ROK Cup USA Kicks Off Inaugural EPCOT Challenge

July 14, 2015 (Orlando, Florida) — ROK Cup USA hosted its inaugural Micro / Mini ROK Championship over the weekend at the Orlando Kart Center in Florida. Dubbed the “EPCOT Challenge”, drivers competed in the EPCOT and EPCOT Novice classes at the 2-day race event, with races taking place in the evenings and a special Saturday brunch hosted at Monsieur Paul in Disney’s EPCOT. Mattheus Morgato of Brazil was crowned the weekend’s champion, winning a coveted spot at this year’s International ROK Cup Final in October.

On Friday, Morgato started the weekend on top, qualifying pole with a time of 1:00.98, while Felipe Bartz (BRA) and Ryan Rackley (USA) were close behind him in 2nd and 3rd. Going into the heats on Friday evening, Morgato lead the way in both heats 1 and 2, with Bartz (BRA) and Deukmedjian (USA) finishing 2nd and 3rd in heat 1, and Deukmedjian (USA) and Zecchinato (CRI) taking the 2nd and 3rd spots in heat 2.

Saturday, drivers and their guests were treated to a full gourmet brunch and some fun at Disney’s EPCOT before commencing the race day with heat 3. Again, Morgato lead the way, with Bartz (BRA) and Deukmedjian (USA) just behind him. Going into the pre-final, rainy conditions forced the drivers onto wets, but that didn’t stop Morgato from taking the top spot yet again. Driver’s remained on wets for the final, and Morgato completed his shutout for the weekend finishing 1st, with Nicola Zecchniato (CRI) coming in 2nd, and Felipe Bartz (BRA) taking 3rd place. 

ROK Cup USA will continue with Race 4 of their series, which takes place at the North Florida Kart Club in Jacksonville, Florida on August 15-16. Registration opens this week for those who wish to enter the event, be sure to visit rokcupusa.com and click on the registration tab.