March 5, 2008: A trip to Charlotte, NC for the Manufacturer's Cup event at Lowe's Motor Speedway was the first of many races for the 2008 season. Grant ran in the HPV Jr. Sportsman and Yamaha Jr. Sportsman classes against some of the best in the nation to test his skills and see what improvements need to be made. In the Yamaha Jr. Sportsman, Grant ran against 54 very fierce competitors, all of whome brought their A game. With only 30 making the Feature, Grant's qualifying time relegated him to the running the Last Chance Qualifier, where he made it in with a great drive. Into the Feature, Grant ran tough, finishing a strong 23rd. Not bad for facing 50+ of the nations best drivers! On Sunday, Grant entered the HPV race, where again 44 drivers awaited, but where fate was not smiling. Battling carb problems and an ever changing track, Grant's qualifying time once again put him into the LCQ. But this time, the setup on the kart went away, and Grant would get a front row seat to a great round of racing for the Feature. Overall, a successfull and fun weekend, with many new things learned, and a great new sun tan!

61 Kartway - Points Race 1: Yamaha Jr. Sportsman (3rd) / HPV Jr. Sportsman (2nd)

61 Kartway - Points Race 3: Yamaha Jr. Sportsman (1st!!) Some nights - it all comes together. After many issues in practice, with failed ignition and poor handling, the setup came together in time for qualifying, and in the Feature, Grant made a bold move at the end of the straightaway and made the pass to take first and hold on for the big win!

Route 66 Round 3: Held at Grant's home track in Delmar, Iowa, Grant turned up the heat and ran very well, taking 6th out of 11 in the HPV Jr. Sportsman class, and taking 6th out of 16 in the Yamaha Jr. Sportsman class. A great day overall as the competition level was intense, and most drivers had a lot more track time than Grant. We're very pleased with the results!

Central States Challenge Round Two: Another regional event visiting Grant's home track, but not quite the same results. While running a very strong second to Dillon Morley, Grant rounded the first corner and lost his chain, sending him off the track and relegating him to the infield as a spectator. While strong and fast all weekend, it just didnt work out this time around. Grant will hop back in the seat and go at it when the points races roll around in just a couple of weeks!

Sandberg Powersports Sponsored By: