Karts-to-Cars

Although we don't often publish too many articles about the karters who have moved on to cars, this one was hard to pass up.

From a personal side, I've had the pleasure of watching some of these kids grow up in karting.  There were three of them that just seemed to stand out - two from Texas, one from Colorado.  We seemed to unexpectedly meet with Ace and his father Glen from time to time across the southwest over the years.  Rather then move up to 125's Ace went Formula Car racing.

Adrian "Ace" Carrio who was simply untouchable in 60cc Shifters, and later 80Jr.  The Carrio Race trailer shut down every Saturday within half an hour after the day was done so they could take a quick shower and attend Saturday evening Mass - since they planned on spending the better part of Sunday at the track.  We seemed to unexpectedly meet with Ace and his father Glen from time to time across the southwest over the years.  Rather then move up to 125's Ace went Formula Car racing.

Colin Braun was one of those soft-spoken kids that always seemed to know the right thing to do.   Jeff & Diane certainly raised a young gentleman actually two of them - younger brother Travis was a successful publisher by the time he was 12 years old.  Colin had a knack of going fast in whatever he drove, and still holds a few track records at NTK - despite not having driven in those classes for a few years.

Brad Coleman who came into the sport quickly indeed.  In his first year Brad rapidly advanced to the front of both the Rotax and 80Jr pack among the National contenders.  At the age of 14 he was ready and willing to move into Formula cars.

Left to right - Kevin Buckler - Brad Coleman - Colin Braun - Ace Carrio

Today, Brad's father Brandon sent me an email to let me know Brad was joining Colin and Adrian to campaign the 24 Hours of Daytona.  Having a little history there 20 some years ago, I felt a little older - and a little prouder - to have watch these young gentleman grow up.  OK so they are only 16 - but just the same it's been a real treat.

Here's what Brandon Coleman sent;

Brad has been selected by The Racer’s Group (Sonoma, CA) to join two other 16 year-olds to set a world record as the youngest trio to ever drive the famed Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. After extensive testing during Thanksgiving at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, then again this past week at Homestead/Miami Raceway, the threesome will drive the No. 16 Team16 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car at the historic 24 hour endurance race on February 5 & 6 in Daytona, FL.

The trio of young talents, now known as Team16, will be testing their skills again today and tomorrow at Texas World Speedway in College Station, TX. Those of you in the Houston or College Station area that would like to say hello to Brad and meet these young men are welcome to watch them wheel a Porsche Cup race car around the track at speeds of 170+MPH. If you would like to attend, please call me on my cell below and I will arrange for your admittance to the paddock area during this private event. My recommendation is for you to come out on Tuesday as rain is predicted for most of Monday, and even though the drivers will drive, spectators like to avoid getting wet!!

The official press release for this exciting news will go out from The Racer’s Group later today. (Picture of Team16 attached)

Brandon Coleman