Scott Barnes continues to make significant strides on the Russell/Dunlop Championship Enduro Kart racing circuit in the US.

With only two events left to go in the six-race series spread across several US states , the 20-year-old Bermudian driver remains firmly on course for at least a podium finish at season?s end in three separate divisions.

The former Hamilton Grand Prix champion is fresh off a ?good weekend? of racing at the Gratten Raceway in Michigan, where, after two days of racing, Barnes made up considerable ground on the leaders in the Shifter CIK 125cc and Tag 125cc Sprint classes before opening a sizeable lead in the Shifter Pro 125cc division.

Fancying his chances, Barnes told : ?I feel pretty confident and definitely looking at three top three finishes in the points standings. To achieve this would make me very happy and also bring much needed recognition.?

Barnes presently holds an 80-point lead over American Josh Lane in the Pro 125cc Shifter class.

The local driver, who races for St.Louis-based PG Racing Team, admits racing overseas can be costly and, as such, hopes to secure sponsorship to help offset costs in the near future.

?It would be nice if I could get sponsors to help me out a bit,? Barnes added.

But then there are other stumbling blocks.

?Right now with no racing going on down at Clearwater this is a bit of a disadvantage for me,? he continued. ?I only get one chance a month to get in the Kart while my American rivals are either practising or racing every weekend.?

Still, Barnes has not let these obstacles get the better of him in his battle with his American rivals.

?I?m definitely holding my own against the Americans,? he said.

That the driver has placed himself in position to challenge for top honours as the season reaches its climax also owes much to a rigorous physical training regimen.

?You definitely have to be in good shape,? Barnes noted. ?It does become physically challenging when you are racing strapped to your seat for up to 25 minutes while travelling at considerable speeds. I actually bruised my ribs the last time I raced.

?Racing can get a bit scary at times when you have about five Karts bumper-to-bumper. But so far this year I have been very fortunate not to into get any major spills.?

On the contrary, Barnes? career continues to point in one direction ? straight up. Two weeks ago the Bermudian was invited to participate at September?s prestigious Nations Cup at the Grand Junction Motor Speedway in Colorado.

?That?s a big race because all the American pros will be there competing,? he said.

Barnes is scheduled to compete at the Blackhawk Farms Raceway in Illinois early next month before closing out the season at the Milwaukee Mile in September.