HRKC Race 14 Recap – A New Layout, A New Challenge

HRKC Race 14 took place this past weekend at Hamilton Karting Complex and brought with it a brand-new challenge for drivers and teams alike. For the first time ever, we raced on Track Layout #3 in the counterclockwise direction. This layout incorporated several new sections added during the offseason, along with some of our favorite classic corners. The result? A technical layout that tested the skills of even our most seasoned racers.

Unlike previous configurations, this layout was non-stop corner after corner in the infield, making it much more technical and requiring a completely different approach to both driving and setup. Some drivers embraced the change and thrived; others were counting the minutes until they could get back to the layout they know and love.

It was a scorching hot day, but our racers showed up strong and put on another fantastic day of competition. After weeks filled with large events like KartStars, Inter-Club, and RMC qualifiers, it felt great to return to grassroots club racing. There’s something special about the local paddock atmosphere, and Race 14 reminded us why HRKC club days are still the heart of karting.

Many took advantage of Thursday and Saturday practice to dial in the new layout, while others rolled in Sunday and figured it out on the fly. With fewer straightaways and endless corners, gear ratios and tire pressures needed big changes. Several compared the setup demands to running in the rain — mechanical grip and balance were everything.

As if a new track layout wasn’t enough, this was a heat race format event. Two heats were run — the first with a random grid and the second as a reverse grid from Heat 1. Points were scored from both heats to determine the starting order for the final. With passing proving extremely difficult, pole position was more important than ever.

Let’s break down the action, class by class:

Cadet

It was Blaine Donovan’s day in Cadet. He finished 1st in Heat 1, 2nd in Heat 2, and came out on top in the final. His smooth, consistent driving on the tight new layout proved tough to beat. Teyler Del Bel Belluz pushed hard and claimed second, while Damian Stirling impressed with a strong drive to the podium in third.

Podium – Cadet
🥇 1st – Blaine Donovan
🥈 2nd – Teyler Del Bel Belluz
🥉 3rd – Damian Stirling

Briggs Junior Light

While the grid was smaller than usual with many drivers away, the racing didn’t disappoint. Cody Shaw continued his dominant run, sweeping both heats and the final with a comfortable margin. Noah Prodger delivered a strong performance to take second, and Dominic Artale completed the podium with a consistent day behind the wheel.

Podium – Briggs Junior Light
🥇 1st – Cody Shaw
🥈 2nd – Noah Prodger
🥉 3rd – Dominic Artale

Briggs Junior

This class delivered excellent wheel-to-wheel action all day. The heats shuffled the order, setting up an exciting final. Jackson Corbett had a stellar start and took the lead by lap 6, holding it to the end. Jackson Morley recovered from a tough start and charged back to second, while Andrew Adams held off several late attacks to secure third.

Podium – Briggs Junior
🥇 1st – Jackson Corbett
🥈 2nd – Jackson Morley
🥉 3rd – Andrew Adams

Briggs Senior

One of the most competitive classes of the day, with tight battles throughout. Heat 1 went to Logan Pacza, while Jaden Hundal took Heat 2, setting the stage for a thrilling final. In the end, it was Pacza back on top, with Parker Piekosz finishing second and Mitchell Morrow rounding out the podium.

Podium – Briggs Senior
🥇 1st – Logan Pacza
🥈 2nd – Parker Piekosz
🥉 3rd – Mitchell Morrow

Briggs Masters

In Masters, Eli Yanko took Heat 1, with Christopher Mitchell winning Heat 2. In the final, Mitchell proved strong again, taking the win. Yanko held onto second, while Patrick Lelievre drove a solid race to secure third.

Podium – Briggs Masters
🥇 1st – Christopher Mitchell
🥈 2nd – Eli Yanko
🥉 3rd – Patrick Lelievre

Rotax Mini/Micro

Heat 1 went to Teyler Del Bel Belluz, and Heat 2 to Carlo Lot, setting up a great showdown in the final. This time, it was Nathan Stockwell who rose to the occasion, taking his first Rotax win with a clean, composed drive. Del Bel Belluz finished a strong second and set the fastest lap, while Lot held onto third.

Podium – Rotax Mini/Micro
🥇 1st – Nathan Stockwell
🥈 2nd – Teyler Del Bel Belluz
🥉 3rd – Carlo Lot

Rotax Junior

Although the smallest grid of the day, Rotax Junior still delivered excitement. Jackson Morley and Stefano Lanzillotta traded wins in the heats, but Lanzillotta was untouchable in the final. He broke away early, set blistering laps, and captured his first Junior Max victory. Tristan Smith brought home third with a solid performance.

Podium – Rotax Junior
🥇 1st – Stefano Lanzillotta
🥈 2nd – Jackson Morley
🥉 3rd – Tristan Smith

Rotax Senior

The fastest class of the day also gave us the track recrod for Layout #3 — a blistering 46.603 seconds by Michael Nickle. Nickle dominated both heats and the final, but not without drama. Jaden Hundal put in a phenomenal drive to momentarily take the lead in the final, only to be forced out after losing a bumper and receiving the meatball flag. Nigel Longley and Noah Modestino capitalized with strong performances to round out the podium.

Podium – Rotax Senior
🥇 1st – Michael Nickle
🥈 2nd – Nigel Longley
🥉 3rd – Noah Modestino

Thank you to everyone who came out for Race 14! It was an awesome day of competition on a very technical layout. We’re now off for the next couple of weeks as many of our racers and staff head to Mosport and Shannonville for the Constructors Cup, KartStars Nationals, and ASN Canadian Karting Championships.

We’ll be back for HRKC Race 15 on August 24th. Until then, please note that practice time will be limited due to staff traveling to the major events. Be sure to check your weekly emails for updates on hours and availability. If you plan to practice, come fully prepared with all parts, supplies, and tools you may need.

We can’t wait to see everyone back at the track soon — good luck to all our drivers representing HRKC at the national level!