The winners’ circle produced a growing sense of déjà vu at the Southside Rubis Raceway last weekend as individual drivers dominated their classes.

Four drivers each took three heat wins away from the Bermuda Karting Club’s second race day of the season.

Arguably the most eye-catching was 15-year-old Ryan Lopes, who confirmed his potential with a hat-trick of victories in the Shifter class.

Part of a fresh-faced trio, which also includes Blake Horseman and Owen DeCosta, who stepped up from the junior ranks last year, Lopes’s success was a real statement of intent after the familiar face of club president Scott “Skitchy” Barnes dominated the podium on the opening race day.

Ryan Rebello claimed two second places but the day belonged to Lopes, drawing praise from beaten rival Barnes.

“He dominated,” Barnes said. “He’s still kind of in the no-fear phase and is hitting his prime. He has been getting faster and faster. It’s only a matter of time before he started to get some wins.

“He has good equipment, good mechanics and he’s a fast little driver.

“He’s one of the young guns coming up — him, Blake and Owen. They ran together in the Junior Tag and are best of friends. They all stepped up last year and are going to get faster and faster.”

In the most crowded class, one of the old guard reasserted himself as Jason “Skuzzie” North roared to three heat wins; a fine response after Horseman had picked up a treble the previous race day.

Horseman was not too far behind, however, chalking up two second places.

“There are eight or nine drivers all battling it out in that class,” Barnes said. “There were six different winners last year and this year will probably be the same.

“A lot of guys are still trying to get their karts dialled in and get used to the new tyres. We changed tyre compound across the club this season, so everyone is trying to get used to it. “We’re only two race days in and some people are getting used to them better than others!”

In the Junior Tag, Ryan Burgess owned the chequered flag, fending off the likes of Ashley Horseman and Jayden Brimmer to bag a treble of heat wins, while in the Junior Cadets, Nile Bean laid down a marker in this small but ultra-competitive class with three victories.

The closed-motor LO206 Masters did produce different winners, with Travis Lewis winning two races and David Barbosa, driving in the seat of Jeff Sousa, who is off-island, claiming the remaining heat.

In the fledgeling LO206 Senior class, Barnes won two of the three heats.

The club welcomes anyone who wants to get involved in the LO206, the most low cost of the classes. The rental karts are also available for young and old to get a feel of racing. For more information on how to get involved and what the club offers, e-mail bermudakartingclub@yahoo.com or go to the club’s Facebook page. Alternatively, call Scott Barnes on 505-1611.