekend as the field was light in the LO 206 Senior class at this event. The battle was on when Blake and Mike hit the track. After plenty of jockeying back and forth for the lead Mike took the lead to win. On day two, it was clear Blake had been taking mental notes . After once again battling back and forth for the lead, Blake was able to pull ahead with just one lap to go. Unfortunately a loose spark plug caused Blake's engine to fail in that last lap, dropping him back to second place. Even though it was a tough loss, Blake was thankful for the chance to learn from the very BEST! Thanks Mike for being such a great racing mentor. Blake did take fastest lap time for the race at 1:14:573.
Grabbing the lead
Blake and his racing mentor NHKA Race Director Mike Camarra on the podium
Happy Birthday Blake from NHMS on July 22nd
Blake had a great birthday weekend racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He celebrated a first place win, but even better he was able to share his 15th birthday with his NHKA racing family. Blake is looking forward to NHKA races 6 and 7 at a two-day racing event at Canaan Motor Speedway on August 12th and 13th.
KARTMANIA Fun in Canaan on July 7th and 8th
A shout out to the NHKA for organizing a great weekend of racing and family fun at KARTMANIA 2017 in Canaan, N.H. Lots of great food on the grill, a corn hole tournament and of course lots of racing.
