Scott Barnes feels he righted a wrong after winning the second round of the ROK Cup in Florida last week.

Barnes thought he should have won the opening round at the Orlando Kart Centre last month but finished runner-up in the final, so he returned to the same track feeling he had something to prove.

And the Bermudian driver did just that, winning the final after a protracted battle, much to his delight.

“We left the first meet with the points lead but it kind of sucked because we knew we were the faster kart and we just weren’t able to capitalise and get the win in the final,” Barnes said.

“So I came back to the same track this past weekend with a little bit of a chip on my shoulder and we were able to win one of three races before we won the pre-final and final after a nice 18-lap battle.

“Fortunately the guy that I was battling with in round one, who won that final, finished third overall in the class this time, so there is a little points gap.

“We’re going into round three with the points lead, but in this series each event is worth more points than the next so we need to stay focused.”

But Barnes may not have it his own way in the final leg at T4 KartPlex in Florida next month, with his main opposition having the advantage of racing on his home track.

“I’m going to try to do some driving in Bermuda just to stay kart fit before then,” Barnes said.

“I’m definitely going to be in the gym and staying fit as unfortunately this next round is at a track that I’ve never raced before.

“It’s also the guy in second's home track, which is a bit of an advantage for him. I’ve got to learn the track fast that week and see if we can’t get the job done.”

As well as picking up the win and racking up the points in round two Barnes was pleased to have some Bermudian company in Florida, with compatriot Blake Horseman also competing.

Barnes has paved the way on the international karting scene and is hoping to see more Bermudians follow in his footsteps.

“It was great to have Blake out there and I want more Bermuda racers to come out here and experience the international scene,” he said.

“Blake’s done a couple of races overseas, but this was his first shifter race as a senior here in the US. Unfortunately, he had a little bit of bad luck and a couple of mechanical issues that he had to deal with, but he was fast in this class and did well.

“It’s definitely nice having more Bermuda racers out here and it also helps with confidence having people you're familiar with out with you. It gives you that little confidence and good morale.

“I'm always trying to encourage any of the drivers from the karting club back in Bermuda to come out here and get some international racing done.

“As ever I have to thank my two sponsors, Butterfield and Vallis and All Rise Bermuda as well as Maranello Kart USA and Carlos Racing Motors.”