Scott Barnes was left far from satisfied despite claiming three podium places during the Rubis Trophy Race Day yesterday.

With the added incentive of silverware on offer, as well as Bermuda Karting Club series championship points, competition proved fiercer than usual across the six classes racing at the Rubis Southside Raceway.

In the L206 Senior class, Barnes improved his overall advantage in the standings after romping home with a clean sweep across the three heats to top the podium ahead of Justin Lindo and Gregory White.

However, Barnes did not have it his own way Tag Seniors or the Shifters Class where racing proved a lot closer.

In the former, Blake Horseman came out on top, winning the opening the two heats, with Barnes settling for second-place overall, narrowly ahead of Mark Selley, who raced consistently throughout the day to clinch three consecutive third-place finishes.

There was further frustration for Barnes in the Shifters, where despite winning the opening heat, two third-place finishes in the following heats, allowed Owen DeCosta to storm through and clinch the top step of the podium. Ryan Rebello, who finished second across all three heats, took the second step of the podium, ahead of Barnes, who despite his frustration, was content to maintain leads overall across the three classes.

“It was a bit of an off-day for me personally,” said Barnes, who collided spectacularly with Robello in the final Shifters heat. “I wanted to take nine wins from nine but it doesn’t always happen that way.

“Despite not being on top form, I’ve only lost a few points in the Shifters and Seniors class so it could have been a lot worse.

“Trophy days seem to bring the fierceness in everyone and there is certainly less give on the track between drivers. It’s not just points on the line but a trophy as well so everyone steps it up a little bit more.

“The L206 class is all but wrapped up, and I hold a minimal lead in the Tag and Shifters, so they will go down to the wire. Overall, I’m still in a good position.

“There’s four race weekends left and we are always looking at the bigger picture. Trophies are always great, don’t get me wrong but the championship trophy is what I really want.

“Everything can change in a race day and those four races days will be massive for us all. It will come down to who makes the least mistakes.

“This is probably the most spectators we’ve had all season and for that to be on Rubis Trophy Race Day is fantastic, to have them on board is great.

“It was all about putting on a good show today and we more than did that.”

One driver who should be satisfied with her day’s racing was Jorja Thomas, who dominated her three heats to clinch overall victory in the Tag Junior Class. Jauza James, finished with three second-place finishes, to take the second step of the podium, with Jaden Maplas claiming third overall.

As well as the honours on the day, Thomas’s dominance has also seen her take a slender lead in the overall standings of the tightly contested class, edging ahead of close friend and rival Ashley Horseman.

“It was a great day forme, it always feels good to win races and compete against friends,” Thomas said. “Myself and Ashley were pretty much tied in the standings but today’s races have given me a slight lead and that could be very important.”

Another one of the sport’s burgeoning talent’s who showcased his potential on the track was Nile Bean, who took the overall honours in the Cadets.

Bean won all three heats, with Nathan Decosta and Jacob Hines, second and third respectively in each of the races.

The L206 Masters Class moved a step closer to being wrapped up for the season, with David Barbosa strengthening his position with a clean sweep of victories on the day.

Jeff Sousa settled for second overall, with Barbosa’s closest rival in the championship standings Travis Lewis having to settle for third overall.

“I’m looking pretty solid in the championship standings. I have a comfortable lead over Travis Lewis but nothing is over just yet,” said Barbosa, who hailed the continuing growth of the sport.

“It’s a healthy lead but anything is possible so I have to stay focused in the final four meetings. There is a lot more competition now and it’s great we are all able to promote the sport. The popularity is definitely growing and the atmosphere we see down here is great now.”